Sugar and Spite

by Gail D Villanueva (Author)

Sugar and Spite
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Can a bully be defeated by a magical love potion? Jolina can't take Claudine's bullying any longer! The taunts and teasing are too much. Though Jolina knows she's still in-training to use her grandfather's arbularyo magic, she sneaks into his potions lab to get her revenge. Jolina brews a batch of gayuma, a powerful love potion. And it works. The love potion conquers Claudine's hateful nature.

In fact, Claudine doesn't just stop bullying Jolina -- now she wants to be Jolina's BFF, and does everything and anything Jolina asks.

But magic comes with a cost, and bad intentions beget bad returns. Controlling another person's ability to love -- or hate -- will certainly have consequences. The magic demands payment, and it is about to come for Jolina in the form of a powerful storm...Magic and reality mingle in this brilliant new middle-grade novel by Gail D. Villanueva that asks whether it's ever okay to take away someone's free will.

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Publishers Weekly

Moving to Isla Pag-Ibig from Marikina City in Metro Manila wasn't how Filipina Jolina Beatrice Bagayan, 12, imagined she would start her apprenticeship with her Lolo Sebyo as an arbularyo, or faith healer. On top of trying to fit in, she must contend with bully Claudine Dimasalang, who's "brown but lighter than ." Frustrated at faking cordiality to protect her mother's probationary job at Claudine's family resort, Jolina brews a gayuma--love potion--for Claudine. But it comes with a warning: "Two powerful forces combined in a potion can result in even greater consequences." Soon, Claudine wants to be BFFs and invites Jolina to her birthday party. When Jolina begins to view Claudine as a legitimate friend, the line between magic and real emotions blurs. Villanueva (My Fate According to the Butterfly) seamlessly blends Filipino mysticism and culture with themes of internalized racism, classism, and homophobia. Pinoy readers will especially appreciate smoothly interwoven Tagalog and references to Filipino pop culture, but this accessible speculative read will appeal to many. Back matter includes a recipe for yema balls and an author's note discussing various cultural elements mentioned throughout the book. Ages 8-12. Agent: Alyssa Eisner Henkin, Birch Path Literary. (Apr.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

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

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781338630923
Lexile Measure
670
Guided Reading Level
13
Publisher
Scholastic Press
Publication date
April 20, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
JUV012060 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Asian
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Magic
Bullying

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