My Fate According to the Butterfly
Middle Grade
Scholastic Press
July 30, 2019
ARC
Book Tour Company
Light and deep, smart and funny, crushing and hopeful all at the same time, My Fate According to the Butterfly will open your eyes to both the world’s potential for magic, and to its harsh realities.
When superstitious Sab sees a giant black butterfly, an omen of death, she knows that she’s doomed! According to legend, she has one week before her fate catches up with her—on her 11th birthday. With her time running out, all she wants is to celebrate her birthday with her entire family. But her sister, Ate Nadine, stopped speaking to their father one year ago, and Sab doesn’t even know why.
If Sab’s going to get Ate Nadine and their father to reconcile, she’ll have to overcome her fears—of her sister’s anger, of leaving the bubble of her sheltered community, of her upcoming doom—and figure out the cause of their rift.
So Sab and her best friend Pepper start spying on Ate Nadine and digging into their family’s past to determine why, exactly, Ate Nadine won’t speak to their father. But Sab’s adventures across Manila reveal truths about her family more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever anticipated.
★ “This immersive novel bursts with life.” — Kirkus, Starred Review
“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
“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. This is a simply wonderful story that’s filled with magic, intrigue, family secrets, and hope.” — Kate Messner, author of The Seventh Wish and Breakout
Thank you Caffeine Book Tours for the ARC. This does not affect my review in any way.
It has been a year since I first heard about My Fate According to the Butterfly and I remembered how excited I was to read it only to find out it will be published in 2019! Fortunately, I got an ARC so thanks to the wonderful book tour organizers!
It immerses you in the Filipino culture (prepare to be hungry while reading those super descriptive parts about Filipino food!) so this book is perfect for you if you haven’t read a book set in the Philippines.
As a former teacher, I wish kids will have the opportunity to read My Fate. It is such a beautiful book that tackles important and tough issues that middle-grade readers will surely find themselves hooked.
My Fate According to the Butterfly is a story of betrayal, childhood, substance abuse but most importantly, hope.
About the Author
Gail D. Villanueva is a Filipino 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, is coming from Scholastic Press on July 30, 2019.
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