She made sure that young readers would know that they can and should ask for help from adults when it’s happening. It’s sort of a very simple “for further reading” note, and it’s perfect for young readers! I really love how she highlighted the issue of bullying. In her Author’s Note, Villanueva gives her readers a bit more depth in regards to some of the topics she included in her book. To be honest, I just want to be a good parent. This is the kind of relationship I would like to have with my future kids. Jolina trusted him and felt safe with him. He acknowledges Jolina’s mistakes and achievements equally. (Yes, this is my way of telling adults that you should read this book as well.) He patiently listens and talks to Jolina. Jolina’s grandfather, Lolo Sebyo, is a perfect example of how adults should be when it comes to interacting with children.

They’re kids who experience strong emotions and are still learning how to best act in accordance with their thoughts and feelings. Neither of them were simply straight-up good or evil. She was also able to add to the conversation on bullying by providing us with such complex main characters-Jolina and Claudine. Sure, there’s an underlying hint of the current societal judgement towards the magic of the arbularyo, but Villanueva included it in such a way that it promoted understanding and acceptance. Privilege, culture, friendship, bullying, self-acceptance, and sacrifice-Villanueva was able to weave these issues together in a way that’s inclusive and respectful. Villanueva is an author that EVERYONE should read.ĭo you remember the feeling of when you were a kid and stumbled upon an amazing “hideout?” It’s like, you don’t want anyone to know about it because they might ruin it, but you also wish that more people knew about it because they deserve to experience magic, too. I don’t care if you think that you’re too old to read middle grade books.

Sugar and spite gail villanueva