In a quiet neighborhood in Michigan, where neatly trimmed lawns and conformity prevail, 13-year-old Nova stands at the crossroads of rebellion and responsibility. When a cruel Homeowners Association (HOA) president, the stern Ms. Alba, targets Nova’s cherished milkweed garden as an eyesore, the stage is set for a feud like no other. Nova, a passionate advocate for the fragile monarch butterflies that rely on her milkweed haven, finds herself entangled in a war between her dreams and the rigid rules of the HOA. 

But the conflict isn’t confined to the manicured lawns–it seeps into the very heart of Nova’s family. 

As Nova navigates the storm, she discovers allies within her family–a knowledgeable grandmother who cares about traditions, and a father, mother, and brother who will do all they can to support her. Together, they form an alliance to defy Ms. Alba’s oppressive regime and save the milkweed that sustains the delicate monarch butterflies.

 

El jardín de las monarcas is a compelling tale of struggle, teenage rebellion, and the enduring power of nature. Nova’s struggle becomes a rallying cry for those who dare to defy the expectations of a rigid society. Will Nova’s tenacity and the enchanting flight of the monarch butterflies inspire a community to embrace the beauty that lies beyond conformity? In this poignant coming-of-age story, Nova learns that true strength lies not in uniformity, but in the ability to spread one’s wings and soar against the wind.

 

Level 1
Total Words: 1,175
Unique Word Count: 320
Tense(s): Mostly Present
Glossary: yes