UCLA Student Authored Filipino Fantasy Novel
English major Nikki Stampfl wrote a middle-grade book designed for advanced elementary readers.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Pre-Teens
In 2026, UCLA English student Nikki Stampfl gained recognition for her prose writing while developing a middle-grade fantasy novel titled "The Key to the Cupcake Kingdom." The project aims to provide advanced reading material while centering Filipino cultural representation.
Why it matters
Stampfl created this work to fill a gap for elementary-aged students who require more challenging lexical levels than traditional middle-grade books offer. Her writing also serves to increase visibility for Filipino heritage within the youth literary market.
The author won the 2026 prose writing award from the Palomar College literary journal. Her manuscript utilizes an advanced lexical reading level specifically curated for upper-elementary students.
The players
Nikki Stampfl
She is a fourth-year English student at UCLA and an emerging author focusing on middle-grade literature.
UCLA
This is a major public research university located in Los Angeles where Stampfl completes her undergraduate English degree.
Palomar College
This is a public community college located in San Marcos, California, where Stampfl previously studied before transferring.
The details
Stampfl chronicles her creative journey on Instagram under the handle @nikkiswritingjournal, where she shares vlogs and costumes inspired by literary characters. She transferred to UCLA from Palomar College and is currently in her fourth year of studies.
Timeline
Stampfl launched her writing-focused Instagram account in 2024.
She secured the Palomar College prose writing award in 2026.
Culture Shift
The emergence of "bookstagram" has transformed how authors market their work by allowing for direct, behind-the-scenes interaction with potential readers. Stampfl utilizes this shift to cultivate an audience while simultaneously bridging gaps in cultural and lexical representation.
Los Angeles readers interested in new youth literature may find Stampfl’s work a unique resource for elementary students seeking advanced material. Her project highlights how students at local universities are contributing to the diversification of middle-grade storytelling.
The takeaway
Authors are increasingly using social media to provide transparency regarding the drafting and editing process. Readers looking for new fantasy material can find inspiration in projects that blend specific cultural heritage with advanced vocabulary goals.
Further reading
For more on children's literature trends, visit Pre-Teens.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Bruin.
