The Boy with the Butterfly Mind
Julie Crawford’s whirlwind four-year-old is kicked out of preschool for aggression. She suspects he has ADHD, but faced with an unsafe daycare home, a husband who hates the idea of labeling their son a “problem,” and a supervisor who’s angry at the amount of time she’s absent from her teaching job, Julie is at a loss for where to turn.
Her ardent struggle to find a support team for her family forces her to become a student and ask for help, humbly face her own weaknesses, confront her dominant father and retreating husband, and fight for the best next steps for her son.
Lorelei Brush’s latest novel, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, is coming August 11th, 2026 through Simon and Schuster publishers. Learn more and pre-order your copy today.
REVIEWS:
A Beautiful Portrait
“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.”
An Insightful Portrayal
“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.”
Offers Hope for Parents
“As a preschool administrator who has worked with children over 40 years, I have seen many families dealing with children with ADHD. Sadly, I have had to disenroll children with these symptoms when they have hurt other children and then watch parents frantically look for another placement. It was reassuring to read about a family who struggle and yet find solutions for their child.”
The novel offers a detailed, sympathetic look at a young child with ADHD and Tourette syndrome; Brush also shows sympathy for the parents while still being realistic about their difficulties and conflicts. The writing is clear and engaging, and the novel is obviously written with great care and careful research—anyone with an interest in ADHD, or neurodivergence broadly, will find something worthwhile here."
- Kirkus Reviews
“Elegantly written and composed, this is literary fiction at its finest. Very highly recommended.”
- Reader's Favorite
Overview
The Neurodivergent Child
A Journey through Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Worried something’s wrong with your child? You’re not alone!
Meet Julie and Luke and their whirlwind four-year-old. When he’s thrown out of preschool for aggression, everyone offers advice. More discipline! Medicate him! It’s ADHD. No! He’s on the spectrum. Julie must stay home. What caused it? Who’s responsible? Luke feels guilty. “Even my genes are failures.” Julie, a math teacher, must solve this conundrum to save her child and her marriage.
