A Flicker of Hope

A Story of Migration

By: Cynthia Harmony

Narrated by: Victoria Villarreal

A heartwarming tale of a girl waiting for her beloved Papá to return when the monarchs fly south to their home in Mexico.

Lucía loves to watch the monarchs' migration from her home in Mexico with Papá. But this year, the monarchs' journey north holds extra weight; Papá is heading north, too, to look for work. He promises her that when "the weather turns cold and the monarcas return, our winged ancestors will guide me home." So while he spends the summer months harvesting produce on faraway farms, Lucía watches the skies for signs of the monarchs'—and her papá's—return.

Told through the parallel stories of the butterflies’ journey and Lucía's migrant farmer father, Cynthia Harmony's A Flicker of Hope is a love letter to the power of families and nature, both of which know no borders.

National Council of Teachers of English - Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction for Children Honor Book Award 2025 National Science Teaching Association Outstanding Science Trade Book
American Library Association Notable Children's Book 2025
A Kirkus Best Picture Books of the Year 2024
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2024
Chicago Public Library Best Books 2024

Critic reviews

Praise for A Flicker of Hope:

★ "A beautiful story about cycles and traditions that shines a light on migration."—Kirkus, starred review

★ "A Mexican girl waits for the return of her migrant farmworker father, whose departure parallels the migratory pattern of monarch butterflies, in this ecological tale of dual-species movement."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “Lyrical text and captivating illustrations create a truly compelling reading experience.... Magnificent and hopeful."—School Library Journal, starred review

★ “Rarely have the big ideas of family, tradition, labor, ecosystems, and interdependence been presented in such a loving and approachable way."—Booklist, starred review

"A treasure."—BCCB

Lovely children’s story

Uplifting and life-affirming story that reads like a song. Melodic in its rhythm; precise, warm, relevant, beautiful. An instant favorite in our home!