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

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.