Praise for Sugar and Spite:
"An utterly charming story that sparkles with magic!" — Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
"Gail Villanueva has written another wonderful tale steeped in magic, friendship, and family, and mixed with just the right amount of adventure and Filipino culture. A deliciously delightful read!" — Bobbie Pyron, author of Stay
"Sassy and sweet. Sugar and Spite blends family, friendship, meows, and woofs into a charming brew." — Cindy Callaghan, author/creator of Just Add Magic and Saltwater Secrets
* "A delightfully sweet mix of magic and friendship (and pets)." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Praise for My Fate According to the Butterfly:
An Amazon Best Book of the Month Editor's Pick
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
"Superstition, family, and friendship are the hallmarks of this remarkable debut. I adore Sab — and readers will, too." — Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe
"Gail Villanueva's debut novel captures all the richness of the Philippines, the heart-pounding thrills of a great mystery, and the warmth and wonder of growing up." — Kate Messner, author of The Seventh Wish and Breakout
"At once rich in the vibrant culture of the Philippines and universal in its focus on family and forgiveness, My Fate According to the Butterfly is a soaring tale of hope that will be sure to touch the hearts of all young readers." — Ruth Behar, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of Lucky Broken Girl
* "Villanueva's debut is a beautiful #ownvoices middle-grade novel. Tough topics-the brutal war on drugs in the Philippines, family reconciliation, and recovery-are addressed, but warmth and humor... bring lightness to Sab's story. This immersive novel bursts with life." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Debut author Villanueva deftly incorporates a touch of the magical alongside vibrant details about contemporary Filipino life and a universal story about growing up, reconciliation, and family." —Publishers Weekly
"A gentle title that skillfully addresses difficult issues of drug addiction and family tension from the perspective of a young girl." — School Library Journal
Narrator Joy Regullano creates a youthful voice for 12-year-old Jolina, who is being trained by her grandfather to be a traditional healer upon moving from Manila to an island resort in the Philippines. When the resort owner’s daughter, Claudine, begins bullying her, Jolina decides to take matters into her own hands and creates a potion to make Claudine be nice to her. Of course, magic always has consequences, and in order to set things right, Jolina needs to find the courage to tell Claudine what she did. Regullano establishes a unique voice for each of the characters. Listeners will be captivated by Jolina’s story as she learns hard truths about magic and friendship. M.D. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Narrator Joy Regullano creates a youthful voice for 12-year-old Jolina, who is being trained by her grandfather to be a traditional healer upon moving from Manila to an island resort in the Philippines. When the resort owner’s daughter, Claudine, begins bullying her, Jolina decides to take matters into her own hands and creates a potion to make Claudine be nice to her. Of course, magic always has consequences, and in order to set things right, Jolina needs to find the courage to tell Claudine what she did. Regullano establishes a unique voice for each of the characters. Listeners will be captivated by Jolina’s story as she learns hard truths about magic and friendship. M.D. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
★ 2021-03-02
Jolina uses magic to seek revenge on a bully.
Twelve-year old Jolina has recently moved to Isla Pag-Ibig from the busy city of Manila. Moving to the small island hasn’t been easy, especially with Claudine continually bullying her. Luckily, Jolina has her dog, Kidlat, and her healer grandfather’s lessons in the arbularyo’s magic to distract her. But one day Claudine makes it a point not to invite Jolina to her birthday party, and Jolina can’t take it anymore. Even though she’s just an apprentice and she knows powerful magic comes with significant consequences, Jolina brews a gayuma to exact revenge. The powerful love potion works, and now Claudine wants to be her best friend, following anything Jolina says. The girls get to know each other and become real friends, but the price of magic must be paid, putting everything and everyone at risk. This is a fun, heartwarming #ownvoices novel of friendship, love, and forgiveness. Fantasy mixes with reality, exploring themes of privilege, consent, free will, and sacrifice. Filipino culture and Tagalog are naturally worked into the story, which highlights the old healing practices, landscape, food, and history of the Philippines. Early on in the story, Jolina heartbreakingly compares her dark brown skin, thick straight black hair, and flat nose to Claudine’s light brown skin, wavy black hair, and high-bridged nose. Claudine’s mother has a female partner.
A delightfully sweet mix of magic and friendship (and pets). (recipe, author's note) (Fantasy. 8-12)
