Butterfly Girl

by Sarah Floyd

Twelve-year-old Meghan is abandoned on her grandfather’s Oregon farm, stumbles on an ancestor’s magic spell book . . . and sprouts wings. When her absentee-mother shows up with superstar plans for her Winged Wonder Girl, Meghan must decide if a Hollywood life with the mother she longed for is worth leaving the friends who stood by her, and Grandpa, who loved her before the whole world knew her name.

228 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Sarah Floyd was born in Carmel Highlands, California, where she and her friends climbed trees, built forts, rode horses, and acted out adventure stories in the rugged Big Sur wilderness that surrounded their homes. When she was in fifth grade her family moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and then to San Francisco. She always brought her favorite books wherever she moved, and she always made new friends who loved to read. Now she writes books for children and teens — for her, it’s the best job in the world.

Sarah is the author of the upper middle grade novel, SURVIVOR MOUTAIN (Wild Ink Publishing, 2025), BUTTERFLY GIRL (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019, re-published by Wild Ink Publishing, 2025), and the picture book, TEN CLEVER NINJAS (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019). She is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and lives in Florida with her husband and college student son.

Reviews

[MIriam Spitzer Frankllin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will be drawn into this whimsical story about 12-year-old Meghan, who uncovers secrets about her identity and follows a magic spell that enables her to grow wings. Written in beautiful prose, BUTTERFLY GIRL paints a picture of the farm and surrounding countryside where Meghan lives with her grandfather. Not only does the story explore the joy Meghan feels when her dream of flying comes true, but it showcases the special relationship between Meghan and her grandfather who raised her for more than half her life. When her missing mother comes back in view only after she grows wings, this coming-of-age story shows how Meghan must make a decision about whether she will choose her own destiny or allow others to decide for her.

[Christine Laforet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meghan was always drawn to butterflies and when she learns about her ancestral past, she recites a “spell” to grow wings. This is a fast-paced, wonderfully written story with beautiful descriptions. I felt as if I was flying across the fields, through the trees, and over the hills with Meghan! Even though this MG novel is a fantasy, the character deals with realistic problems —the death of her father, a mother who left her and then returns, middle-school “classmate” drama, and choosing whether she wants to live with her grandfather on the farm or the circus-life with her mother. I really enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Fiona Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterfly Girl is a magical, glowing tale of self discovery and joy narrated by the brave, spunky protagonist 12 year old Meghan. Although fantasy, it skillfully tackles difficult teenage issues too. I thought the pacing was excellent, the characters tenderly and realistically depicted. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Meghan and her Grandfather.
In short, to be highly recommended and I can't wait to see what Sarah Floyd writes next.

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterfly Girl is a magical tale of adventure, discovery, growing up and acceptance. Sarah Floyd’s beautiful writing captures you and draws you in from the first page to the last. Her words bring the story to life, and gave me the warm, cosy feeling of listening to a storyteller around the campfire! A book not to be missed for all who dare to dream!