This is an interesting read. We learn about some Native American beliefs and traditions which was cool. The story also talks about OCD and processing death and is slightly heavy for a middle grade read. However, there were some supernatural elements in this that tempered the big themes and made them more accessible, if unrealistic.

Collin counts the letters of the words people say and must say the total out loud. This has caused bullying and Collin's father can't handle the moving schools and fights any more, so he's sent to live with his estranged mother on a reservation. Collin immediately becomes friends with the girl next door and becomes happier. I loved his friendship/sort of romance with Orenda. She's sweet and smart and pushes Collin to go out of his comfort zone and confront his fears. Orenda is brave and her turning into a butterfly was sweet.

I didn't like how OCD was dealt with, it wasn't really treated properly and instead Collin makes progress through a dream where he fights a monster? I didn't understand the logic of that. There were some supernatural bits that I understand are part of the Native American culture but they seemed a bit out of place to me.

Collin's evolution made for a nice read and the family and friendship bonds were well written. The narrator for the audiobook did a great job and this kept me entertained.

I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Collin is a teenager with an OCD condition where he has to count and say out loud the number of letters said to him. It makes him a target of bullies and a source of frustration to his father. Collin and his dog Seven are sent to live with his Ojibwe mother on a reservation in Minnesota. He has never met his mother and knows nothing about her. His new neighbor Orenda spends most of her time in a tree house and believes she is becoming a butterfly. With the help of his mother, grandmother and friend Orenda, Collin learns a lot about himself and his new family.

This was a spectacular audiobook that I devoured quickly. The author did a fantastic job connecting the readers with the characters. The three new women in Collin’s life were all fabulous. One downside to audiobooks is it is difficult to go back and find a quote that you liked but the way Collin described his mother’s speech pattern stayed with me—Other people spoke in italics and she spoke in bold (hopefully I remembered it correctly). There was so much going on in the book but it did not feel rushed. It was sweet, funny, touching and it may me cry.

One note about the audio book vs. hard copy. The author asks something of the reader in the beginning of the book for when we are done reading the book. This can’t be done with an audio book which is a bit frustrating.