The Maps of Memory

Book excerpt: In this “captivating and exquisite” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) sequel to the Pura Belpré Award–winning I Lived on Butterfly Hill, thirteen-year-old Celeste Marconi returns home to Chile and after the dictator is removed, and makes it her mission to rebuild her community and find those who are still missing. During Celeste Marconi’s time in Maine, thoughts of the brightly colored cafes and salty air of Valparaíso, Chile, carried her through difficult, homesick days. Now, she’s finally returned home to find the horrible years of the dictatorship has left its mark on her once beautiful and vibrant community. Determined to help her beloved Butterfly Hill, she encourages and joins her neighbors in fighting to regain what they’ve lost. But more than anything, Celeste wishes she could find her best friend, Lucilla, who was one of thousands of people who “disappeared” during the dictatorship, who hasn’t been heard from in over a year. She joins protests for information, but the trail seems cold—until she receives a letter that changes everything. This sets Celeste off on her biggest adventure yet, where she’ll uncover more heartbreaking truths of what her country has endured. But every small victory makes a difference, and even if Butterfly Hill can never be what it was, moving forward and healing can make it something even better.