FREDDIE VS. THE FAMILY CURSE

Freddie must work with the ghost of an ancestor to break his family’s curse.

Living a life filled with bad luck has made Freddie Ruiz the social outcast of seventh grade. It’s not just run-of-the-mill misfortune, either; It’s a curse that has afflicted the Ruiz family for generations. So when Freddie finds an old gold coin that his great-grandmother Apong Rosing calls an anting-anting, or lucky amulet, he believes that everything is about to change for the better. Unfortunately, as the amulet’s magic starts to return, the ghost of Ramon, his great-granduncle, appears before him. Ramon warns Freddie that he’s riled up the curse’s spirits, meaning that things will only get worse, leading to Freddie’s death and entrapment in the coin in 13 days’ time. With the help of Ramon and Sharkey Mendoza, a cousin on the curse-free maternal side of his family, Freddie must find a way to save himself and his family. His hilarious narration pulls readers into his life, including his many embarrassing moments. This exciting fantasy is centered around Filipino folklore and superstition and includes themes of family, courage, and making your own luck. The Ruiz family will resonate with many as they consider their cultural heritage in the context of what they believe it means to be American. The relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. during World War II is seamlessly woven into the story.

A spirited fantasy enriched with Filipino culture and history.