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59 pages 1 hour read

Butterfly Yellow

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Thanhha Lai

Butterfly Yellow

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-17 years

Lexile Level

HL810L

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Super Short Summary

In Butterfly Yellow by Thanhhà Lai, 18-year-old Hằng travels from Vietnam to Texas in search of her brother, Linh, who was taken away during Operation Babylift. With the help of LeeRoy, an aspiring cowboy, Hằng navigates numerous challenges while exploring themes of language, communication, and the gap between dreams and reality. The book contains mentions and descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and trauma.

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Hopeful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

3,500 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai receives praise for its evocative writing and compelling portrayal of a young refugee's journey. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and cultural insights. However, some feel the multiple perspectives disrupt the narrative flow. Despite this, the novel is lauded for its authenticity and powerful storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Butterfly Yellow?

Readers who enjoy Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai are typically fond of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and tales of immigration. Fans of Inside Out & Back Again by Lai herself or Refugee by Alan Gratz would appreciate this book's heartfelt exploration of resilience and identity. Ideal for middle-grade to young adult audiences.

4.2

3,500 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Hằng

An 18-year-old Vietnamese refugee in the United States, searching for her lost brother with determination and relying on her resilience and compassion to navigate her new reality.

An 18-year-old aspiring cowboy from Austin, Texas, who befriends Hằng and helps her on her journey, displaying kindness and a willingness to adapt his dreams.

Hằng's younger brother, mistakenly brought to the U.S. as an orphan, now settled into his new life as David with no memory of his past in Vietnam.

Hằng’s and Linh’s grandmother, remembered for her wisdom and strength, whose guidance continues to help Hằng navigate her challenges.

Hằng and Linh's uncle, a doctor in Texas, with strong opinions about their futures, driven by a sense of familial responsibility.

David’s adoptive mother, protective and nurturing, who initially distrusts newcomers but opens her heart once trust is established.

The owner of a neighboring ranch, known for his firm management style, who offers support to those around him and quietly aids in Hằng and LeeRoy's journeys.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-17 years

Lexile Level

HL810L

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