Kobo Canada, an ebook provider has selected The Butterfly’s Sting as a top young adult book of 2025! The book appears alongside titles such as Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins and The Book of Dust by Phillip Pullman.

Hicklebee’s Bookstore is a locally owned, long-standing children’s and young adult bookstore in San Jose, California. Owner Liz said the book “is fast-paced, and unflinching. The story shines a light on abuses of power, the struggles for youth in the foster system, and what it means to fight back against impossible odds. It’s gripping, and impossible to put down.”

How did The Butterfly’s Sting begin? What was the original idea? In her article for Writer’s Digest, Abbie Harlow describes the process of turning the One Direction fanfiction she wrote in high school into her debut young adult novel.

“If there’s anything I’ve learned from this process,” Harlow says, “it’s not to judge anything by its first draft or form.”

The Butterfly’s Sting has received a starred review from the School Library Journal. The reviewer describes Butterfly as “vivid,” “highly descriptive,” “raw and immediate,” and concludes: “its emotional depth makes it a truly impactful read. […] A compelling and important addition for mature young adult collections, this novel powerfully portrays the fight for freedom and self-determination against overwhelming odds.”

The School Library Journal is the “premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens” and publishes more than 6,000 reviews each year. A starred review indicates a work of special merit or distinction.

Kirkus has reviewed The Butterfly’s Sting, calling it “a raw and absorbing account of abuse and a girl’s relentless fight to claim her freedom.” Kirkus reviews 10,000 books a year and is an “honest and industry-trusted source” for reviews of upcoming books.

To read the full review, click below.

The Junior Library Guild has selected THE BUTTERFLY’S STING as a Gold Standard Selection! The Junior Library Guild is a library subscription service that chooses “the very best,” “buzz-worthy” titles for its seasonal selections.

How do you become a published author? At Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School’s Career Day in February 2025, Abbie Harlow answered that question. She talked with students about how she became interested in writing and the process of writing and preparing her debut novel, THE BUTTERFLY’S STING, ready for publication. To watch her presentation, click below!

THE BUTTERFLY’S STING is now available for preorder wherever books are sold!

Please preorder from your favorite local bookstore or head to Barnes & Noble, Target, Indiebound, or Amazon!

Karen Li and Shelley Tanaka at Groundwood has bought Abbie Harlow's debut YA novel, The Butterfly's Sting, the story of a teenage girl's efforts to save herself and her siblings from her abusive guardian, against the violent backdrop of an illegal boxing ring. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency did the deal for North American English/French rights.