The Boy with the Butterfly Mind

'An honest insight into a boy's life with ADHD, with as much heart as [R.J. Palacio's] 'Wonder'.'

-- Children's Books Ireland Recommended Reads

 

'Although Elin and Jamie are vastly different, the author deftly shows the trauma of divorce on children… Achingly realistic, yet hopeful.'

-- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

 

'This heartbreaking book about the pain of divorce is a must-buy for all elementary libraries. Elin and Jamie's alternating first-person chapters help the reader understand both perspectives. Jamie's perspective is sure to help increase understanding about the difficulty of living with severe ADHD. The plot flows quickly and readers will likely find themselves experiencing strong emotions throughout this powerful novel.'

-- Youth Services Book Review

 

'A compelling and affecting book about acceptance, openness, mental health and the intricacy of family.'

-- BookTrust

 

'Williamson's character-driven novel presents an honest, introspective portrayal of the adolescent psyche amidst multiple family upheavals, and it is both heartbreaking and hopeful.'

-- Booklist

 

'A moving and compassionately-told story… Hugely relevant for today's generation, Victoria Williamson writes with a galloping pace packaged at every turn with extraordinary compassion, delivering an enjoyable and empathy-building reading experience… Brilliantly written.'

-- Books for Topics

 

'The Boy with The Butterfly Mind is not only a great story (I couldn't put it down -- read it in one sitting) but it gives extraordinary insight into the minds of the two protagonists, Jamie and Elin. Suddenly, ADHD was less of a mystery to me and, importantly, the behaviours arising from the condition became completely understandable. Victoria Williamson does an extraordinary job of inviting us inside the heads of her two main characters: scared, damaged, confused eleven-year-olds, telling us a very entertaining story while unravelling the characters' complexities and insecurities and treating us to a stonker of an ending too.

Children's storytelling at its best -- congratulations Victoria.'

--Julia Thum

 

'The Boy with the Butterfly Mind is an emotional rollercoaster of a read, I can't remember feeling so affected by a story in a really long time… A wonderfully empathetic story […] highlighting the importance of being brave even when others around you refuse to accept people for who they are. Heart-breaking and thoughtful in equal measure.'

-- Booklover Jo

 

'As the children in this story get to know each other, and the reader gets to know them, we are reminded of how much more everyone is than their classification.

In Jamie, we find someone who is kind, passionate and makes a fantastic peanut butter, jam and whipped-cream sandwich. Beneath Elin's groomed and contained 'class swat' exterior, we meet an anxious child for whom every day is a battle to succeed. It's impossible not root for both children to find their own self-worth, and to come to value each other too.

The Boy with the Butterfly Mind is an enlightening and inspiring story that encourages its readers (whatever their age) to judge less, and to get to know people more.'

-- Roaring Reads

 

'It is interesting, and somewhat of education, to read the chapters from Jamie's point of view as these give a real insight into what it's like to have ADHD… While this is undoubtedly an important element, Elin's story is equally important. As a character, Elin appears to be very simple but this hides an impressive level of complexity. Outwardly perfect, I especially like the inclusion of the details that hint at her underlying problems…

While much of the book focuses on the growth and development of our two main characters, there's a strong and dramatic climax that succeeded in bringing a tear to my eye. It's also a book with strong themes about friendship and the nature of modern families.'

-- Madge Eekal Reviews

 

'Hard reading at times but sensitively written. It gave me real insight into the immense frustration felt and difficulties felt by some children with ADHD. This story will take you on a real emotional rollercoaster.'

-- Library Girl & Book Boy

 

'My heart broke and soared by turns in this inspiring story of two kids who seem to have nothing in common but a desperate desire for their family to be whole.'

-- Shari Green, author of ALA Schneider Award-winner Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess

 

'What a masterclass in empathy. This book gave me such a terrific insight into how ADHD affects a young boy and those around him. It is a great reminder that we shouldn't automatically judge others. I was rooting for Jamie and Elin!'

-- Lisa Thomson, author of The Goldfish Boy

 

'Moving. Powerful. Relevant. Contemporary storytelling at its very best. Another triumph from Victoria Williamson tackling important issues relevant to kids in a powerful and moving way.'

-- Juliette Forrest, author of Twister

 

'Truly sensational. Told through two voices & suffused with real heart; empathy & emotionally-invested storytelling at its best that has so much to teach today's children. My heart genuinely aches. A must, must, must read.'

-- Scott Evans, The Reader Teacher blog

 

'Fantastic to have a book about ADHD and by such a sensitive writer. So helpful for empathy, understanding and identity. Everyone needs to see themselves in books.'

-- Chloe Daykin, author of Fish Boy

 

'WOW! I am so impressed with the Williamson novels! The Boy with the Butterfly Mind is a tough read for a mom with 2 boys diagnosed with ADHD… With that said, it is amazing how Victoria Williamson is able to bring you into the head of Jaimie as he struggles through life and then finds relief through medication and support. The family dynamic is real and painful, but the ending is full of hope, empathy and true acceptance. I love how the character's points of view and perspectives are honest; They learn and grow as they realize what they have in common and that nothing is perfect!'

-- Marla Conn, Readwithmenow.com