Red Flags and Butterflies

Lexie strives to be the perfect daughter — until her seemingly loving father gets in the way of her dreams.

Tenth-grader Lexie works overtime to help launch her father’s new renovation business, hoping that, in exchange, she’ll obtain his blessing to attend the art school of her dreams. But when she catches him in a compromising lie, Lexie must make an impossible choice between appeasing her father and staying true to herself.

“A tender, heartfelt, and intelligent coming-of-age story that celebrates quiet strength and trusting your instincts.” Starred Review — Kirkus Reviews

Straight A student, talented artist, swim team star — tenth-grader Lexie Moore is a shoo-in for Sunridge High’s prestigious fine art program, if only she can find the right words to tell her dad she wants to apply.

Lexie’s dad doesn’t see the point of some overpriced art school. He wants Lexie and her brother at home to help him launch his new renovation business. He says he can’t do this without her, so Lexie agrees to pitch in, just for a little while. If she supports his plan, then he’ll have to support hers, right? It’s only fair.

But Lexie’s dad has a very different definition of “fair,” and as his demands increase, his means of getting his way become more and more suffocating.

Red Flags and Butterflies is an engrossing story about a young person facing the realities of emotional abuse.