Butterfly Summer

A parent would reach for Butterfly Summer when their child begins to sense unspoken tensions within the family or is struggling with the weight of a secret. This book is ideal for the preteen who feels like the adults in their life aren't telling the whole truth, providing a safe space to explore the anxiety that comes with hidden histories. It follows Becky, a girl who discovers an old photograph that contradicts everything she knows about her past. As Becky navigates a sun-drenched summer and a mysterious new friendship with the volatile Rosa May, the story touches on grief, family loyalty, and the liberation that comes with honesty. While it contains elements of a ghost story and a mystery, its core is a deeply realistic look at how families heal. It is most appropriate for children aged 9 to 13 who are ready for a more complex, emotionally resonant narrative about growing up and seeing parents as fallible people.