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Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
For fans of Jodi Picoult and Bonnie Garmus, an illuminating novel about a mother struggling to raise a healthy neurodivergent child with a husband worn down by depression.
When Julie Crawford’s whirlwind four-year-old is kicked out of preschool, suspected of having ADHD—likely genetic—her husband moans from his recliner that “even my genes are failures.” At work, Julie is a high school math teacher who requires her students to solve complex problems. But faced with an unsafe daycare home and no other daycare openings, a husband who hates the idea of labeling their son as a “problem,” and a supervisor who’s angry at the amount of time she’s taking off school, she’s at a loss for how to come up with a solution to this particular dilemma.
Julie’s struggle to help her son ultimately demands a number of mindset shifts: a willingness to become a student and ask for help, a humble acceptance of her errors, a burgeoning strength to reckon with a dominant father and retreating husband—and the self-confidence to trust her instincts when it comes to deciding on the best next steps for her son.
When Julie Crawford’s whirlwind four-year-old is kicked out of preschool, suspected of having ADHD—likely genetic—her husband moans from his recliner that “even my genes are failures.” At work, Julie is a high school math teacher who requires her students to solve complex problems. But faced with an unsafe daycare home and no other daycare openings, a husband who hates the idea of labeling their son as a “problem,” and a supervisor who’s angry at the amount of time she’s taking off school, she’s at a loss for how to come up with a solution to this particular dilemma.
Julie’s struggle to help her son ultimately demands a number of mindset shifts: a willingness to become a student and ask for help, a humble acceptance of her errors, a burgeoning strength to reckon with a dominant father and retreating husband—and the self-confidence to trust her instincts when it comes to deciding on the best next steps for her son.
Product Details
- Publisher: She Writes Press (September 15, 2026)
- Length: 312 pages
- ISBN13: 9798896363644
Raves and Reviews
“The writing is clear and engaging . . . A compassionate book about neurodivergence.”—Kirkus Reviews
“With quiet conviction, Brush leaves readers with a hopeful proposition: that neurodivergence, when met with patience and support, may evolve from perceived burden into unexpected strength.”—BookLife Reviews
“Lorelei Brush’s The Boy with the Butterfly Mind is a beautiful look at the way one family has no choice but to manage childhood ADHD and inherited trauma in the marriage, medicine, faith, and everyday domestic life. The novel is extremely thoughtful, with a balance of both heartening and emotionally jarring scenes . . . Elegantly written and composed, this is literary fiction at its finest. Very highly recommended.”—Readers’ Favorite
“Butterflies are beautiful and elusive, much like the thoughts of someone with ADHD. The Boy with the Butterfly Mind paints a beautiful, heartbreaking, resilient, and informative picture that anyone grappling with ADHD should read.”—Brian Schwartz, ADHD coach
“When I read The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, I immediately thought about two seven-year-olds whom I suspect of having ADD or ADHD. The description of Patrick’s behaviors rang true, as did the author’s sensitive and insightful portrayal of the work/life issues faced by his parents. All parents will find the issues relatable.”—Dr. Wendy Goldberg, Professor Emerita of Psychological Science, University of California Irvine
“It was reassuring to read about a family like the Crawfords who struggle and yet find solutions for their child.”—Diane Smalley, Preschool Director
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Boy with the Butterfly Mind
Trade Paperback 9798896363644
