59 pages • 1 hour read
Thanhha LaiButterfly Yellow
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
13-17yearsLexile Level
HL810LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Asian Literature
Realistic Fiction
Immigration / Refugee
Military / War
History: World
Relationships: Family
Vietnam War
Asian Literature