About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the messy, isolating stages of grief or feeling disconnected from family members who are processing loss differently. It is particularly helpful for children who feel overlooked by adults who are struggling with their own sorrow. The story follows twelve year old Tara as she untangles a mystery left behind by her late grandmother, a journey that takes her from the Louisiana bayous to a remote island in the South Pacific. While the book addresses heavy themes like the death of a beloved grandparent and a mother's emotional withdrawal, it balances the weight with a sense of wonder, scientific curiosity about butterflies, and high stakes adventure. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers who enjoy a blend of realistic family drama and fast paced mystery. By the end, the story offers a hopeful model for how families can begin to heal and forgive one another after a tragedy.
