"When the Butterflies Came" by Kimberly Griffiths Little

It’s been way too long since I posted about books I love. Also, it’s been way too long since I read a middle grade book. Because middle grade is just so much fun! I sort of miss having middle grade children, because when mine were a few years younger, I tended to read the same books as them. Now I feel like I’ve been missing out on so many wonderful treasures.

Like When the Butterflies Came, by Kimberly Griffiths Little. What a delightful, beautifully written mystery, full of grief, wonder, and discovery. Middle grade readers should love following Tara as she finds each key to the next clue as she fits together an elaborately created puzzle left behind by her beloved Grammy Claire. I loved getting to know Tara and Riley, and the friends they made throughout their travels, and I especially loved the settings. From the manor near the bayou in Louisiana, to the tree house on the island of Chuuk, the setting came alive for me. As did the butterflies.

And I am a fan of butterflies. Speaking of butterflies, check out this beautiful cover!

Here’s the description:

Everybody thinks Tara Doucet has the perfect life. But in reality, Tara’s life is anything but perfect: Her dear Grammy Claire has just passed away, her mother is depressed and distant, and she and her sister Riley can’t seem to agree on anything. But when mysterious and dazzling butterflies begin to follow her around after Grammy Claire’s funeral, Tara just knows in her heart that her grandmother has left her one final mystery to solve.

A strange butler brings Tara and Riley to Grammy Claire’s house, where Tara finds a stack of keys and detailed letters from Grammy Claire herself. Note by note, Tara learns unexpected truths about her grandmother’s life. As the letters grow more ominous and the clues more difficult to decipher, Tara realizes that the secrets she must uncover could lead to mortal danger. And when Tara and Riley are swept away to the beautiful islands of Chuuk to hear their grandmother’s will, Tara discovers the most shocking truth of all — one that will change her life forever.

From Kimberley Griffiths Little comes a magical, breathtaking mystery full of loss and love, family and faith.

Read more about Kimberly Griffiths Little and her other books or buy When the Butterflies Came on Amazon or Barnes andNoble.