 | Butterfly heart Author: Astot, Moa Backe | |
| Price: $14.99 | ||
Summary:
This tender YA, a bestseller in Sweden, tells a story about love, grief, and the right to define who you are, from the perspective of Vilda, an indigenous Sami teenager fighting to assert her heritage and identity.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (07/15/25)
Booklist (09/01/25)
The Hornbook (00/01/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2025 At the beginning of summer, Vilda's biggest worry is spending weeks away from her best friend. With an annoying younger sister, a mom who doesn't seem to get her, and few close friends, Vilda plans to spend the summer with the one family member who does understand her—her grandfather, Áddjá. She's excited to practice speaking Sámi, learn knife carving, and connect over of their Indigenous culture. When he suddenly dies, Vilda is shattered. Not only did she lose a beloved family member, but she also lost her Sámi teacher. As the summer progresses, Vilda deals with her changing body, life without Áddjá, her first crush, and shifting family dynamics. Vilda's friendship struggles and relationship with her sister are particularly relatable and well shown, as is the grief that interrupts their lives. Most poignant is Vilda's journey in confidently claiming her identity, pushing past a rude peer claiming Vilda doesn't look Sámi, and moving forward in her cultural reconnection. A clear look at coming of age and healing from grief. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
