Yolanda's year is on fire – but it's not the good kind.
Just as things are clicking at school and with her friends, a bad feeling rolls into the Bronx. A new white student sets Yolanda on edge, and her bruja initiation brings terrifying visions of violence. Can Yolanda, with the love of her community and the power of her ancestors, protect everything she holds dear?
This is the story our world needs right now.
"Written in stunning prose, this sharp examination of education, race, violence, and spirituality is a must-read." —
The Mary Sue
In a world battling gun violence, Yolanda fights back with magic, resilience, and a fierce Dominican spirit.
The Making of Yolanda la Bruja
is a powerful debut novel that explores race, justice, education, and the strength found in community.
Don't miss this critically acclaimed coming-of-age story!
P R A I S E
Common Sense Media Selection for Teens
★ “Inspiring…full of heart and spirituality.”
—
Shelf-Awareness
(starred)
★ "A sharply rendered portrait...Avila's striking debut is not to be missed."
Booklist
★ “Unabashedly political…A remarkable, beautifully rendered debut.”
Kirkus
★ “Suspenseful…A boldly characterized protagonist whose intersectional identities as a queer and Deaf person of color informs her sharp-witted narrative voice and conviction around combatting racism within her community.”
Publishers Weekly
★ "A heartbreaking climax...thoughtful and gripping...[a] lyrical debut novel."
School Library Journal
“Impressive and urgent. [Avila] takes on racism, violence and injustice with a mix of magic, spirituality and care that few have attempted—and she’s captivatingly successful.”
Ms.
Magazine
“Explores gun violence, race, justice, education, and spirituality, which holds this book like a canopy, enclosing and exposing layers of Blackness and the growth and sense of belonging community can provide.”
Al Dia
“A necessary story about gun violence, race, and education.”
Refinery29
“Gripping…skillfully depicts the reality of growing up as a Black Latinx teen in the midst of racial violence and social upheaval… Avila carefully demonstrates the tremendous strength in Yolanda’s community and the deep roots of her spiritual life, which keep her grounded as she steps into her full power.”
Horn Book
"Written in stunning prose, this sharp examination of education, race, violence, and spirituality is a must-read."