Toni's Reviews > I am Elephant, I am Butterfly

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.