Kimberley Griffiths Little (Circle of Secrets) lyrically captures the complex feelings of grief and renewal for 12-year-old Tara Scarlett Doucet, "daughter of one of the oldest families in New Iberia Parish, descendant of the original Paris Doucet family," after the sudden death of her beloved Grammy Claire.
Tara's mother often slides into melancholy absences, and her older sister, Riley, seems to care more about boys and rock music than keeping the family together. But Grammy Claire anticipated what Tara might need, and leaves her granddaughter a legacy of adventure and surprise, beginning with 10 keys, a warning of danger and notes that lead Tara to a series of interlocking questions and answers. All revolve around the mysterious nipwisipwis (butterflies), which seem to be dying off prematurely, one by one. Could whoever is responsible for that also have caused Grammy Claire's car accident? As in Maureen Johnson's 13 Little Blue Envelopes, the journey brings the heroine closer not only to the loved one she misses, but also to herself.
The author discloses some delectable facts about butterflies and their habitats, as well as some insights about human nature. As her mother clings to the past glories of her family, Tara works to remain present, and to slowly build a future for herself--with the help of her grandmother. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness