When the Butterflies Came
Twelve-year-old Tara’s chaotic life has always be steadied by one person—her beloved Grammy Claire. Now Grammy Claire is gone, and the Louisiana home that has sheltered Tara’s family for generations may be repossessed. In the midst of her grief, Tara’s heart is lightened when an extraordinary butterfly flies through her bedroom window and lands on Tara’s finger. Then a mysterious letter arrives for Tara—from Grammy Claire! This is the first clue in a secret mission that Grammy Claire seems to be directing from beyond the grave. Tara receives a set of variously shaped keys, each one unlocking the next clue, always written in Grammy Claire’s handwriting. In many ways this is an old-fashioned mystery that depends on Tara’s wits, not, refreshingly, from magical solutions and supernatural powers. While sophisticated readers may find the sequence of keys and clues somewhat unbelievable, young mystery lovers will enjoy the chance to test their own detection skills. Recommend this to readers who have enjoyed books by Andrew Clements or Blue Balliett. Grades 5-8. --Diane Colson