Maria Orosa: Freedom Fighter, Scientist, and Inventor from the Philippines By Norma Olizon-Chikiamco (Author), Mark Salvatus (Illustrator) [English, Hardcover]

This beautifully illustrated children's picture book brings to life the inspiring story of Maria Orosa—a pioneering Filipina scientist, war hero, and freedom fighter. Most famous for her invention of Banana Ketchup, Orosa’s legacy extends far beyond this popular condiment. Her humanitarian efforts and scientific innovations saved countless lives during World War II.

Through this book, young readers (ages 9-14) will learn how Maria Orosa:

• Created nutritious food like Banana Ketchup, Cassava Flour, and Freedom Cookies, using local resources to address food shortages.
• Invented cooking methods, such as the palayok (clay oven), in a time when electricity and food were scarce.
• Organized efforts to feed the hungry, including smuggling food into internment camps to aid starving soldiers during the Japanese occupation.
• Developed sustainable food practices that continue to influence Filipino kitchens today.

Maria Orosa's legacy is a testament to her courage, resourcefulness, and determination to feed her nation in its time of need. Her impact on Filipino culture, nutrition, and food science is finally recognized in this must-read tribute to a national heroine.

Product Details:

• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (May 2, 2023)
• Dimensions: 8.75 x 0.25 x 11 inches
• Weight: 2.31 pounds
• Reading Age: 9-14 years
• Grade Level: 4-8

Editorial Reviews:

"As a food scientist, she sought to reduce the Philippines' dependence on imported food, pioneering new ways to use local products. And that was before she became a war hero." —The New York Times

"A staple in almost every Filipino household is the Banana Ketchup…To my surprise, reading this book about an amazing Filipino scientist, and to find out she invented this and a few more really blew my mind." —Michelle Jocson (@nurse_bookie)

About the Author:
Norma Olizon-Chikiamco is an award-winning Filipino writer, known for her children’s books like Pan de Sal Saves the Day. She is also a journalist who has won the National Book Award from the Manila Critics Circle.
Mark Salvatus is a celebrated Filipino illustrator whose work has garnered accolades, including awards from the Philippine Board for Books for Young People (PBBY).