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Powerful, inspiring stories of perseverance and hope for children who feel alienated, out of place or overwhelmed.Each of the four stories in this collection centers around an emotionally vulnerable child. As these children deal with anxiety, depression, difficulties adjusting to school, caring adults help them find their voice. Each story is appropriately addressed and culturally relevant to the diverse characters' challenges. These works honor and celebrate the resiliency of Immigrant, African, African American, Indigenous, Latino, and other marginalized children.There is 7-year-old Kenya, who struggles with anxiety. Permanently scarred from an accident, the stares and sneers she endures shatters her self-worth.There is Lulu, who falls into depression following the death of her beloved Grandma. Will she ever be happy again? Abbas is a new arrival to America. Adjusting to school proves difficult because he can't concentrate or sit still. He wonders if he's just a "bad" boy. And then there is Javier, the captain of the soccer team. At school, he's a star. At home, he's a punching bag.With guidance, support and love from caring adults, each child finds their voice and turns their troubles into triumphs. Through their journeys, they realize three simple truths: They are special. They are strong. They did nothing wrong. Written for children in grades K-8, Butterflies in Me is from the pen of Denisha Seals, a survivor of abuse who is thriving as an up-and-coming artist and filmmaker.For those caring adults wanting to make a difference, see also the Butterflies in Me Practitioner Tools, and the Learning to Love Your Butterfly Youth Workbook.”Denisha Seals captures, in a truly beautiful way, her lived experience, her passion for children, and her dedication to healing in her inaugural book, The Butterflies in Me. The stories are authentic, deeply moving and hopeful. Gabhor Utomo’s artwork brings the stories to life and help to make Javier’s, Kenya’s, Abbas’ and Lulu’s memories and experiences even more compelling and engaging. The culturally-specific, deeply moving, and hopeful nature of the book should be experienced by any child who has experienced trauma and/or is living with a mental health challenge. I am so thankful to now have this resource I can share with my personal and professional network so we can add our voices to what I hope will be a growing community chorus: You are special, strong and you did nothing wrong!” - John Jeanetta, MBA, MSW, President & CEO of Heartland Family Services"