Set in the Philippines, My Fate According to the Butterfly is a moving coming-of-age story about family, reconciliation, and recovery. Readers will root fiercely for irrepressible Sab as she steps out of her cocoon and takes her fate into her own hands.
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 Nadine and digging into their family’s past to determine why, exactly, Nadine won’t speak to their father. But Sab’s adventures across Manila reveal truths about her family more difficult than she ever anticipated, and get her into real trouble.
Was the Butterfly right? Perhaps Sab is in danger after all!
Praise for My Fate According to the Butterfly:
⭐️ “This immersive novel bursts with life.”
— Kirkus, Starred Review (Click here to read the full review)
“Debut author Villanueva deftly incorporates a touch of the magical alongside vibrant details about contemporary Filipino life (jeepneys, cheese-flavored ice cream) and a universal story about growing up, reconciliation, and family.”
— Publishers Weekly
“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
Yayyyy! You can start pre-ordering my book from these locations:
Hardcover:
Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble | Books Depository | Books-A-Million | Indigo | Amazon UK
eBook:
Indigo | Kobo | Google Play
Check out this Pinterest board I made for My Fate According to the Butterfly:
