Significance of the butterfly garden Brady’s mother had a butterfly garden because she believed that butterflies represented little spirits, and one of these spirits could be Amanda, the five month old child she had lost. The butterfly garden symbolizes hope and had a healing effect on the two families in the book who had lost their children. It helped them cope with the death of their children and focus on new beginnings.

Brady’s relationship with the river The story takes place on the Corsica river and tells about Brady’s love/hate relationship with the river. Before the tragedy the river would soothe him but the tragedy changed his feelings towards the river. He blamed the river for stealing Ben’s life.

Focus on the economy of the region The book also refers to the economic problems facing the people of the Chesapeake Bay region. Some people were bitter because the richer families were taking over the land and this had an adverse effect on the residents and their means of earning a livelihood.

Discussion of moral issues. The book depicts the struggle of a thirteen year old boy as he is trying to decide on what is the right thing to do. It makes you realize that doing the right thing can sometimes be a very difficult decision. It teaches a lesson that being honest and bearing the consequences is the best choice.

Friendships and loyalties The book tells about the fact that circumstances force Brady to consider his loyalties and test his friendships. He is struggling with living with his guilt by keeping the secret and protecting his friends, or telling the truth about his friends involvement in the accident.

An important life lesson The book teaches an important life lesson. One should always think before acting. The consequences of a prank can be drastic.