
Reach for this book if your child struggles with self-doubt, feels like they are constantly failing, or believes they are just naturally unlucky. It is a perfect choice for the kid who tends to play it safe to avoid embarrassment. This hilarious adventure follows Freddie Ruiz, a Filipino-American boy who discovers his family's string of bad luck is actually a literal curse. When he accidentally releases the spirit of his grumpy great-granduncle from a family heirloom, he must find the courage to face supernatural threats and break the cycle of misfortune. It is a fast-paced, funny story that balances spooky ghost-hunting with a deep exploration of cultural heritage and family bonds. Best for ages 8 to 12, it provides a safe space to discuss overcoming fear and the importance of taking risks, even when you are afraid of falling on your face.
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Sign in to write a reviewSpooky encounters with ghosts and mythological creatures, but handled with humor.
The book deals with death and the afterlife through a mythological and secular lens. While there are menacing spirits, the approach is more action-adventure than horror. The concept of an 'untimely afterlife' is used to create stakes, but the resolution is highly hopeful and emphasizes agency over fate.
A middle-grade reader who loves Rick Riordan-style adventures but wants something with more humor. It is especially resonant for a child who feels 'clumsy' or 'not good enough' and needs to see a protagonist transform from a victim of circumstance into a hero.
Read cold. Parents may want to be ready to look up some of the Filipino mythological creatures mentioned, like the engkanto, to further engage with the cultural elements. A parent might see their child withdrawing from activities or saying things like 'I'm just bad at everything' or 'Nothing ever goes my way.'
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the slapstick humor and the 'cool' ghost elements. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate the nuance of the 'curse' as a metaphor for generational trauma and the pressure of family expectations.
Unlike many 'chosen one' stories, Freddie's journey is about reclaiming his name from a joke to a source of pride, specifically rooted in the vibrant and underrepresented context of Filipino-American identity.
Freddie Ruiz lives a life defined by avoidance. Convinced his family is cursed with legendary bad luck, he avoids sports, friends, and risks. This changes when he finds a gold amulet containing the spirit of his ancestor, Ramon. Freddie and his cousin Sharkey must navigate Filipino folklore, appease angry spirits, and solve a century-old mystery to save Freddie's life and his family's future.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.