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320
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1980s
2019
YA
13-17 years
HL810L
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
3,500 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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
LeeRoy
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.
Linh/David
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.
Bà
Hằng’s and Linh’s grandmother, remembered for her wisdom and strength, whose guidance continues to help Hằng navigate her challenges.
Chú Quốc
Hằng and Linh's uncle, a doctor in Texas, with strong opinions about their futures, driven by a sense of familial responsibility.
Cora
David’s adoptive mother, protective and nurturing, who initially distrusts newcomers but opens her heart once trust is established.
Mr. Morgan
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.
320
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1980s
2019
YA
13-17 years
HL810L
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