What people are saying about Of Butterflies and Bullies:
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“Dalton’s poignant book achingly recreates pre-adolescence, when we are challenged to create our own lifelines, and to find new, solid ground on which we can moor our changing identity. In facing this challenge, Molly reminds us that we all have strong, internal navigation systems, and adolescence is the time that we begin to learn how to listen to them.”
— Laura Martocci, PhD., author of Bullying: The Social Destruction of Self and My Bullied Past: Why Does it Still HURT?
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“Of Butterflies and Bullies is such an engaging read. The author is skilled in empathy and I felt like I was a part of the story and could really feel the emotions. This is also such an important topic and conversation starter about how we can support girls being bullied and help them overcome and rise above. I would recommend this book! So great to read.”
— Andi Long, Founder of the Bloom Foundation
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"As I read this book, I was brought back to my feelings and memories of being bullied at that age. Molly's experiences are authentic and it's painful to read at times. As she'd go into bad bullying situations, I'd find myself shouting, "No, Molly!" This is a beautifully written story that will stay with me and will touch many."
— Jennifer Cockerill, Librarian
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“Molly and her best friend Nicole are thrilled to be included in a gifted program for fifth graders, but almost as soon as school starts in the fall, Nicole makes new friends who make Molly feel unwelcome in the group. Jenny Dalton beautifully captures the complex, changing lives of preteen girls in this painful but ultimately triumphant novel of friendship and betrayal. I’m giving Of Butterflies and Bullies to every fifth-grade girl I know!”
— Barbara Shoup, author of 8 novels for adults & young adults & Writer-in-Residence, Indiana Writers Center
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“For bright and wholesome Indianapolis fifth-grader Molly Greely, a change of schools brings sudden and unexpected friendship challenges. As she transitions out of her comfortable neighborhood elementary school to one that serves academically gifted students on the cusp of middle school, she’s left feeling socioeconomically disadvantaged relative to her peers, who all wear the latest fashions and go on the most amazing family vacations. Even Molly’s longtime best friend, Nicole, begins to gravitate away from Molly and toward the girls in their class who gain popularity with designer jeans and the casual cruelty so often used to bolster social status by excluding others. Set in the 1980s, Of Butterflies and Bullies will also resonate with moms who grew up in that era. Familiar pop culture references abound. A captivating debut YA novel by Jenny Dalton, and a great pick for mother-daughter book clubs.”
— Lori Day, author of Her Next Chapter: How Mother-Daughter Book Clubs Can Help Girls Navigate Malicious Media. Risky Relationships, Girl Gossip, and So Much More
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“Although the theme of bullying may apply to tweens and teenagers, the book will resonate with adults. The story touches on some more mature topics, which reminds me of Judy Blume’s novels about puberty and sexuality. There are uncomfortable family dynamics at times, and a father who may drink too much. While Molly isn’t self-aware enough at 10-years old to recognize the symptoms of depression, it is apparent as the story goes on that the effects of the bullying are taking a toll on her mental health. The story also broaches an often taboo subject with honesty and tact. If you like coming-of-age stories with strong characters, tough life lessons, and an honest portrayal of adolescence, then you will enjoy this book. I strongly recommend Of Butterflies & Bullies to any bullied person–preteen, teen or adult–because it is a reminder you are not alone in your suffering. For those girls currently being bullied, it is a guide of how to push through the discomfort and find your light on the other side.”
— by Marie McCoy, writer and author
Melissa Eletherion-Carr, librarian and poet