The Butterfly, drawn from Patricia Polacco's own family history - is a story of acceptance, courage and conviction set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied 1942 France. Monique is forever changed when she encounters Sevrine, a Jewish girl her age, hiding in her attic. Monique discovers that her mother and the family priest, members of the French Resistance, are giving refuge to Sevrine's family. When their secret is discovered, Monique rallies her courage to help lead her new found friend to safety.