A Girl's Guide to Love & Magic
Scholastic Inc. | ISBN 9781338681741 Hardcover
288 Pages | 5.775" x 8.541" | Ages 12 & Up
Scholastic Inc. | ISBN 9781338681758 Ebook
288 Pages | Ages 12 & Up
Perfect for fans of The Sun Is Also a Star and Blackout, this YA novel from Debbie Rigaud is a celebration of Haitian and Caribbean culture, and a story of first love, vodou, and finding yourself, all set against the backdrop of the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn.
Cicely Destin lives for the West Indian Day Parade, the joyous celebration of Caribbean culture that takes over the streets of her neighborhood. She loves waving the Haitian flag, sampling delicious foods, and cheering for the floats. And this year? She’ll get to hang with her stylish aunt, an influencer known for dabbling in Haitian Vodou.
And maybe spot her dreamy crush, Kwame, in the crowd.
But fate has other ideas. Before the parade, a rogue, mischievous spirit seems to take possession of Cicely's aunt during a spiritual reading. Cicely hardly knows anything about Vodou, or how to get someone un-possessed. But it’s up to her to set things right--and the clock is ticking. She'll have to enlist the help of her quick-thinking best friend, Renee, and, as luck would have it...Kwame.
Cicely, her friends, and the reckless spirit who is now their charge set off on a thrilling scavenger hunt to gather the ceremonial items they need. And along the way, will Cicely discover surprising powers of her on?
Bestselling author Debbie Rigaud infuses this novel with sparkling wit, romance, and nuance that will keep readers riveted and enchanted.
Raves & reviews:
Praise for A Girl’s Guide to Love & Magic:
*"Rigaud explores many elements of Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture thoughtfully and with an admirable vulnerability as Cicely adventures down Eastern Parkway navigating stigma and magic, devils and allies, family legacies and shame en route to a rich, magical sort of self-discovery. Steeped in the magic of first kisses, family bonds, and joyful community." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A Girl's Guide to Love & Magic is brimming with Haitian pride and features Cicely, full of heart and courage, as she navigates a budding romance, the vibrant streets of Brooklyn during Carnival, and a mystery that unveils the power of Vodou. Fresh, soulful, and a book I needed as a teen!" —Ibi Zoboi, New York Times Bestselling Author of Pride
"Debbie Rigaud writes stories that remind Black girls just how beautiful and magical they truly are. Every book is a joy from cover to cover." —Leah Johnson, bestselling author of You Should See Me in a Crown
"A Girl’s Guide to Love & Magic invites readers on a wild ride full of love for friends, family, and Caribbean culture. Cicely's adventurous spin about her beloved Brooklyn celebrates the risks and thrills of following your heart and the power that comes with carrying our ancestors with us." —Nina Moreno, author of Don’t Date Rosa Santos