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I am Elephant, I am Butterfly
"Moving and memorable descriptions, effectively balancing elements of darkness and mystery with an ultimately redemptive and uplifting storyline." ~Booklife Prize Review
"Fabulous read for women of all ages." ~Heather Cobham, Author of The Mother Tree
When sixteen-year-old Simone Wheeler is accepted into the elite Camp Kamama—a place of self-discovery for the morbidly obese—she instantly despises the food rations, obstacle course, and powwows, where each girl must stand in front of her peers to expose her darkest secrets. But the Appalachian Mountains are shrouded in mystery, and Camp Kamama’s rules will soon be the least of Simone’s worries.
While meditating beneath an old tree in the woods, Simone unearths a secret diary belonging to a beautiful skinny girl from the despised Camp Felina across the lake. But Phoebe the Felina has done more than scribble words in a journal: she has carved a cryptic path that Simone will be compelled to follow—no matter what the consequences.
"Fabulous read for women of all ages." ~Heather Cobham, Author of The Mother Tree
When sixteen-year-old Simone Wheeler is accepted into the elite Camp Kamama—a place of self-discovery for the morbidly obese—she instantly despises the food rations, obstacle course, and powwows, where each girl must stand in front of her peers to expose her darkest secrets. But the Appalachian Mountains are shrouded in mystery, and Camp Kamama’s rules will soon be the least of Simone’s worries.
While meditating beneath an old tree in the woods, Simone unearths a secret diary belonging to a beautiful skinny girl from the despised Camp Felina across the lake. But Phoebe the Felina has done more than scribble words in a journal: she has carved a cryptic path that Simone will be compelled to follow—no matter what the consequences.
- GenresFictionMental Health
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2012
About the author
Leslie Tall Manning
7 books222 followersHello, Lovely Readers! I am an award-winning novelist who loves writing about grown-ups (GAGA, MAGGIE’S DREAM, and KNOCK ON WOOD) and young adults (UPSIDE DOWN IN A LAURA INGALLS TOWN, I AM ELEPHANT, I AM BUTTERFLY, and RULES OF FALLING). I especially love digging into universal ideas such as friendship, bravery, and self-forgiveness. When I'm not spending quality time with the characters in my head, I speak at libraries, schools, and book clubs. I am proudly represented by Uwe Stender at the TriadaUS Literary Agency. I am currently gearing up for my new book FERAL MARIL & HER LITTLE BROTHER CAROL, about a young girl who aims to steal back her mentally challenged brother when they are separated by the foster care system. May 1, 2024.
A bit about Me the Reader: I also work as a private tutor so I get to re-read classics as well as jump into newer books. My personal reading tastes are eclectic, but I can get into most genres as long as the book is well written. I do not lean toward heavy romance, erotica, early middle grade, animal books, or super fantasy. I am picky about what I read, just as I am picky about what I write. I've been reading since I was five and creating stories since I was six.
Here are some writing accolades I've worked hard to earn:
Indie Brag Award
Firebird Literary Award
Sarton Women's Literary Award
NC Author Project Award
Taleflick Road to Development Finalist
Taleflick Top Pick
William Faulkner Words and Wisdom Finalist
Story Monsters Certificate of Excellence
Library Journal Self-e Selection
International Book Award Finalist
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist
Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner
North Street Book Prize Longlist
Historical Fiction Competition Finalist
Readers' Choice Award
CIBA Finalist
The Letter Review Longlist
Santa Fe Literary Review Longlist
I would love to meet you! Connect with me on Goodreads, Wordpress, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Linkedin.
A bit about Me the Reader: I also work as a private tutor so I get to re-read classics as well as jump into newer books. My personal reading tastes are eclectic, but I can get into most genres as long as the book is well written. I do not lean toward heavy romance, erotica, early middle grade, animal books, or super fantasy. I am picky about what I read, just as I am picky about what I write. I've been reading since I was five and creating stories since I was six.
Here are some writing accolades I've worked hard to earn:
Indie Brag Award
Firebird Literary Award
Sarton Women's Literary Award
NC Author Project Award
Taleflick Road to Development Finalist
Taleflick Top Pick
William Faulkner Words and Wisdom Finalist
Story Monsters Certificate of Excellence
Library Journal Self-e Selection
International Book Award Finalist
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist
Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner
North Street Book Prize Longlist
Historical Fiction Competition Finalist
Readers' Choice Award
CIBA Finalist
The Letter Review Longlist
Santa Fe Literary Review Longlist
I would love to meet you! Connect with me on Goodreads, Wordpress, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Linkedin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 20, 2019
At the beginning Simone Wheeler’s voice is sad and resigned. She is about to be sent to Kamama camp for girls with morbid obesity. Her brother Bucky informs her that Kamama is the Cherokee for ‘an elephant’. She is about to embark on a life full of meagre food, obstacle courses and most dreaded powwow/group sharing sessions. But it is not all that simple and straightforward. Kamama in Cherokee can mean either Elephant or Butterfly because both are beautiful and special creatures. Just as Simone and her new friends.
I loved the slow reflective pace of this book. Whenever there is a lot of hard work to do (and personal development is always hard), things do not happen overnight. I also loved the emphasis on communication and friendship to combat loneliness and self-isolation and, above all, active acceptance.
Beautiful setting, vivid, memorable characters, gorgeous cover. I am Elephant, I am butterfly won't disappoint you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leslie Tall Manning for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
I loved the slow reflective pace of this book. Whenever there is a lot of hard work to do (and personal development is always hard), things do not happen overnight. I also loved the emphasis on communication and friendship to combat loneliness and self-isolation and, above all, active acceptance.
Beautiful setting, vivid, memorable characters, gorgeous cover. I am Elephant, I am butterfly won't disappoint you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leslie Tall Manning for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 29, 2018
4.5 stars
Although this story is told from one piont-of-view only, Simone's, the author managed to bring an entire cast of characters to life.
Was the story perfect? No. Were there things that bothered me? Yes. Could I put the book down? NO! And that's what made it a winner for me.
My biggest critique is the story infers emotional and/or physical abuse triggers obesity. While I'm sure that's true in some circumstances, it's not always the case.
In fairness, the Q&A section states the author made a conscious choice to use emotional eating for this story.
Copy obtained via NetGalley.
Although this story is told from one piont-of-view only, Simone's, the author managed to bring an entire cast of characters to life.
Was the story perfect? No. Were there things that bothered me? Yes. Could I put the book down? NO! And that's what made it a winner for me.
My biggest critique is the story infers emotional and/or physical abuse triggers obesity. While I'm sure that's true in some circumstances, it's not always the case.
In fairness, the Q&A section states the author made a conscious choice to use emotional eating for this story.
Copy obtained via NetGalley.
January 3, 2022
I was extremely disappointed by this book. I was hoping to get into a book about eating disorders and being able to empathize with an obese teenager. What it ended up being was somewhat harmful.
While written from the perspective of an obese teenager it never felt like it truly was. It was hitting cliches and not once did it hit on thoughts such as fears and struggles an obese person would really have.
The main character does not want to be in fat camp - thats understandable. But please raise your hand if you are/were obese and would find considering fast food companies your best friends relatable.
All we hear about is her fear of not being able to stuff her face - while using language that people would use that are making fun of obese people (like "stuff her face" her "friends" as fast food chains" calling themselves "fat whales"). She simply has no personality aside from - food.
But never do we hear about real insecurities or thoughts that I have heard from every single person that I talked to that has experienced obesity. Instead we have a weirdly naive and surprised kid - borderline portrayed as obese equals stupid? What kid going to “fat camp” would be surprised that exercise is going to be on the schedule?
And then we get to the portrayal of the fat camp - if a fat camp exists that truly operates like this, it needs to be closed down immediately. Instead of realistically helping kids to eat healthily, knowing they might be scared about the eating situation coming into this camp, instead of easing them in and showing them amazingly delicious options they are paraded down the line of their family eating hearty delicious meat loaf and mash only to find a selection of different simply cooked veggies. As a person living mostly on whole food plant based I have never in my life felt like the sound of veg to be this boring and bland and - and this is the crucial part - nutritionally unbalanced. You can have a scoop of cooked spinach or a scoop of cooked corn or a scoop of cooked green beans. How is this helping? Where are the carbs, the healthy fats that these kids need - especially when you are planning on pushing them through drill exercises all day every day that make them puke? There are so many things where the camp is traumatizing kids, it is borderline abusive and a torture center, not something that is supposed to help healing. I am also low-key suspicious about the size a garden would have to be to fully supply 100 kids on a 1200 calorie, veg-based diet over the whole summer. (Historically to completely feed yourself using hand labour takes about an acre per person - but that is based on year-round with seasons and rotating crops and more food requirements than a couple months in the summer)
What's even worse is that while some of the coaches are saying some of the right words, the actions within the camp are displaying the exact opposite.
And the complete lack of understanding what it truly feels like to move with a bigger body - only judgmental notes sprinkled throughout the whole book.
A camp making obese kids do monkey bars as part of an obstacle course - is that part of the creative fun way they mentioned? How many obese people do you think can lift their own body weight? Ever occurred to you that that is not sport, that is embarrassing and torture? How are kids supposed to learn that moving can be fun by making them go through that? It just shows how oblivious the author is to understand what it truly means to move with the extra weight a morbidly obese person carries around.
Only to go on in this obstacle course for obese kids to have small hoops to embarrass the kids that they can’t even fit? What the actual fuck! (Simone at 250lbs seems to be one of the lighter kids overall)
We never really get to exploring the "disorder" part of eating disorder. The main character mainly is portrayed as somebody who likes stuffing their face but finds fat people disgusting. After drilling, exhausting, and embarrassing the kids, you send them to be alone with their thoughts without any mental guidance / help / support? That should end well.
In some sessions, we then have the right words again that gave me a glimmer of hope - because this is so extremely important
Only to straight jump to very clearly making a point that obesity and overeating always and only comes from physical or emotional abuse and that the only way to cure obesity is by being truthful with yourself and figure out that abuse. All you have to do is break people because every fat person has another issue. But we never tie that to food. We just break them in a few hours and voila. All better.
It further hints toward that being thin is the solution to everything and you will almost automatically become thin once you were able to admit to yourself what abuse caused it and worked through it. Obesity does have many more layers than simply "stop eating and start moving" and yes, a lot of it will by psychological, but putting it all on abuse is ridiculous and harmful.
Overall it just felt like the author had a huge disconnect with what it really feels like to be in the main characters shoes - they are even ziplining in the camp which is supposed to be another proof of moving = fun and excitement. That might be possible with a special construction (max weight normally is 275lbs) but the person who wrote this really never has been in an obese mind to know how just the idea of ziplining probably tortures and traumatizes at least half the overweight kids. Adding the continuous judgmental nudges just sets a very weird tone that feels deeply disconnected.
Things that realistically an obese kid would struggle with - not a mention. She bends down and thinks it’s great she even gets past the knees because she’s out of shape. No mention of the belly in the way. You can really tell when the author never walked in the shoes of their main char. Instead of fears we have judgement in her voice.
There were so many opportunities to portray throughts, insecurities, and fears (I talk about a few of them in my video) and the author completely failed to utilize any of it. None of the thought processes that a truly obese person would have are explored. None. It felt so much like how a skinny girl would picture a cliche fat kids mind without doing research that I had to look up if the author truly is obese herself. I was not surprised when I found out that she was in fact not and does not seem to have a history of being obese either. I might be wrong, but it honestly felt as if she got her picture of what a fat camp should look like from watching Biggest Looser and some abusive dreams.
While the kids in “fat camp” are mostly described by their name & weight - and maybe their ethnicity, this is how the first skinny character outside Simone’s family is introduced.
The only thing this book did somewhat well was creating empathy for skinny people - the book did show that they are not just/simply pretty but might have problems too. Saying "hey, as a morbidly obese person, people know you are struggling with this, but you are fetishising and glamorising how we, as skinny people are looking and with that might be feeding into a disorder I might have"
It felt much more like the author had some real insight on this side of the story. This is definitely not what I picked the book up for but if the author would write a story solely on that last part with that as a main hook, I think it could be really helpful and great.
But potentially the most harmful thing happens at the end of the book - with a call to action for the reading teenagers to reflect. There is one question that scared me and I hope the editor/author will remove in future copies … do you really think you have equipped kids to offer sound, non-judgmental, non-condescending advice in this book?
Please. Stop.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Typing up my notes (looking at my emotional to angry reactions on goodreads updates) a few months later I need to reduce my rating from 2 to 1 star because I am still so angry and all the things that made that extra star for me cannot be looked past when looking at how harmful this book really can be. Also find my thoughts right after reading it in my wrap up video: https://youtu.be/tHEgyTrqd7o?t=1064
“We’re excited, too, but y’all have to settle down if we wanna make it to dinner on time.”
The room quieted like she wielded a machete."
While written from the perspective of an obese teenager it never felt like it truly was. It was hitting cliches and not once did it hit on thoughts such as fears and struggles an obese person would really have.
“I have no routine, unless you want to include thinking about food, dreaming about food, drawing pictures of food on the damp mirror after my showers”"
The main character does not want to be in fat camp - thats understandable. But please raise your hand if you are/were obese and would find considering fast food companies your best friends relatable.
“I wanted to say, Mom, don’t leave me here. I don’t belong here. I belong at home, spending the summer with my best friends: Bojangles, McDonald’s, Smithfield’s, and the DQ.”
All we hear about is her fear of not being able to stuff her face - while using language that people would use that are making fun of obese people (like "stuff her face" her "friends" as fast food chains" calling themselves "fat whales"). She simply has no personality aside from - food.
“I couldn’t picture my mother and me digging in the dirt together. She had her hobbies, like spin class, and I had mine, like finding new ways to make a sub.”
But never do we hear about real insecurities or thoughts that I have heard from every single person that I talked to that has experienced obesity. Instead we have a weirdly naive and surprised kid - borderline portrayed as obese equals stupid? What kid going to “fat camp” would be surprised that exercise is going to be on the schedule?
“Exercise?” I asked. The brochure had called the camp a retreat. I’d pictured groups of girls making macramé plant holders and friendship bracelets out of gimp. Relaxing in hammocks while listening to the birds.”
And then we get to the portrayal of the fat camp - if a fat camp exists that truly operates like this, it needs to be closed down immediately. Instead of realistically helping kids to eat healthily, knowing they might be scared about the eating situation coming into this camp, instead of easing them in and showing them amazingly delicious options they are paraded down the line of their family eating hearty delicious meat loaf and mash only to find a selection of different simply cooked veggies. As a person living mostly on whole food plant based I have never in my life felt like the sound of veg to be this boring and bland and - and this is the crucial part - nutritionally unbalanced. You can have a scoop of cooked spinach or a scoop of cooked corn or a scoop of cooked green beans. How is this helping? Where are the carbs, the healthy fats that these kids need - especially when you are planning on pushing them through drill exercises all day every day that make them puke? There are so many things where the camp is traumatizing kids, it is borderline abusive and a torture center, not something that is supposed to help healing. I am also low-key suspicious about the size a garden would have to be to fully supply 100 kids on a 1200 calorie, veg-based diet over the whole summer. (Historically to completely feed yourself using hand labour takes about an acre per person - but that is based on year-round with seasons and rotating crops and more food requirements than a couple months in the summer)
What's even worse is that while some of the coaches are saying some of the right words, the actions within the camp are displaying the exact opposite.
“People have a misconception that they have to spend their days eating celery and running marathons. We are going to kick that rumor into the gutter. Now. There are dozens of ways to enjoy exercise. Just like there are dozens of ways to change your diet. We’re here to show you creative ways to do both. A little creativity goes a long way.”
And the complete lack of understanding what it truly feels like to move with a bigger body - only judgmental notes sprinkled throughout the whole book.
“Laughing, cheeks bright red, heads nodding to the music, whale-like bodies moving with an odd sort of grace through the water.”
A camp making obese kids do monkey bars as part of an obstacle course - is that part of the creative fun way they mentioned? How many obese people do you think can lift their own body weight? Ever occurred to you that that is not sport, that is embarrassing and torture? How are kids supposed to learn that moving can be fun by making them go through that? It just shows how oblivious the author is to understand what it truly means to move with the extra weight a morbidly obese person carries around.
“Another girl—three-fifteen—dangled three rungs in front of me, kicking her legs but not moving forward. Another in the lead would fall, jump up to catch the bars, then fall again. The girl in front of me slipped and landed hard on her butt. I had barely gripped the first rung when I followed her to the ground.”
“Keep moving!” Ms. Diggs shouted. “You don’t want to get kicked in the head!”
Only to go on in this obstacle course for obese kids to have small hoops to embarrass the kids that they can’t even fit? What the actual fuck! (Simone at 250lbs seems to be one of the lighter kids overall)
“Pushing the voice away, I moved on to the Hula-hoops, but the plastic ring never made it higher than my knees.”
We never really get to exploring the "disorder" part of eating disorder. The main character mainly is portrayed as somebody who likes stuffing their face but finds fat people disgusting. After drilling, exhausting, and embarrassing the kids, you send them to be alone with their thoughts without any mental guidance / help / support? That should end well.
“Reflection time,” Ms. Diggs sang as she handed each of us a power bar before shooing us away like little flies. “Think, pray, write, sing, be one with yourselves.”
In some sessions, we then have the right words again that gave me a glimmer of hope - because this is so extremely important
“You’re here because you need to gain insight into who you are. By searching within yourselves, you can discover why you do the things you do. Food addiction is not about the actual food. It’s about the way food makes you feel. The way it overtakes your life. The way it controls you.”
Only to straight jump to very clearly making a point that obesity and overeating always and only comes from physical or emotional abuse and that the only way to cure obesity is by being truthful with yourself and figure out that abuse. All you have to do is break people because every fat person has another issue. But we never tie that to food. We just break them in a few hours and voila. All better.
“They nodded with understanding, because they, too, had let a particular moment in their lives define who they were, what they had become. I no longer wanted to be defined by the guilt eating me alive on the inside and the fear responsible for adding layers of protection on the outside. It was as though with every exposed detail, a tiny little pound melted away.”
It further hints toward that being thin is the solution to everything and you will almost automatically become thin once you were able to admit to yourself what abuse caused it and worked through it. Obesity does have many more layers than simply "stop eating and start moving" and yes, a lot of it will by psychological, but putting it all on abuse is ridiculous and harmful.
Overall it just felt like the author had a huge disconnect with what it really feels like to be in the main characters shoes - they are even ziplining in the camp which is supposed to be another proof of moving = fun and excitement. That might be possible with a special construction (max weight normally is 275lbs) but the person who wrote this really never has been in an obese mind to know how just the idea of ziplining probably tortures and traumatizes at least half the overweight kids. Adding the continuous judgmental nudges just sets a very weird tone that feels deeply disconnected.
“I couldn’t imagine sharing a room with nineteen other fat, sweaty girls, all stretched out on their beds at the same time while trying to get their shorts pulled up. No wonder so many of my bunkmates didn’t change their clothes before bed. Too much work.”
Things that realistically an obese kid would struggle with - not a mention. She bends down and thinks it’s great she even gets past the knees because she’s out of shape. No mention of the belly in the way. You can really tell when the author never walked in the shoes of their main char. Instead of fears we have judgement in her voice.
“A few girls fell over into the sand. Tim-ber!”
There were so many opportunities to portray throughts, insecurities, and fears (I talk about a few of them in my video) and the author completely failed to utilize any of it. None of the thought processes that a truly obese person would have are explored. None. It felt so much like how a skinny girl would picture a cliche fat kids mind without doing research that I had to look up if the author truly is obese herself. I was not surprised when I found out that she was in fact not and does not seem to have a history of being obese either. I might be wrong, but it honestly felt as if she got her picture of what a fat camp should look like from watching Biggest Looser and some abusive dreams.
While the kids in “fat camp” are mostly described by their name & weight - and maybe their ethnicity, this is how the first skinny character outside Simone’s family is introduced.
“A thin pretty girl with silky smooth skin and polished pink nails, her long blond hair tied back in a high ponytail, sparkly earrings dangling from her tiny lobes. Her bottom lip stuck out in a perfect model’s pout.”
The only thing this book did somewhat well was creating empathy for skinny people - the book did show that they are not just/simply pretty but might have problems too. Saying "hey, as a morbidly obese person, people know you are struggling with this, but you are fetishising and glamorising how we, as skinny people are looking and with that might be feeding into a disorder I might have"
It felt much more like the author had some real insight on this side of the story. This is definitely not what I picked the book up for but if the author would write a story solely on that last part with that as a main hook, I think it could be really helpful and great.
But potentially the most harmful thing happens at the end of the book - with a call to action for the reading teenagers to reflect. There is one question that scared me and I hope the editor/author will remove in future copies … do you really think you have equipped kids to offer sound, non-judgmental, non-condescending advice in this book?
“Does someone you know have an eating disorder? Have you tried to help this person? If so, how? Were they open to your advice?”
Please. Stop.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Typing up my notes (looking at my emotional to angry reactions on goodreads updates) a few months later I need to reduce my rating from 2 to 1 star because I am still so angry and all the things that made that extra star for me cannot be looked past when looking at how harmful this book really can be. Also find my thoughts right after reading it in my wrap up video: https://youtu.be/tHEgyTrqd7o?t=1064
July 27, 2019
Simone is a sixteen-year-old girl sent to the Camp Kamama, a place where morbidly obeses can witness and learn a new kind of lifestyle and, most important, a new way to think about themselves. Everyday Simone has to stick to a strict routine, and reflection is a part of it. During this meditation hour, Simone meets a girl from the Camp Felina, placed on the other side of the lake and she also finds her diary, who seems to be written to her, even if they don't know each other.
This book is not only the story of an obese girl at summer camp. Is a book that has thought me a lot. Not only about how each and every single event that happens or word said to someone can change their life . But also on the importance of a support system, of a group of friends that sometimes can help you more than lots of psychologists and specialists.
I feel that I've grown up together with Simone and that I've learned something knew about an healty lifestyles too.
I think that every girl should read this book, because it reminds you the importance of treating yourself and others right, and also the importance of having someone you can confide in. All of this, dealing with a current theme concerning a lot of young girls.
Thank you Leslie Tall Manning and thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
This book is not only the story of an obese girl at summer camp. Is a book that has thought me a lot. Not only about how each and every single event that happens or word said to someone can change their life . But also on the importance of a support system, of a group of friends that sometimes can help you more than lots of psychologists and specialists.
I feel that I've grown up together with Simone and that I've learned something knew about an healty lifestyles too.
I think that every girl should read this book, because it reminds you the importance of treating yourself and others right, and also the importance of having someone you can confide in. All of this, dealing with a current theme concerning a lot of young girls.
Thank you Leslie Tall Manning and thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
January 1, 2019
Not for me at all, I found it all to be stereotypes of what obese people thought and acted like and as a fat person myself I found it a bit insulting, the fact at the start she is thinking of other girls as their weights and nothing else about them. It also insinuates that obesity and overeating come from physical or emotional abuse, that they cause obesity. That being thin is the solution to everything , it is ridiculous notion for anyone let alone someone who suffered abuse. Just not for me at all and I was severely disappointed with this portrayal, as the premise behind it had promise and could have been good.
December 31, 2018
I loved this I would put it at 5 stars but i felt that I didn’t get to see how much time had past in this.
I would say since there is only one review of this their is a couple of sections of this book that have to deal with sexual assault...just to warn everyone who picks this book up
But other than that I loved Simone our main character and I love the message in this book, it’s a fat camp but don’t let that get to you while you read this book, camp kamama is about finding your self and keeping the weight off via mind body and spirit.
I would say since there is only one review of this their is a couple of sections of this book that have to deal with sexual assault...just to warn everyone who picks this book up
But other than that I loved Simone our main character and I love the message in this book, it’s a fat camp but don’t let that get to you while you read this book, camp kamama is about finding your self and keeping the weight off via mind body and spirit.
May 3, 2020
I Am Elephant, I Am Butterfly is a genuinely beautiful coming of age story with exceptional input into the teenage psyche. We follow Simone into the blue ridge mountains to Camp Kamama, a retreat for overweight girls who need to learn to love their body and themselves. But when Simone meets another girl from the camp across the lake, whose about half her size, will they be able to reconcile their differences and be friends? Or are they more similar than either of them could have guessed?
I don’t know how this is my first Leslie Tall Manning book, but it won’t be my last. This local author absolutely grabbed at my heartstrings and wouldn’t let go. Her characters are well-developed and they each have such an important battle to fight; the battle of forgiving themselves. The scenery is beautiful and well-written so that I really felt that I was at the camp with the girls. Even the side characters, like the counselors, have depth to them. The book was well paced and I read it in just 3 sittings.
The only thing I would change is that I WANTED MORE! I think it would have been interesting to read from a few different POVs, but that’s just me being greedy.
I don’t know how this is my first Leslie Tall Manning book, but it won’t be my last. This local author absolutely grabbed at my heartstrings and wouldn’t let go. Her characters are well-developed and they each have such an important battle to fight; the battle of forgiving themselves. The scenery is beautiful and well-written so that I really felt that I was at the camp with the girls. Even the side characters, like the counselors, have depth to them. The book was well paced and I read it in just 3 sittings.
The only thing I would change is that I WANTED MORE! I think it would have been interesting to read from a few different POVs, but that’s just me being greedy.
January 13, 2019
This book was an eye opener for me . The way people internalize issue can have completely different outcomes. The girls in this book have had a traumatic experience that have have offected them. On one side of the lake you have the ones that turn to food for comfort and across the lake you have the turn away from and count every calorie. It takes two girls one from each side to help heal themselves. The butterfly and the elephant both have something in common.
July 24, 2021
I am Elephant, I am Butterfly tells the story of Simone Wheeler, a teenage girl who is sent to Camp Kamama to address her obesity. The story is touching and real. We are introduced to Simone's family as they take her to camp, and then discover the camp and her campmates with her. It's not easy for Simone at first, and this book allows for exploration of difficult relationships and how they can change and grow over time. Simone's attachment to the camp and her secret relationship with a Felina from the camp across the lake develops overtime in the novel, and because of that it feels very realistic. Overall, I am Elephant, I am Butterfly is a very satisfying and enjoyable journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
One concern of the book is that is does softly tread into reinforcing some racial stereotypes and appropriating terms of great cultural importance of indigeneous people, both of which are a hallmark of traditional camp experiences in North America. The inclusion of a Cherokee character only complicates this. I believe the author had only the best intentions with her setting and characters. That being said, I would hope that she would revisit her handling of the setting and characters after speaking with an advisory group of Native American /First Nation people.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One concern of the book is that is does softly tread into reinforcing some racial stereotypes and appropriating terms of great cultural importance of indigeneous people, both of which are a hallmark of traditional camp experiences in North America. The inclusion of a Cherokee character only complicates this. I believe the author had only the best intentions with her setting and characters. That being said, I would hope that she would revisit her handling of the setting and characters after speaking with an advisory group of Native American /First Nation people.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2019
"i am Elephant, i am Butterfly" is a touching teen novel about Simone, who is sent to "fat camp" for the summer, after her doctor raises concerns about the effects of her weight on her health.
Simone used to be the star of her lacrosse team, until a life-altering experience resulted in her leaving the team. Now she will spend her summer doing all the stereotypical things you would expect at this sort of camp. But despite the focus on exercise and nutrition, and the weekly weigh-ins, this is not just a camp where girls go to shed pounds. They are also expected to participate in daily powwows, where they share their experiences and feelings, and to spend time in individual reflection.
One day during her reflection time, Simone meets another girl from a neighboring camp, the hated Camp Felina for skinny girls. Phoebe seems about as lonely as Simone and is struggling with her own secrets. On the wooded path between their camps, this unlikely pair become friends and start down the road to healing together.
Once I picked it up, I could not put this book down; I literally carried it around with me in one hand while the other hand did chores and ate meals. What I liked best was that the characters felt very genuine. I shed more than one tear as the girls' stories were revealed. Camp Kamama seemed like a great camp for anyone to experience, not just overweight teens.
I did feel that the relationship with Simone's father was tidied up too quickly, and I also thought the resolution for Camp Kamama was idealistic and unbelievable. These did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of contemporary teen novels.
Simone used to be the star of her lacrosse team, until a life-altering experience resulted in her leaving the team. Now she will spend her summer doing all the stereotypical things you would expect at this sort of camp. But despite the focus on exercise and nutrition, and the weekly weigh-ins, this is not just a camp where girls go to shed pounds. They are also expected to participate in daily powwows, where they share their experiences and feelings, and to spend time in individual reflection.
One day during her reflection time, Simone meets another girl from a neighboring camp, the hated Camp Felina for skinny girls. Phoebe seems about as lonely as Simone and is struggling with her own secrets. On the wooded path between their camps, this unlikely pair become friends and start down the road to healing together.
Once I picked it up, I could not put this book down; I literally carried it around with me in one hand while the other hand did chores and ate meals. What I liked best was that the characters felt very genuine. I shed more than one tear as the girls' stories were revealed. Camp Kamama seemed like a great camp for anyone to experience, not just overweight teens.
I did feel that the relationship with Simone's father was tidied up too quickly, and I also thought the resolution for Camp Kamama was idealistic and unbelievable. These did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of contemporary teen novels.
January 13, 2019
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of i am Elephant, i am Butterfly. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow. Here is a novel that reminds us that we are all human and that everyone has issues with which to contend and that although the results may vary, the issues may be quite similar. I loved the realness of the characters and their hesitation to open-up as well as the description of daily camp events making it all see so tangible. The struggles of these characters are very real and plague girls/boys in our country every day. It is my hope that this book will reach many adolescents, allowing them to break free of their own minds/self punishments long enough to accept help as well. I will certainly recommend it to any of my students who I believe may find a guiding light within its pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leslie Tall Manning for the ARC!
Wow. Here is a novel that reminds us that we are all human and that everyone has issues with which to contend and that although the results may vary, the issues may be quite similar. I loved the realness of the characters and their hesitation to open-up as well as the description of daily camp events making it all see so tangible. The struggles of these characters are very real and plague girls/boys in our country every day. It is my hope that this book will reach many adolescents, allowing them to break free of their own minds/self punishments long enough to accept help as well. I will certainly recommend it to any of my students who I believe may find a guiding light within its pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leslie Tall Manning for the ARC!
February 21, 2019
This was fun to read.
Sometimes it's difficult to find a story which tackles tough, emotional issues and at the same time be fun and lighthearted. I really liked it, especially the celebration of female friendships and understanding that despite physical appearance someone may still be struggling with issues of their own.
This book also reminds me so much of a webtoon which has similar themes (Big Jo).
Sometimes it's difficult to find a story which tackles tough, emotional issues and at the same time be fun and lighthearted. I really liked it, especially the celebration of female friendships and understanding that despite physical appearance someone may still be struggling with issues of their own.
This book also reminds me so much of a webtoon which has similar themes (Big Jo).
June 16, 2019
We Choose Our Path
Our Protagonist is a young, singularly obese found adult, who has been sent to a fat camp called Camp Kamama. Culture shock is used to the camp's benefit. While food and exercise are important, it takes an unlikely friendship hour her to begin admitting what is behind her weight gain. Can our girl learn enough to understand that she is in control of her choices? Can she lose weight?
Strong writing, flowing plot line, and characterization move this story along. However, I find these programs to be as cruel as those that try and change kids, who believe they are LGBTQ.
Our Protagonist is a young, singularly obese found adult, who has been sent to a fat camp called Camp Kamama. Culture shock is used to the camp's benefit. While food and exercise are important, it takes an unlikely friendship hour her to begin admitting what is behind her weight gain. Can our girl learn enough to understand that she is in control of her choices? Can she lose weight?
Strong writing, flowing plot line, and characterization move this story along. However, I find these programs to be as cruel as those that try and change kids, who believe they are LGBTQ.
January 2, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down.
I'm not a young adult, I'm a 50+ empty-nest mother and I was glued to the book, wanting to know how Simone would fare at camp and how her mother was affected. When Phoebe entered the picture I had no idea where the story was heading, but it was an amazing journey and end results were totally unexpected.
Really hard to put down!
I'm not a young adult, I'm a 50+ empty-nest mother and I was glued to the book, wanting to know how Simone would fare at camp and how her mother was affected. When Phoebe entered the picture I had no idea where the story was heading, but it was an amazing journey and end results were totally unexpected.
Really hard to put down!
January 3, 2019
Really loved the message in this book. It was very true to the way event effect teenagers. The words of encouragement truly provide hope to all girls struggling with eating too much or to little. The burden becomes less when shared with a friend you can trust.
Recommended for all middle school and high school girls!
Recommended for all middle school and high school girls!
January 12, 2019
What drew me in was the name of the book... only because Elephants and Butterflies are two of my fav animals...
BUT now that' im thinking of it.... "i am elephant" is KINDA a rude thing.... esp with the contents of the book.. imo
sooo that'll be a .2 stars from me.
I guess it wasn't that .......
BUT nope. Not for me. I was disappointed with this portrayal.
BUT now that' im thinking of it.... "i am elephant" is KINDA a rude thing.... esp with the contents of the book.. imo
sooo that'll be a .2 stars from me.
I guess it wasn't that .......
BUT nope. Not for me. I was disappointed with this portrayal.
March 3, 2019
Leslie came to me and gave me a option of one of two books, I took this one unknowning about what would be inside. After reading this book I was instantly in love with it. The thrills and excitement she manages to shove in this book is incredible, unimaginably incredible. I recommend this book 10/10.
February 28, 2019
Really enjoyed this one! It didn’t shy away from trauma and allowed the readers to understand and feel for these girls and their struggles
March 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. There is a raw, real aspect to it that I enjoyed. It wasn't what I expected, in a good way. Leslie Tall Manning did a great portrayal of the main characters and their stories. I enjoyed the fact that this book high lights that you absolutely cannot judge a book by its cover. You have no idea what circumstances have led someone to the state they are currently in. Sometimes trying to make friends with someone unlike you can turn into the best of friendships.
July 28, 2019
I received this book through a giveaway and I enjoyed reading it! Although it is a Young adult novel, I still found it to be a good read, in my 30s.
The book makes you think about life, our perceptions, and why we do the things that we do. Throughout the book, the girls at the camp learn "why" each of them is there. Once you understand their past, everything falls into place.
The book makes you think about life, our perceptions, and why we do the things that we do. Throughout the book, the girls at the camp learn "why" each of them is there. Once you understand their past, everything falls into place.
April 15, 2019
After reading this novel I felt compelled to give a copy to my 13 year old daughter. A book about girls learning to trust and depend on each other and forgive themselves is what every teen should be reading!
June 3, 2019
I won the kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and cannot wait to read it!
August 14, 2019
I absolutely love this book. It’s so well written that I lost myself in it’s pages and didn’t come up for air until I was done.
February 27, 2020
Loved it!
March 27, 2019
This is a book about figuring out why we do what we do, and realizing that everyone is struggling with something. It is a book about realistic teenage friendships, and how they ebb and flow. The message of needing to heal yourself is not the same as being an island, we all need supports to help us work on ourselves.
I would say this book could be a trigger for a variety of eating disorders, as well as rape. However all issues we dealt with in a sensitive way and I truly think in a way that is fairly tactful. I will say that there are no “adult” voices specifically telling the girls that things weren’t their fault, but it is implied and in my opinion is done so in a way that is much closer to reality.
I would recommend this book to teens and their parents alike.
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I would say this book could be a trigger for a variety of eating disorders, as well as rape. However all issues we dealt with in a sensitive way and I truly think in a way that is fairly tactful. I will say that there are no “adult” voices specifically telling the girls that things weren’t their fault, but it is implied and in my opinion is done so in a way that is much closer to reality.
I would recommend this book to teens and their parents alike.
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2019
At first glance, this is a story about a self-deprecating obese girl named Simone. She is then thrust, at her doctor’s recommendation, and her parents' agreement into a place called Camp Kamama. It is a place for overweight girls to connect with and forgive themselves while learning to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. A good portion of the narrative is devoted to establishing camp routines and how Simone and the other girls feel about this new home-away-from-home camp setting. In the midst of all this, Simone also finds a mysterious diary hidden in the woods and meets a girl from the adjacent Camp Felina.
Until I got through the preliminaries, I thought this would be a story written for overweight teenage girls. It’s not. Any teenager, buy mostly girls, could relate to this story. It’s about stripping away the facade and getting real with yourself and others. It is about finding comradery and friendship in the most unlikely of people. It’s about, at its very core, recovering what was once most precious to the individual.
I also enjoyed the narrative voice. Both in the prose and the dialogue, Simone sounds like an angsty teenage girl who sees the world through the tense of one with a lot of self-doubts. Her observations about the world around her are clever and witty, and she is a character with whom readers will empathize.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The person and interpersonal conflicts are strong. Simone’s character arc, along with the other major characters, is strong. I think this novel is one school systems should consider as literature to be studied as a part of character education and/or social-emotional wellness. This is because there are a number of points within the story that can make for rich dialogue among small groups of students. The author has also included great study guide questions at the end of the story.
As for plot, structure, character development, craft, etc, I wouldn’t say there are any weaknesses in this story. It is very much appropriate for teenagers. It touches upon dark topics such as cutting, obesity, bulimia, death due to overdose, bullying, and rape. Yet, the presentation of these topics occurs within very organic dialogue between teens. The teens are able to have this dialogue because they’ve learned to listen to each other, and they trust each other.
Some of the story's weaknesses (and reasons for four stars and not five)
The major weakness in this story is it’s set up on establishing camp routines. Chapters 6 through 8 dragged on without anything happening. Though I understand the need to establish camp routines, I thought the adult-speak from Willie, Ms. Diggs, and Jake about everything from calories to fitness, to healthy eating felt preaching. I imagine my current students and past students, ages 13-17, feeling the same way and even commenting on it. But, if they can persevere through these chapters until chapter 10, I think they would enjoy the story as a whole, as I did. Though today's teens tend to give up on books when they get boring, so this major weakness could be a huge obstacle for teenagers to finishing this story.
Some of the one-star comments on Amazon suggest the story is riddled with offensive stereotypes. I'd say the author did drop the ball a couple of times, but these moments didn't take me out of the story. That being said, as a middle and high school teacher for thirteen years, I know my own students would be quick to point these moments out and comment on them. Who knows? Maybe it'll make for an interesting discussion on the point of view being expressed by the narrator.
As for the typos mentioned by some of the one-star reviewers, almost every book you'll ever read contains a handful. Some of these are bothersome, some are not. But, the story has clearly been professionally line-edited and copy-edited. The only typo that stood out to me was misplaced hanging quotation mark. But that's it.
Until I got through the preliminaries, I thought this would be a story written for overweight teenage girls. It’s not. Any teenager, buy mostly girls, could relate to this story. It’s about stripping away the facade and getting real with yourself and others. It is about finding comradery and friendship in the most unlikely of people. It’s about, at its very core, recovering what was once most precious to the individual.
I also enjoyed the narrative voice. Both in the prose and the dialogue, Simone sounds like an angsty teenage girl who sees the world through the tense of one with a lot of self-doubts. Her observations about the world around her are clever and witty, and she is a character with whom readers will empathize.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The person and interpersonal conflicts are strong. Simone’s character arc, along with the other major characters, is strong. I think this novel is one school systems should consider as literature to be studied as a part of character education and/or social-emotional wellness. This is because there are a number of points within the story that can make for rich dialogue among small groups of students. The author has also included great study guide questions at the end of the story.
As for plot, structure, character development, craft, etc, I wouldn’t say there are any weaknesses in this story. It is very much appropriate for teenagers. It touches upon dark topics such as cutting, obesity, bulimia, death due to overdose, bullying, and rape. Yet, the presentation of these topics occurs within very organic dialogue between teens. The teens are able to have this dialogue because they’ve learned to listen to each other, and they trust each other.
Some of the story's weaknesses (and reasons for four stars and not five)
The major weakness in this story is it’s set up on establishing camp routines. Chapters 6 through 8 dragged on without anything happening. Though I understand the need to establish camp routines, I thought the adult-speak from Willie, Ms. Diggs, and Jake about everything from calories to fitness, to healthy eating felt preaching. I imagine my current students and past students, ages 13-17, feeling the same way and even commenting on it. But, if they can persevere through these chapters until chapter 10, I think they would enjoy the story as a whole, as I did. Though today's teens tend to give up on books when they get boring, so this major weakness could be a huge obstacle for teenagers to finishing this story.
Some of the one-star comments on Amazon suggest the story is riddled with offensive stereotypes. I'd say the author did drop the ball a couple of times, but these moments didn't take me out of the story. That being said, as a middle and high school teacher for thirteen years, I know my own students would be quick to point these moments out and comment on them. Who knows? Maybe it'll make for an interesting discussion on the point of view being expressed by the narrator.
As for the typos mentioned by some of the one-star reviewers, almost every book you'll ever read contains a handful. Some of these are bothersome, some are not. But, the story has clearly been professionally line-edited and copy-edited. The only typo that stood out to me was misplaced hanging quotation mark. But that's it.
July 11, 2019
This book was a very pleasant surprise. A lesson to be learned about the differences and similarities between people when least expected. Thank you Goodreads Giveaways.
July 10, 2019
Camp for feelings
This camp is for overweight teens. They learn how to grow a garden, cook and eat the food from the garden. They also exercise and do yoga. The important lesson is to forgive yourself and share your feelings when you're ready. A very good read!!!
This camp is for overweight teens. They learn how to grow a garden, cook and eat the food from the garden. They also exercise and do yoga. The important lesson is to forgive yourself and share your feelings when you're ready. A very good read!!!
October 2, 2021
i am Elephant, i am Butterfly is a book of discovery. No matter what road we take, others are on it too, dealing with their own issues. Pain doesn't come in a specific size, it fits us all, small or large.
Simone reached a point where she needed help and camp hopefully will bring that. She learns about herself and not everyone/everything is as it seems.
I deeply enjoyed this book and how it made me feel. I laughed, I cried (good and bad tears), but most of all, I took something away from it. I myself am on a journey of discovery, as I think many are nowadays.
I recommend this book for anyone that needs a book to just make you FEEL something. It deals with some more serious subject matters of teenage life, so I definitely say high school and up readers only.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Simone reached a point where she needed help and camp hopefully will bring that. She learns about herself and not everyone/everything is as it seems.
I deeply enjoyed this book and how it made me feel. I laughed, I cried (good and bad tears), but most of all, I took something away from it. I myself am on a journey of discovery, as I think many are nowadays.
I recommend this book for anyone that needs a book to just make you FEEL something. It deals with some more serious subject matters of teenage life, so I definitely say high school and up readers only.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2021
i am Elephant, i am Butterfly follows Simone as she spends the summer at Camp Kamama, a camp for morbidly obese teens. At first, Simone struggles with all of the activities, rules, and restrictions, but begins to ease into a routine thanks to the help of new friends. Simone then meets Phoebe from a seemingly rival camp; Phoebe, along with Phoebe's diary, lead Simone on an additional journey in her time at camp.
I had to sit and let this book sink in for a bit before writing my review. i am Elephant, i am Butterfly is a fascinating read; I was drawn in from the start and had trouble putting the book down. I like how Simone's story is not straightforward, and it develops and shows itself more and more as the book goes on. Her fellow campers had equally captivating stories, with each having their own struggles and unique relationship with themselves. Oh Phoebe: no spoilers, but she just broke my heart over and over again. i am Elephant, i am Butterfly is a heavy read, but one that should definitely be read by both teens and their parents.
TW for discussions on the topics of sexual assault and suicide.
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review.
I had to sit and let this book sink in for a bit before writing my review. i am Elephant, i am Butterfly is a fascinating read; I was drawn in from the start and had trouble putting the book down. I like how Simone's story is not straightforward, and it develops and shows itself more and more as the book goes on. Her fellow campers had equally captivating stories, with each having their own struggles and unique relationship with themselves. Oh Phoebe: no spoilers, but she just broke my heart over and over again. i am Elephant, i am Butterfly is a heavy read, but one that should definitely be read by both teens and their parents.
TW for discussions on the topics of sexual assault and suicide.
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review.
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