I Lived on Butterfly Hill

A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating a major life transition, such as immigration, a cross-country move, or an enforced separation from family members. This lyrical story follows Celeste, a young girl in Valparaiso, Chile, whose world is upended when a military dictatorship takes hold and her parents must go into hiding. Celeste is sent to live in Maine, far from the colorful hills and the smells of the sea she loves. Through poetic prose and magical realism, the book explores how we carry home in our hearts through writing and memory. It is a sophisticated, deeply moving choice for readers aged 10 to 14 who are ready to explore themes of political upheaval, resilience, and the power of words to bridge the gap between two worlds. It serves as a beautiful mirror for children in the diaspora and a window for those seeking to understand the immigrant experience through a lens of hope and strength.