Butterfly Yellow

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the complexities of identity, the weight of family expectations, or the invisible scars of past trauma. It is a poignant choice for readers ready to explore the nuances of the refugee experience through a lens of profound longing and grit. Set in 1980s Texas, the story follows Hằng, a young woman who survived a harrowing journey from Vietnam to find her brother, only to discover he has no memory of her. Through her journey, she finds an unlikely ally in a wannabe cowboy named LeeRoy. This novel is a masterclass in resilience and the power of language, offering a realistic and deeply moving look at the immigrant experience. It is best suited for mature teens due to its honest depiction of trauma and the emotional toll of displacement.