Paper Butterflies

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

The sweet innocent face on the cover tells you nothing about this powerful book. Heathfield has given us a heart breaking story about a ten year old girl who lives with constant abuse. Abusive incidents are clearly portrayed and June's reactions are vivid. Readers cannot help but be deeply saddened by the emotional and physical abuse at home and the bullying occurring at school. Like many abused individuals June does not report the incidents but readers everywhere will be screaming "tell someone June!" Although I endorse this title because it is well written it is worth mentioning that the content is depressing and the ending somewhat surprising.

This is not a book that librarians would give to just any intermediate grade student, but will know who is able to deal with the content. Certainly school guidance counselors need a copy and classroom teachers working with the 8-11 year old students may be able to reach out to a child because they themselves read Paper Butterflies.

Overall Book Score: very good