When The Butterflies Came (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This book had a very interesting story line and a totally unexpected ending. The book moved fairly slow until then end when the mystery is solved. At that point it's really exciting and you never saw the ending coming. The story is about a 12 year old girl named Tara Doucet, who thinks her life is anything but perfect. Unfortunately her Grammy Claire, the person she loved more than anyone else in the whole world, passed away, Tara's dad lives in California, and Tara's mother is pretty much nonexistent. She is depressed and runs off after the funeral. That only leaves her with her sister Riley, but they can't agree on anything. Suddenly mysterious butterflies, or nipwisipwis, begin to appear and follow her after her Grammy's funeral. Tara believes that the butterflies are a sign from her Grammy and she has to find out what they mean. One day a man comes to the door and drops off a letter for Tara and much to her surprise it is from her Grammy Claire! Her Grammy had notes written for Tara to be delivered after her death. The first note informs Tara that her former butler will be there soon to escort Tara and Riley to her old house. The letter also informs her to not do anything that is the opposite of what the letters are telling her to do. When they arrive at the house Tara finds a stack of keys and more letters from Grammy Claire. Throughout the book Tara reveals more of the mystery and of Grammy Claire's life by reading these notes. The more she reads, the more ominous the story grows. There is great danger at ahead if she continues to find the secrets from the letters. Tara and Riley are then taken to Grammy Claire's home away from home on the island of Chuuk and Tara solves the mystery that will change her life forever. As a teacher I would definitely do this book as a read aloud. There are so many details that students would pass by and not pay attention to. Even though this book does not have any actual historical information that children can be taught from, I would connect it to a much bigger classroom unit. In science we could be learning about butterflies and the species of them or the life cycle of a butterfly while raising live butterflies in the classroom. In literacy we could be doing a unit on mysteries. This book would be perfect to tie the two together. Through the reading students could write letters back to Grammy Claire telling her what they feel throughout the story. This book was recommended to me by one of my students who is a voracious reader. Her words to me were, "Mrs. Wilkins, you NEED to read this book. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time." She even brought her copy to me so that I wouldn't have to wait for the public library copy. What a gem!This was a lovely little story about butterflies, youth, and the love between a grandmother and granddaughter. With enough detail and a hint of mystery, I found myself completely engaged with each page turning. The ending was a magical surprise. If you are looking for a delightful read for your middle grade student, please don't hesitate to pick this book up.
What do You think about When The Butterflies Came (2013)?
This is a very intriguing book. Once you pick it up you can't put it down.
—dixee
Great mystery. I would like this one in my classroom!
—smitha
i loved ittttttttttttttttt. it was fun.just loved it
—Rinkazzz
