Butterflies in Me: An Anthology Bringing Awareness to Mental Health: Volume 1

Each of the four stories in this collection centers around an emotionally vulnerable child. As these children deal with anxiety, depression, and/or difficulties adjusting to school, caring adults help them find their voice. Each story is appropriately addressed and culturally relevant to the diverse characters' challenges. These works honor and celebrate the resiliency of Immigrant, African, African American, Indigenous, Latino, and other marginalized children.

There is 7-year-old Kenya, who struggles with anxiety. Permanently scarred from an accident, the stares and sneers she endures shatters her self-worth.
There is Lulu, who falls into depression following the death of her beloved Grandma. Will she ever be happy again?
Abbas is a new arrival to America. Adjusting to school proves difficult because he can't concentrate or sit still. He wonders if he's just a "bad" boy.
And then there is Javier, the captain of the soccer team. At school, he's a star. At home, he's a punching bag.

With guidance, support and love from caring adults, each child finds their voice and turns their troubles into triumphs. Through their journeys, they realize three simple truths:
They are special. They are strong. They did nothing wrong.

Written for children in grades K-8,​ Butterflies in Me is an inspiring collection of four stories from the pen of Denisha Seals, an up-and-coming artist, filmmaker, and survivor of abuse.

For those caring adults wanting to make a difference, see also the Practitioner Guide Tools for Children to Embrace and Maintain Their Mental Health, and the Learning to Love Your Butterfly: A workbook building self-esteem and resilience. Both tiles are companions to the short stories.