Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors

October 23, 2023
All 11-year-old Luningning Sinagtala wants is “an ordinary life” in the Philippines with her adoptive Chinese Filipina mother and sister Kitty, also 11, in this high-energy exploration of Tagalog mythology, strong relationships, and self-identity by Villanueva (Sugar and Spite). But their physical differences (“My being dark and flat-nosed means I’m not ‘pretty’”) and her epilepsy make her feel like the odd one out. And when strange things begin happening to Lulu that other people don’t seem to remember afterward—such as her single-handedly stopping a truck from hitting her and Kitty—she feels even more at odds with her family. As enchanted creatures descend upon her community, seeming intent on finding and targeting Lulu, she realizes that the Tagalog myths she learned about in school are real, and that she’s been chosen by the Anito, or the spirits, to wield their power to protect the universe. Laugh-out-loud humor and a plethora of pop-culture references add contemporary sparkle to this vividly imagined and riveting fantasy adventure starring a charming protagonist whose quick wit and loyalty, as well as love for those around her, make her easy to root for. Ages 8–12.

November 1, 2023
A Manila tween learns of her magical powers in this duology opener steeped in Tagalog mythology. Lulu has always known that she was adopted; the physical differences between her and her Chinese Filipina mother and sister, Kitty, are clear. Lulu's painfully aware that to the outer world, her darker skin and hair, flatter nose, and shorter stature make her "not 'pretty, ' " unlike them. Still, Lulu and Kitty, both 11, are extremely close. Lulu's inner circle also includes best friend Bart and supportive adult friends. But her life is suddenly shattered by a violent earthquake, the revelation that she's a salamangkero (someone with the power to "save the universe from falling into chaos"), and the kidnapping of her mother by a wakwak, a sharp-toothed flying creature. It also emerges that Lulu's adoptive and chosen family are deities and that Bart is an aswang, or were-dog shape-shifter. They're all trying to protect her from malicious spirit Maligno, who seeks to bring chaos to all three Realms: the Upperworld, the Middleworld, and the Underworld. Lulu, while trying to make sense of everything and explore her new powers, must now rescue her mom. Readers will be completely immersed in the book's fantastical and culturally and historically rich world, which features inclusive representation; Lulu's bisexuality is naturally woven into her characterization. Villanueva deftly balances complex worldbuilding, plot twists, and moments of levity while touching on serious themes such as colonization. Rich in adventure, intrigue, and magical fun. (author's note, glossary) (Fantasy. 9-12)

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December 1, 2023
Grades 3-6 This latest middle-grade novel from Filipino writer Villanueva is inspired by the legends of her childhood. Eleven-year-old Lulu lives with her adoptive family in Silanganan Village, a subdivision of Manila. After an earthquake erupts, Lulu starts seeing some recognizable creatures from Philippine mythology, like the tikbalang, wakwak, and aswang. Lulu and her sister, Kitty, must rescue their mom after she is taken by a wakwak. Villanueva's fun fantasy adventure takes us on a quest through the urban landscape of metropolitan Manila and includes details of street life in Silanganan: aromatic food vendors, high-speeding bucket trucks, and sari-sari stores. Tagalog words and phrases are sprinkled throughout the book and add to the overall atmosphere and world building. There's plenty of humor in this story, and it also touches on epilepsy and adoption in mixed-race families (Chinese and Filipino). A good pick for fans of Rick Riordan-style mythological fantasies, especially those who liked Erin Entrada Kelly's Lalani of the Distant Sea (2019) or Tracy Badua's Freddie vs. the Family Curse (2022).

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Starred review from February 16, 2024

Gr 4-7-The first in what is sure to be a hit series full of magic, mythical beings, and an endearing cast of characters. Lulu was adopted when she was just a baby and has been brought up in a warm family consisting of her mom and sister Kitty. She has a relatively normal life in the City of Caloocan, learning about her Filipino heritage and spending time with an amazing array of people on her lively street. But one day, everything changes. When an earthquake hits, Lulu and Kitty are thrust into a new world full of magic and Tagalog deities, and a wakwak has kidnapped their mother. Along with their friend Bart, as the sisters embark on an epic journey to save their mother, they must rely on each other to stay safe in a world full of danger. Villanueva is a spectacular worldbuilder and does a remarkable job of depicting Tagalog mythology and Filipino history that is riveting, and also accessible to readers with no background in either. VERDICT A solid magical thriller that will leave readers anxiously awaiting Lulu's next adventure.-Tara Peace

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