Sugar and Spite - by Gail D Villanueva (Hardcover)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

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.

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

* "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

About the Author

Gail D. Villanueva is a Filipina author born and based in the Philippines. She's also a web designer, an entrepreneur, and a graphic artist. She loves pineapple pizza, seafood, and chocolate, but not in a single dish together (eww). Gail and her husband live in the outskirts of Manila with their dogs, ducks, turtles, cats, and one friendly but lonesome chicken. Her debut novel, My Fate According to the Butterfly, was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews.