Velma feels she does not belong in the first grade. Everyone has "magnificent memories of the older Gratch girls" but no one remembers Velma's name. She even tries to misbehave in hopes of being notice; however, things begin to change with a science lesson about butterflies and a trip to the Butterfly Conservatory. Her sisters never went on a field trip there or learned about butterflies. At the Conservatory, a monarch roosts on Velma's finger and refuses to budge. This event transforms Velma's world. This is a delightful, amusing story about a young, unsure first grader who metamorphosis into a confident, nature lover. Madison has woven butterfly facts into the story and the wonderful illustrator Kevin Hawkes makes it a visual joy. It is no surprise that "Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly," is a California Young Medal Reader nominee.