Tu Books Summer of the Mariposas

I started reading this book to help my 6th grader on her test of this book. A few chapters later, I quit reading just with my child and at her speed and instead used my spare time to finish the book in days. I couldn't stop myself as I wanted to see how the adventure of the girls was going to unfold. A great read about family, love and how adventures in life can mold you into a new creation.

I couldn’t put this book down at all. It helps if you have a few knowledge of the Odyssey story to understand the parallels.

Great story, needed it for school🙂

One of THE BEST middle school assigned books that I've read. My 8th grade son and I both really enjoyed it! This is a modern retelling of The Odessy, blending magical realism and Mexican folklore. It's about 5 sisters who find a dead body and their journey to return it to its family which turns into an adventurous quest with many magical encounters. A book about culture, family bonds, resilience and sisterhood. So good!

Many young readers experience being the oldest of their siblings, or at least having siblings, that make the characters relatable and relevant to them. The theme in Summer of the Mariposas rings true to any sibling dynamic and reveals the power in unity among siblings. In many sibling dynamics, there is fighting with one another, fighting for attention from parents, a sense independence in a dependent environment, and yet, a feeling of solidarity among the entity. Through Odilia and her sisters, readers who have siblings can attach themselves to the characters and realize the importance of bravery, justice, humility, and harmony especially in the family unit. I loved reading this book!

I really loved this book. It taught me a few Spanish phrases and kept me excited throughout. The sisters are interesting characters as well as the other beings that really keep the story moving. I liked the connections to the Odyssey. I am in college and had to read this for one of my classes in a group and our feelings were mixed, but the book is worth reading.

Great readings! Loved the cultural atmosphere and the humor that author was able to present. La LLorona is presented in totally new way, she is the mother and the helper of the lost sinco herminitas. She was my favorite character in the book.

The book is easy to read and the translations are very good. Great storyline.

I loved the elements of Aztec and Mexican myth in this story. I thought the Odyssey elements were less well integrated, making the plot a little clunky, but I'm glad I read it.