Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving post-Vietnam War story of courage and perseverance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In BUTTERFLY YELLOW, Hằng's younger brother, Linh, was taken to America at age 5, in the final days of the Vietnam War, as part of Operation Babylift. Six years later, Hằng, 18, has finally made it to America after enduring an arduous journey filled with many heartbreaking moments, and she's on a mission to find her now 11-year-old brother. Along the way, she meets an aspiring cowboy named LeeRoy, who reluctantly takes her to the small Texas town where Linh has been living. Hằng is thrilled to reunite with her brother, but she wasn't prepared for Linh --who now goes by David -- to have no recollection of their family. Can Hằng find a way to reconnect with her brother and help him remember details about their life in Vietnam?
Is It Any Good?
Thanhha La's moving and lyrical historical novel -- her first for young adult readers -- powerfully explores family, friendship, hope, and survival. Hằng and LeeRoy might seem like an unlikely pair, but they're both outsiders in West Texas and form a sweet bond that's filled with many comical moments. Some readers might find it challenging to decipher Hằng's English, but LeeRoy is quick to understand her Vietnamese pronunciations and becomes the connecting bridge between Hằng and Linh/David. As Butterfly Yellow progresses, teens will be inspired by Hằng's fierce love, strength, and determination and see that this is a story of courage, communication, and perseverance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the heavy themes of Butterfly Yellow. How do these issues affect the characters? Is it important for teens to read Hằng's story? Why or why not? How does the book deal with violence?
What kinds of details show that Butterfly Yellow is taking place in a different time from our own? What do you like about reading historical fiction?
How do the characters demonstrate communication, courage, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : September 3, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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