But then June meets Blister, a boy in the woods. In him, she recognises the tiniest glimmer of hope that perhaps she can find a way to fly far, far away from her home and be free. Because every creature in this world deserves their freedom... But at what price? This story will stay with me for a very long time to come and never fails to bring tears to my eyes just thinking about it. It made sense—the small outline of a butterfly I had tattooed on the inside of my arm that I’d caught him staring at a handful of times. I did like butterflies, though I wasn’t sure why. Just another calming thing to look at, I guess—kind of like Neil, really. But my mind had tangled itself up in a mess of thoughts, one screaming out louder than the others: Why the hell was he giving me these? Junes home life is not easy, with a stepmother who puts Lady Tremaine to shame she lives to get free from the house. School isn't much better with the taunts from kids and the racial impact is real. Blister, however, comes to make it that little bit easier, to try and take Junes mind away from the horror that is her life. If I can control my emotions for a second I'll try to tell you a bit about it. The story follows June from her young childhood to early adult years, moving between the "Before" and the "After". During her childhood and teen years, she lives with her abusive stepmother, Kathleen, who plays vindictive mind games; her stepsister - Megan - who acts as an accomplice; and her completely clueless father who refuses to see what is right in front of his eyes.

Paper Butterflies Quotes by Lisa Heathfield - Goodreads Paper Butterflies Quotes by Lisa Heathfield - Goodreads

One day June is out on her bike and stumbles across some caravans. There she meets a boy named Blister who makes beautiful animals and decorations out of paper. Blister is the only one June can count on. She finds solitude, peace, understanding and friendship with Blister. Something she has never had before. Their friendship helps June survive her horrific life every day. Bad things happen all the time to June, it’s as if everybody is plotting against her. Then she meets a boy, Blister, and suddenly there is a bright spot in her life, something to look forward to and to protect. I devoured this novel in just two sittings as the beauty of the writing and the poignancy of the tale compelled me to keep going until I discovered the light at the end of the tunnel. This tale wasn't sad in its entirety however. The sadness was alleviated by June's happiness when with her only friend, Bliss. Seeing their relationship progress gave me real joy and a hope for a better ending to her miserable existence. The plot took an unforeseen turn, however, that still gives me chills to think about. Are the best books those where the author is so convincing that it becomes hard to separate the book you are reading from reality? If so, Paper Butterflies deserves all the stars. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't real for the sake of my sanity. I recently said in my review of Allegedly that the best books are those that make me furious for the characters, but this book made me beyond furious - I felt terrified.June and Blister. Oh my lovely, lovely Blister. Just as June is struggling to see any light in her life she meets her darling Blister and his enormous, loving family. I adored their friendship and blossoming relationship from the very bottom of my heart. There was something so pure about the way in which they found each other and spent their time together. There are some truly heartbreaking moments between them but Blister truly is a ray of bright, sparkling light in June’s life throughout this book. Paper Butterflies is an unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Lisa Williamson’s The Art of Being Normal, Jandy Nelson, Sarah Crossan and Louise O’Neill.

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The narration is alternated with the "BEFORE" and the "AFTER" parts and I swear you won't ever imagine what is the after part after the actual AFTER! Thanks to Michelle for letting VBP throw a promotion party for this gem. There’s just something about love right? Who doesn’t love love. 🤷‍♀️ I think I do!What is interesting, however, is the way the book examines cycles of violence and abuse, asking us to consider at the book's darkest moments: what horrors must have happened to Kathleen to make her this way? How much fear must Megan live in to assist her mother in abusing her stepsister? We are reminded that no one is born evil. I am NOT okay. Paper Butterflies is very compelling, but read it when you are in a good mental place. An extra warning to those sensitive to scenes of physical and psychological abuse.

Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield | Goodreads Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield | Goodreads

June’s classmates would steal, put the stolen items in her book bag, and then tell school officials that they saw June steal it. Nobody believed her. That’s one of my biggest fears in life, being framed for a crime I didn’t commit and not being able to prove my innocence. I’ve had more than one nightmare about that. Now take the second strip of your origami paper and start folding it into a conertina across the short width. This is what is known as an accordion fold and is a popular paper crafting technique! June's dad just annoyed me so much. I know that he didn't know the abuse was going on but whenever June tried to tell him that her step-family hated her and that they were mean to her, the Dad just brushed it off and told June to stop being silly. I mean, c'mon! That's just crazy! How can a parent be so careless?! He would tell June all of the time how much he loved her but then didn't even listen to what she was saying. Well done, Dad. Well done. I really understood June. She was so terrified that she couldn’t speak up, except she did tell Blister some of it. I know what it feels like to be paralyzed with fear and feeling like everyone around you is ganging up on you. She faced abuse at home and bullying at school. Going to Blister’s house was her only reprieve. If you are into mushy, hard upbringing abusive books, this is for you. It's not my usual type but I would give it 2 and a half stars and I am glad that I got the chance to read it.

Paper Butterfly Bookmark – materials

These easy paper butterflies where first published in Feb 2017 and have been republished for your convenience I would’ve thought Neil took offense to my rudeness if it weren’t for his soft and amused laughter that scraped along the last of my sanity. Laughter that tattooed itself right into my brain. A pleated butterfly craft is the same as an accordion butterfly! So do read on… and learn how to make an accordion butterfly with us today! What does it mean to accordion fold? What is accordion fashion? June's life at home with her stepmother and stepsister is a dark one - and a secret one. Not even her father knows about it. She's trapped like a butterfly in a jar. I always wanted a happy ending for June. But the ending of the book takes a surprising turn. One I certainly didn't see coming.

Butterfly Paper Book - Etsy UK Butterfly Paper Book - Etsy UK

As the book goes on things escalate and escalate and as you see June grow. Then something comes along to strike her down again. Anyone who has read Seed will know that it’s not only Lisa’s writing that’s powerful but Lisa’s endings are just as powerful and will make any reader a huge hot blubbering mess of tears…..a bit like me after I finished reading this book. If one could take a life, a pretty devastating one, but all the more real for all the suffering therein, and distill it such that it took the form of a novel instead, Paper Butterflies would be that book. Not since The Enchanted have I read anything so painful, so upsetting, so hopeless but yet somehow framed in hope. Breathtaking. But I still think it is a great paper craft for kids and a wonderful introduction to origami for beginners as it uses some basic origami folds.You may also love to see these ecclectic and easy butterfly crafts! How can I decorate with paper butterflies? I loved Olivia’s wit and sarcasm and there were other fun characters that really contributed to this love story. YA romance? Yeah, I’m digging it. Paper Butterflies is an unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Lisa Williamson's The Art of Being Normal, Jandy Nelson, Sarah Crossan and Louise O'Neill.

An interesting book as a case study about the ends children can be driven to; however, I really struggled to get past the sheer brutality and darkness of this one. Kathleen is such a despicable woman. She tortures June in any way possible since she has 9 years old -- I am sure even before that but the book starts with 9 years old.