"I Lived on Butterfly Hill" by Marjorie Agosín is a poignant historical novel for middle-grade readers, narrated by eleven-year-old Celeste Marconi. Set against the backdrop of political upheaval in Valparaíso, Chile, Celeste chronicles her life through letters, journal entries, and poetry. The story reflects her idyllic childhood and the impact of the violent 1973 coup that forces her family into hiding. Celeste’s passion for writing and her loving family are central to her world, but the increasing danger leads to her escape to the United States. In her new life in Juliette Cove, Maine, Celeste grapples with fitting in, bullying, and homesickness, ultimately finding solace in friendship with Kim, a fellow exile. As Chile transitions to a new democratic regime, Celeste's journey back home inspires her to promote literacy and healing in her beloved country. Agosín, drawing on her own childhood experiences during this tumultuous period, weaves themes of resilience, love, and the transformative power of language throughout this award-winning novel.
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