59 pages • 1 hour read
Butterfly Yellow
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1980s
2019
YA
13-17 years
HL810L
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
3,500 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
3,500 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1980s
2019
YA
13-17 years
HL810L
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