Izzy Kline has Butterflies

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2017

Review

A light-hearted novel in verse that will appeal to fans of realistic fiction, Izzy Kline Has Butterflies offers a peek into the minds of middle-grade girls. Izzy is nervous to be starting school, and is uneasy about her parent's recent split. Being placed in a class without her friends has shaken her self-confidence, until she is drawn to a new student, Quinn. When Quinn lands in the hospital after complications of a recent victory over cancer, Izzy realizes the true bond of their friendship. Izzy's participation in her school's performance of Free to Be...You and Me weaves a theme throughout the novel. Beth Ain's fresh writing gives Izzy a quirky and fun voice; readers will see themselves reflected in the main character worries and her day-to-day struggles. Ain's portrayal of the ups and downs of friendships will ring true to readers and will provide guidance in the form of a novel.

Overall Book Score: good