Butterfly Yellow

By: Thanhhà Lai

Narrated by: LuLu Lam

Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction! Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Ibi Zoboi, and Erika L. Sánchez, this gorgeously written and deeply moving novel is the YA debut from the award-winning author of Inside Out & Back Again. 4 starred reviews!

In the final days of the Việt Nam War, Hằng takes her little brother, Linh, to the airport, determined to find a way to safety in America. In a split second, Linh is ripped from her arms—and Hằng is left behind in the war-torn country.

Six years later, Hằng has made the brutal journey from Việt Nam and is now in Texas as a refugee. She doesn’t know how she will find the little brother who was taken from her until she meets LeeRoy, a city boy with big rodeo dreams, who decides to help her.

Hằng is overjoyed when she reunites with Linh. But when she realizes he doesn’t remember her, their family, or Việt Nam, her heart is crushed. Though the distance between them feels greater than ever, Hằng has come so far that she will do anything to bridge the gap.

An incredible novel and incredible performance

Butterfly Yellow is a gripping novel that is rich on details, describing the harrowing struggle for survival as Hằng tries to reconnect with her brother Linh. They have been a part for six years, and Hằng's unwavering determination to find Linh will keep readers on the edge of their seats. He's in America and has a new family. Hằng is the sister who sent him away from their home country of Viet Nam. What she endured to find him shows the power of the human spirit in the absolute worst conditions.
There are many things that make this an unforgettable novel. The Texas landscape and Thanhha's description make it bloom before your eyes. You'll feel the the unbreakable ties Hằng has with her family both in Texas and with those left behind in Viet Nam—neither death nor separation can break them. And then there's kind, thoughtful LeeRoy. He becomes the glue in the most unexpected way.

Filled with heart, heartbreak, beauty and hope, this novel explores the horrors of war, hate, family, friendship, and a sweet budding love story that will stay with readers long after the last page.

Highly recommend this audiobook!

One of my most favorite books!

The character development is excellent. The story reveals the great challenges of escape from a war zone, the emotional scars, then healing and hope.

Sadness and Fear, Hard Work and Joy

A perilous journey brings surprises, danger and more emotions than one young girl can plan for. Entwined with it is the story of a young man off to meet his dreams. Family, memories, hard work, art and poetry all find their places in the gentle telling of this beautiful story. The reader adds her own lilt that ties a bow around it. I love this book.

I’m Lost

I can not follow this story! Usually, I listen in the car. Usually, I listen more than once. Had to discontinue listening with 6 hours remaining.