If you’re going to read one Young Adult contemporary soon, make it this one and I promise that you won’t regret it. There is a lot of abuse in this book, both emotional and physical, so if that is triggering to you, this may not be the book for you. I understand why this choice was not made — opening without revealing the ending spurs instant empathy from the audience, while revealing the ending could’ve ruined this. 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 Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield | Waterstones

Before becoming a mum to her three sons, Lisa Heathfield was a secondary school English teacher and loved inspiring teenagers to read.June is a girl of mixed race who finds herself in an entirely white family after the tragic, early death of her mother and her father's remarriage. As mentioned, the step MAY look a little tricky at first, but they are really easy once you get you head around them. Winner of UKYABA Champion Newcomer 2015 and nominated for Champion of Social Media 2016 and Blogger Of The Year 2016!

Review – Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield Review – Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield

And in him, June recognises the tiniest glimmer of hope that perhaps she can find a way to fly far, far away from home and be free. It’s no secret that I was a huge huge fan of Lisa’s debut, Seed, and whilst Paper Butterflies is very different to Seed, Lisa’s writing has gone from strength to strength. Then I realised how lucky I am to have never been in June’s position and I felt that the least I could do for June and all victims of abuse in the world is endure the words on these pages and read her story. 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.I've spoken before about how I think one of the most truly scary things is to tell the truth and have no one believe you. 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. There are just so many things about it that make it important, eye-opening and gut-wrenching and I think it's a book that everyone should read. 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 think Lisa will agree that we became instant friends and I feel like I have known Lisa all my life!

Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield | Goodreads

An emotional tale of an abusive childhood, growing up, friendship, love, forgiveness and choosing left or right. A heart-wrenching exploration of grief, set in a landscape corrupted by fame and the scrutiny that comes from living in the shadow of a star. I know that it’s mega mega hard to be open about things like that, but Blister could have really helped her. If you follow me on Goodreads at all, you will know that I commented on my progress about 30 pages in saying how disturbing it was. I mean that in the best way possible- it's because it will shatter your soul so much the first time around, you'd never need to.It is the most intimate and beautiful moment between June and Blister and you feel June’s happiness shining off the page just in this one particular moment. I felt a million things reading this outstanding book and yes, it made me cry and only 3 books have ever had that impact on me. Lisa Heathfield launched her writing career with Seed, her stunning YA debut about a cult, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Prize.