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Make Way For Monarchs
Make Way For Monarchs, the third installment in the multi-award-winning Eco Warriors series, takes readers on a climate change–themed adventure with a girl who talks to animals.
Millions of orange-and-black monarch butterflies, exhausted after their long migration from the USA and Canada, are resting in the oyamel trees in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. As tween twin sisters Sydney and Sierra explore this unique high-elevation forest habitat, the butterflies, a trio of horses, and a cute little dog warn Sydney about the bad guys who are cutting down trees and endangering the monarchs.
Naturally Sydney seeks the advice of her science-savvy sister on how to assist the monarchs here in Mexico. However, Sierra wants to focus on projects that help the butterflies once they’ve migrated back into the USA. With mysterious drones and danger around every corner, the twins must figure out how to save the butterflies’ winter home and the migration route before it’s too late.
Millions of orange-and-black monarch butterflies, exhausted after their long migration from the USA and Canada, are resting in the oyamel trees in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. As tween twin sisters Sydney and Sierra explore this unique high-elevation forest habitat, the butterflies, a trio of horses, and a cute little dog warn Sydney about the bad guys who are cutting down trees and endangering the monarchs.
Naturally Sydney seeks the advice of her science-savvy sister on how to assist the monarchs here in Mexico. However, Sierra wants to focus on projects that help the butterflies once they’ve migrated back into the USA. With mysterious drones and danger around every corner, the twins must figure out how to save the butterflies’ winter home and the migration route before it’s too late.
246 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2025
About the author
Carolyn Armstrong
4 books117 followersCarolyn Armstrong is the award-winning author of Earth-friendly middle grade fiction. A former educator and now an imperfect environmentalist, she blends her love of travel and animal well-being into her stories. She encourages everyone to become advocates for Planet Earth. It’s as easy as picking up trash and refusing a plastic drinking straw! Head to www.ckabooks.com for free activities, monthly newsletters, and blogs about writing, books, and sustainability.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
March 15, 2026
I read this one with my 11-year-old nephew and my 13-year-old niece.
If you are interested in butterflies, particularly Monarchs, or are interested in learning Spanish, or are reading this for what you can learn about the environment and climate change, this book is for you.
My niece was interested in learning more about the bee hotel and making one for herself and in planting milkweed in her neighbourhood. My nephew was looking for butterflies on his scooter ride to see if he could impress us with finding male and female ones after learning about the identifying spots.
All three of us felt that this book sent mixed messages: it was geared for the 13-year-olds ’ reading level but was too ‘babyish’ for even the 11-year-old. Interestingly enough, the main characters were 11-year-old twin girls. We thought the book would have been geared toward this age group. My nephew checked out early after laughing at the animal-speak, and my niece read with her eyes rolling. Not good for a book supposedly geared to this age group. When she finished, my niece claimed she learned more Spanish words than facts about butterflies. So, if you are reading this for a school book report on Monarchs, you will need additional meaty references. We agreed that the book needed illustrations. There’s only one map at the beginning showing the monarch migration.
My thoughts weren’t much different. I’m still thinking about the generations involved in the migration and still thinking about the one-milkweed-one-egg situation. I don’t think I’ll be returning to this series.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
If you are interested in butterflies, particularly Monarchs, or are interested in learning Spanish, or are reading this for what you can learn about the environment and climate change, this book is for you.
My niece was interested in learning more about the bee hotel and making one for herself and in planting milkweed in her neighbourhood. My nephew was looking for butterflies on his scooter ride to see if he could impress us with finding male and female ones after learning about the identifying spots.
All three of us felt that this book sent mixed messages: it was geared for the 13-year-olds ’ reading level but was too ‘babyish’ for even the 11-year-old. Interestingly enough, the main characters were 11-year-old twin girls. We thought the book would have been geared toward this age group. My nephew checked out early after laughing at the animal-speak, and my niece read with her eyes rolling. Not good for a book supposedly geared to this age group. When she finished, my niece claimed she learned more Spanish words than facts about butterflies. So, if you are reading this for a school book report on Monarchs, you will need additional meaty references. We agreed that the book needed illustrations. There’s only one map at the beginning showing the monarch migration.
My thoughts weren’t much different. I’m still thinking about the generations involved in the migration and still thinking about the one-milkweed-one-egg situation. I don’t think I’ll be returning to this series.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 27, 2025
A beautiful story about two sisters with unique talents who fight to save the winter home of monarch butterflies. A gem!
Read
November 8, 2025Make Way for Monarchs by Carolyn Armstrong is an exciting and heartwarming eco-adventure. Twin sisters Sydney and Sierra visit Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains, where millions of monarch butterflies rest after their long migration. When the butterflies’ forest home is threatened by deforestation and mysterious drones, the sisters must work together to protect them. Sydney can talk to animals, adding a magical touch, while Sierra uses science and logic. Full of adventure, teamwork, and a strong message about caring for nature, this book shows that even small actions can make a big difference.
September 19, 2025
Actual rating 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
I very much liked Carolyn Armstrong's Make Way for Monarchs. I should mention that I have not read books 1 and 2 of the series, but this 3rd novel certainly makes me want to read those to get even more background on Sydney and Sierra and their adventures with their parents to do their part in working to protect wildlife and the environment.
I really like the twin sisters, Sydney and Sierra - as motivated as they are on their ecological missions with their parents, they are also pretty traditional tween siblings who argue, get annoyed at each other and their parents, don't always do what they're told, and sometimes get into trouble even though they're trying to do the right thing; in other words, "normal" almost teens that Middle Grade readers will relate to quite well. I think giving each twin her own special skills and gifts is a great element: Sierra with her tech savvy skills and fact-based approach to problem solving, and Sydney with her "animal-speak" and empathetic bond to nature. Not only does this help readers differentiate between the characters, it also creates both authentic tensions between the sisters and organic plot elements to make the story more exciting and memorable.
Armstrong also provides thoughtful, well rounded, and caring adult characters, especially the twins' parents, that can encourage Middle Grade readers to seek out connections to the adults in their lives to help them with their own dreams and goals.
I was quite impressed with the details of the story that really lays out the complicated threats to the Monarch butterflies, the almost miraculous feat these butterflies accomplish during their migrations, and the small and big ways everyday people, including children, can get involved to help this threatened species. I know I will be planting milkweed in my garden to provide one of Sierra's Way stations!! I loved the information provided at the end of the book with conservation and other useful tips that anyone can do.
My 1/2 star deduction comes from a tiny concern that the rather dangerous situation Sydney and Sierra experience in their attempt to help the butterflies could lead some readers to "break the rules" and get into serious trouble that doesn't have the positive outcome the girls have in the book - the way that situation is resolved didn't ring as authentic to me as the rest of the story, and it could generate some misguided sense of safety to more impressionable readers.
Finally, I did like the way Armstrong weaved in Spanish "lessons," geographical and scientific facts, and a call for environmental conservation action in authentic, organic, non-preachy ways throughout the novel. As readers, we never lose the story through-line, and for Middle Graders, this is highly important. They won't absorb the message if they lose sight of the story and get bored.
Thanks to Carolyn Armstrong and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this Advance Review Copy for free, and I leave this review voluntarily.
I very much liked Carolyn Armstrong's Make Way for Monarchs. I should mention that I have not read books 1 and 2 of the series, but this 3rd novel certainly makes me want to read those to get even more background on Sydney and Sierra and their adventures with their parents to do their part in working to protect wildlife and the environment.
I really like the twin sisters, Sydney and Sierra - as motivated as they are on their ecological missions with their parents, they are also pretty traditional tween siblings who argue, get annoyed at each other and their parents, don't always do what they're told, and sometimes get into trouble even though they're trying to do the right thing; in other words, "normal" almost teens that Middle Grade readers will relate to quite well. I think giving each twin her own special skills and gifts is a great element: Sierra with her tech savvy skills and fact-based approach to problem solving, and Sydney with her "animal-speak" and empathetic bond to nature. Not only does this help readers differentiate between the characters, it also creates both authentic tensions between the sisters and organic plot elements to make the story more exciting and memorable.
Armstrong also provides thoughtful, well rounded, and caring adult characters, especially the twins' parents, that can encourage Middle Grade readers to seek out connections to the adults in their lives to help them with their own dreams and goals.
I was quite impressed with the details of the story that really lays out the complicated threats to the Monarch butterflies, the almost miraculous feat these butterflies accomplish during their migrations, and the small and big ways everyday people, including children, can get involved to help this threatened species. I know I will be planting milkweed in my garden to provide one of Sierra's Way stations!! I loved the information provided at the end of the book with conservation and other useful tips that anyone can do.
My 1/2 star deduction comes from a tiny concern that the rather dangerous situation Sydney and Sierra experience in their attempt to help the butterflies could lead some readers to "break the rules" and get into serious trouble that doesn't have the positive outcome the girls have in the book - the way that situation is resolved didn't ring as authentic to me as the rest of the story, and it could generate some misguided sense of safety to more impressionable readers.
Finally, I did like the way Armstrong weaved in Spanish "lessons," geographical and scientific facts, and a call for environmental conservation action in authentic, organic, non-preachy ways throughout the novel. As readers, we never lose the story through-line, and for Middle Graders, this is highly important. They won't absorb the message if they lose sight of the story and get bored.
Thanks to Carolyn Armstrong and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this Advance Review Copy for free, and I leave this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2026
Make Way For Monarchs by Carolyn Armstrong follows two gifted twin sisters Sierra and Sydney. On a family trip to South America to witness the monarch butterflies’ winter migration, the story blends environmental education, adventure, and sibling dynamics against the backdrop of a breathtaking high-elevation habitat.
As the twins explore this unique ecosystem, they uncover a troubling reality: “bad guys” are cutting down trees and threatening the monarchs’ fragile winter home. What begins as an educational hike quickly turns into a race against time.
Sydney, who possesses an animal-speak ability, calls on unexpected allies, including the butterflies themselves, a trio of horses, and an adorable little dog to gather help. Sierra, on the other hand, relies on her scientific thinking and problem-solving skills to brainstorm practical solutions. Together, the sisters dodge mysterious drones and navigate danger around every corner as they attempt to protect the monarch sanctuary before it’s too late.
For a middle-grade book, it’s clear that the story is written with its target readers in mind. Armstrong blends science facts into the adventure and touches on themes like environmental conservation, sibling relationships, different learning styles, and even a bit of parent-child tension. The Spanish vocabulary sprinkled throughout the story also adds a nice cultural layer and helps bring the setting to life.
That said, while the goal behind the book is thoughtful and meaningful, the execution doesn’t always feel smooth. The story sits somewhere between a novel and a science lesson. Environmental topics like monarch conservation may feel less intimidating in more visual formats which are mostly used in books for younger readers, but here the book aims at older middle-grade readers and leans heavily on explanation. A lot of the dialogue is used to share information, which means the characters don’t always feel as dynamic or emotionally engaging as they could.
The book also tries to balance the serious reality of environmental threats with an encouraging message that kids can truly make a difference. While that’s a wonderful goal, the balance doesn’t completely land. With adventure, science, culture, sibling growth, and activism all packed into one story, it can feel a bit overloaded at times, which affects the pacing and emotional payoff.
There’s definitely a specific group of middle-grade readers, especially those who love science-heavy stories and care deeply about conservation, who may really enjoy this one. However, it might not have wide appeal. It’s a bit "informal" for most classroom science use and not quite strong enough stylistically to stand out as a literature study choice.
Overall, Make Way For Monarchs is a well-intentioned environmental adventure that offers important themes and imaginative elements, but it doesn’t fully deliver the narrative depth or balance needed to engage a wider readership.
As the twins explore this unique ecosystem, they uncover a troubling reality: “bad guys” are cutting down trees and threatening the monarchs’ fragile winter home. What begins as an educational hike quickly turns into a race against time.
Sydney, who possesses an animal-speak ability, calls on unexpected allies, including the butterflies themselves, a trio of horses, and an adorable little dog to gather help. Sierra, on the other hand, relies on her scientific thinking and problem-solving skills to brainstorm practical solutions. Together, the sisters dodge mysterious drones and navigate danger around every corner as they attempt to protect the monarch sanctuary before it’s too late.
For a middle-grade book, it’s clear that the story is written with its target readers in mind. Armstrong blends science facts into the adventure and touches on themes like environmental conservation, sibling relationships, different learning styles, and even a bit of parent-child tension. The Spanish vocabulary sprinkled throughout the story also adds a nice cultural layer and helps bring the setting to life.
That said, while the goal behind the book is thoughtful and meaningful, the execution doesn’t always feel smooth. The story sits somewhere between a novel and a science lesson. Environmental topics like monarch conservation may feel less intimidating in more visual formats which are mostly used in books for younger readers, but here the book aims at older middle-grade readers and leans heavily on explanation. A lot of the dialogue is used to share information, which means the characters don’t always feel as dynamic or emotionally engaging as they could.
The book also tries to balance the serious reality of environmental threats with an encouraging message that kids can truly make a difference. While that’s a wonderful goal, the balance doesn’t completely land. With adventure, science, culture, sibling growth, and activism all packed into one story, it can feel a bit overloaded at times, which affects the pacing and emotional payoff.
There’s definitely a specific group of middle-grade readers, especially those who love science-heavy stories and care deeply about conservation, who may really enjoy this one. However, it might not have wide appeal. It’s a bit "informal" for most classroom science use and not quite strong enough stylistically to stand out as a literature study choice.
Overall, Make Way For Monarchs is a well-intentioned environmental adventure that offers important themes and imaginative elements, but it doesn’t fully deliver the narrative depth or balance needed to engage a wider readership.
July 6, 2026
I picked this up because I enjoy middle-grade adventures, but I wasn't expecting to come away thinking so much about monarch butterflies. That's honestly what surprised me the most. Carolyn Armstrong manages to take something many of us learned about in school and turn it into a story where you genuinely care about what happens to every stage of their incredible journey.
Sydney's ability to communicate with animals could have easily felt like a fun fantasy element, but instead it becomes the perfect way to help younger readers see the natural world from a completely different perspective. The butterflies, horses, and even the little dog aren't just there to move the plot along—they make you stop and think about what habitat loss actually means for the creatures living through it.
I also liked that the story doesn't present conservation as something with one simple answer. Sydney wants to protect the butterflies where they spend the winter in Mexico, while Sierra is thinking about helping them once they return to the United States. That disagreement actually made the story stronger because it shows that solving environmental problems takes people working together from different angles.
The adventure itself kept me engaged with the mysterious drones, the danger in the forest, and the race against time, but what stayed with me after I finished was the setting. Knowing that these forests really exist and that millions of monarchs depend on them gave the story an emotional weight I wasn't expecting from a middle-grade novel.
This is one of those books that entertains first and educates almost without you realizing it. I can easily imagine young readers finishing it and immediately wanting to learn more about monarch butterflies, climate change, and how small actions can make a difference. That's probably the highest compliment I can give it.
Sydney's ability to communicate with animals could have easily felt like a fun fantasy element, but instead it becomes the perfect way to help younger readers see the natural world from a completely different perspective. The butterflies, horses, and even the little dog aren't just there to move the plot along—they make you stop and think about what habitat loss actually means for the creatures living through it.
I also liked that the story doesn't present conservation as something with one simple answer. Sydney wants to protect the butterflies where they spend the winter in Mexico, while Sierra is thinking about helping them once they return to the United States. That disagreement actually made the story stronger because it shows that solving environmental problems takes people working together from different angles.
The adventure itself kept me engaged with the mysterious drones, the danger in the forest, and the race against time, but what stayed with me after I finished was the setting. Knowing that these forests really exist and that millions of monarchs depend on them gave the story an emotional weight I wasn't expecting from a middle-grade novel.
This is one of those books that entertains first and educates almost without you realizing it. I can easily imagine young readers finishing it and immediately wanting to learn more about monarch butterflies, climate change, and how small actions can make a difference. That's probably the highest compliment I can give it.
October 4, 2025
Do you know where butterflies go in the fall?
The monarch butterflies are heading from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico right now for wintering. To be exact, they long to rest at their home – the oyamel trees in the Sierra Madre mountains.
After making their 3,000-mile journey, they discover that their habitat in Mexico is under threat from deforestation and human activity. And to such a serious problem, all the answers Sydney has gotten from everyone are: “Un problema MUY complicado.” (A very complicated problem). She simply cannot sit around anymore and sets things into motion.
Sydney is in Mexico with her sister Sierra and her parents, all environmentalists in their own way. This is a very lovely middle grade travelogue, following Sydney on her mission to rescue the monarchs. I particularly enjoyed the scenery and the encounters with local people. I loved the steaming coffee! I also now have some ideas of what to order when one day I travel to Mexico: chilaquiles, conchas, and churros. And I won’t forget to tell the cook “¡Qué rica!” (How delicious!).
Like a cocoon transformed into a butterfly, Sydney grows up during the journey too. I, myself, am inspired by this fragile yet very capable monarch.
“Monarchs, known as the travelers, achieve the impossible. They are a symbol of growth, transformation, and resilience.”
This book reminded me of my absolute favourite, Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson.
Thanks to Climate Kid Adventure, Carolyn Armstrong and Netgalley for the eARC of Make Way For Monarchs by Carolyn Armstrong.
This book review was first published on 26 September 2025 at https://thejourney-writing.com/
The monarch butterflies are heading from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico right now for wintering. To be exact, they long to rest at their home – the oyamel trees in the Sierra Madre mountains.
After making their 3,000-mile journey, they discover that their habitat in Mexico is under threat from deforestation and human activity. And to such a serious problem, all the answers Sydney has gotten from everyone are: “Un problema MUY complicado.” (A very complicated problem). She simply cannot sit around anymore and sets things into motion.
Sydney is in Mexico with her sister Sierra and her parents, all environmentalists in their own way. This is a very lovely middle grade travelogue, following Sydney on her mission to rescue the monarchs. I particularly enjoyed the scenery and the encounters with local people. I loved the steaming coffee! I also now have some ideas of what to order when one day I travel to Mexico: chilaquiles, conchas, and churros. And I won’t forget to tell the cook “¡Qué rica!” (How delicious!).
Like a cocoon transformed into a butterfly, Sydney grows up during the journey too. I, myself, am inspired by this fragile yet very capable monarch.
“Monarchs, known as the travelers, achieve the impossible. They are a symbol of growth, transformation, and resilience.”
This book reminded me of my absolute favourite, Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson.
Thanks to Climate Kid Adventure, Carolyn Armstrong and Netgalley for the eARC of Make Way For Monarchs by Carolyn Armstrong.
This book review was first published on 26 September 2025 at https://thejourney-writing.com/
March 13, 2026
Make Way for Monarchs is the third book in Carolyn Armstrong’s ECO Warrior series and features almost twelve-year-old Sydney and her family as they travel to the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico to better understand monarchs’ annual 3000-mile migration and the urgent threats facing monarchs in their overwintering environments.
Sidney and her twin sister Sierra each bring unique talents to their shared mission of protecting the monarchs. Sierra’s passion for facts and her fluency in Spanish allow her to pick up valuable information wherever she goes. And Sidney’s ability to speak directly to the monarchs gives her an intimate understanding of their plight. However as sisters, they don’t always appreciate each other or agree on how to proceed when developing a plan for taking action. It’s not until Sydney takes a huge and dangerous risk that the girls fully recognize that their cooperation yields the greatest impact.
Make Way for Monarchs is a fun and informative read. The story is comprehensive in introducing the intersecting factors that complicate protection of monarchs but presents information in a vibrant and easy to understand way. Most importantly, readers take away an actionable understanding that both small steps and bigger efforts are essential for monarch survival.
Sidney and her twin sister Sierra each bring unique talents to their shared mission of protecting the monarchs. Sierra’s passion for facts and her fluency in Spanish allow her to pick up valuable information wherever she goes. And Sidney’s ability to speak directly to the monarchs gives her an intimate understanding of their plight. However as sisters, they don’t always appreciate each other or agree on how to proceed when developing a plan for taking action. It’s not until Sydney takes a huge and dangerous risk that the girls fully recognize that their cooperation yields the greatest impact.
Make Way for Monarchs is a fun and informative read. The story is comprehensive in introducing the intersecting factors that complicate protection of monarchs but presents information in a vibrant and easy to understand way. Most importantly, readers take away an actionable understanding that both small steps and bigger efforts are essential for monarch survival.
August 3, 2026
I found this book through a children's literature book club, and I'm happy I gave it a chance.
The strongest part of the story, in my opinion, is the setting. The butterfly sanctuary feels incredibly vivid, and the author does a wonderful job helping readers understand why the oyamel forest matters so much. I also appreciated how the relationship between Sydney and Sierra never feels perfect. They interrupt each other, disagree, and sometimes get on each other's nerves, just like real siblings.
I especially enjoyed the scenes where Sydney begins connecting the clues surrounding the butterflies, the drone, and the people working to protect the forest. Those moments kept me engaged because I wanted to see how everything would fit together.
The reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five is simply that I wished a few of the quieter conversations lasted a little longer because I enjoyed spending time with these characters. That said, the adventure, the environmental message, and the emotional connection more than make this a worthwhile read.
I'd happily recommend it to families, classrooms, and anyone looking for a story that celebrates curiosity, compassion, and the natural world without ever losing its sense of adventure.
The strongest part of the story, in my opinion, is the setting. The butterfly sanctuary feels incredibly vivid, and the author does a wonderful job helping readers understand why the oyamel forest matters so much. I also appreciated how the relationship between Sydney and Sierra never feels perfect. They interrupt each other, disagree, and sometimes get on each other's nerves, just like real siblings.
I especially enjoyed the scenes where Sydney begins connecting the clues surrounding the butterflies, the drone, and the people working to protect the forest. Those moments kept me engaged because I wanted to see how everything would fit together.
The reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five is simply that I wished a few of the quieter conversations lasted a little longer because I enjoyed spending time with these characters. That said, the adventure, the environmental message, and the emotional connection more than make this a worthwhile read.
I'd happily recommend it to families, classrooms, and anyone looking for a story that celebrates curiosity, compassion, and the natural world without ever losing its sense of adventure.
February 23, 2026
My 9 year old absolutely loved this book. She liked how it wasn't solely informational, but the information was there, woven throughout the story. She feels like she learned a lot about monarch butterflies as an endangered species, and how they overwinter in Mexico. She really liked the animals in the story, and how they helped the main character Sydney to recognize danger, or give her clues to catch the illegal activity that was further endangering the butterflies. She also liked how it taught some Spanish phrases at the end and sometimes throughout the book.
As a parent, I've struggled to get my 9-year-old to read chapter books - she usually prefers graphic novels. I am thrilled that she enjoyed this book so much, and that she is excited to read more in the series. Any chapter book that gets her so deeply drawn in to this book will get my unequivocal recommendation. I appreciated the science information and Spanish language woven throughout, as well as the ecological orientation of the story. I also think that the book had great ideas for kids "who want to DO more" with applicable ideas to be more environmentally friendly.
I think this book would be a great read for ages 7-12.
We received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for our honest review.
As a parent, I've struggled to get my 9-year-old to read chapter books - she usually prefers graphic novels. I am thrilled that she enjoyed this book so much, and that she is excited to read more in the series. Any chapter book that gets her so deeply drawn in to this book will get my unequivocal recommendation. I appreciated the science information and Spanish language woven throughout, as well as the ecological orientation of the story. I also think that the book had great ideas for kids "who want to DO more" with applicable ideas to be more environmentally friendly.
I think this book would be a great read for ages 7-12.
We received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for our honest review.
August 3, 2026
This ended up being one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you emotionally.
I picked it up after someone in my local reading group mentioned how much they enjoyed the Eco Warriors series. I expected a fun middle grade adventure, but what surprised me most was the atmosphere. The author makes the butterfly sanctuary feel peaceful and almost sacred. The scenes where everyone has to remain quiet so the monarchs can rest created such a unique mood that I found myself slowing down while reading.
Sydney's curiosity kept me engaged the entire time. From the mysterious buzzing drone to the stranger appearing in the forest, I loved trying to figure things out alongside her. Those moments added just enough mystery without taking attention away from the butterflies themselves.
What earned the fifth star from me was how naturally conservation becomes part of the story. It never felt like someone was lecturing me. Instead, I cared because Sydney cared, and that made all the difference.
I finished the book with a new appreciation for monarch migration and the incredible journey these butterflies make every year. That's the sign of a story that has done its job well.
I picked it up after someone in my local reading group mentioned how much they enjoyed the Eco Warriors series. I expected a fun middle grade adventure, but what surprised me most was the atmosphere. The author makes the butterfly sanctuary feel peaceful and almost sacred. The scenes where everyone has to remain quiet so the monarchs can rest created such a unique mood that I found myself slowing down while reading.
Sydney's curiosity kept me engaged the entire time. From the mysterious buzzing drone to the stranger appearing in the forest, I loved trying to figure things out alongside her. Those moments added just enough mystery without taking attention away from the butterflies themselves.
What earned the fifth star from me was how naturally conservation becomes part of the story. It never felt like someone was lecturing me. Instead, I cared because Sydney cared, and that made all the difference.
I finished the book with a new appreciation for monarch migration and the incredible journey these butterflies make every year. That's the sign of a story that has done its job well.
March 11, 2026
ARC Review – Make Way for Monarchs by Carolyn Armstrong
I really enjoyed Make Way for Monarchs. It’s a fun and engaging middle-grade adventure that also highlights an important environmental issue. Following twins Sydney and Sierra as they travel to Mexico and discover that the monarch butterflies’ sanctuary is under threat made for an exciting and meaningful story.
I especially liked the dynamic between the sisters and how their different strengths help them work together to solve problems. The story also includes interesting facts about monarch migration and conservation, which made it both entertaining and educational.
Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read with a great message about protecting nature. I think young readers who love animals, adventure, and environmental themes will really enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed Make Way for Monarchs. It’s a fun and engaging middle-grade adventure that also highlights an important environmental issue. Following twins Sydney and Sierra as they travel to Mexico and discover that the monarch butterflies’ sanctuary is under threat made for an exciting and meaningful story.
I especially liked the dynamic between the sisters and how their different strengths help them work together to solve problems. The story also includes interesting facts about monarch migration and conservation, which made it both entertaining and educational.
Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read with a great message about protecting nature. I think young readers who love animals, adventure, and environmental themes will really enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 13, 2025
Sierra and Sydney are sisters, and both are very gifted, but the resemblance ends there. On a hike to see the monarch butterflies in South America, the reader gets to see how the different talents of the two children complement their efforts for environment conservation.
Sydney is waiting to find out her role in helping the monarchs, but in the meantime, the girls and their parents are learning about amazing nature facts and the threats faced by this incredible ecosystem.
The story is very well suited to the readers in the target group, packaging the information and learning as part of the story telling. Sierra's facility with language also allows for the inclusion of a large number of Spanish words. This one gets a solid 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Sydney is waiting to find out her role in helping the monarchs, but in the meantime, the girls and their parents are learning about amazing nature facts and the threats faced by this incredible ecosystem.
The story is very well suited to the readers in the target group, packaging the information and learning as part of the story telling. Sierra's facility with language also allows for the inclusion of a large number of Spanish words. This one gets a solid 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 10, 2026
This is Carolyn Armstrong’s third book in the Eco-Warrior series, with twin sisters Sierra and Sydney off on another adventure where they must save the Monarch butterflies migration route and winter home. Their adventures take them high up the Sierra Madre Mountains, where Sydney uses her special gift of empathy, understanding, and speaking with animals, while Sierra uses her strong scientific skills. Together they team up as eco-warriors, working to save our planet. Carolyn Armstrong has created such compelling characters, with science-based, climate and conservation based themes that are relevant and resonant with today’s readers. This brilliant series is perfect for independent reading and also for classrooms, with its wealth of information in the end notes. I’m excited for another adventure. Keep them coming!
September 30, 2025
As both a teacher and a parent, I value stories that engage young people while asking them to think critically about the world they live in. Carolyn Armstrong writes beautifully in Make Way for Monarchs, blending adventure, mystery, and imagination with the very real challenges of climate change and conservation. This book opens a door for meaningful conversations between children, parents, and educators about responsibility, collaboration, and care for the Earth. Armstrong’s vivid storytelling helps young readers see themselves as part of the solution, reminding us all that literature can inspire both wonder and action.
May 5, 2026
I found Make Way for Monarchs through a book club pick I almost skipped, and I’m honestly glad I didn’t. There’s something quietly powerful about the way the story opens with the monarchs resting in the oyamel trees it immediately sets this fragile, almost sacred tone. Sydney’s connection to the animals adds this layer of wonder, but what really stayed with me was the tension between her and Sierra. One wants to act now, the other wants a long-term solution, and that felt so real. I gave it 5 stars because it doesn’t just tell a story it puts you right in the middle of a living ecosystem and makes you care about what happens to it.
August 11, 2026
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this book. The image of millions of monarchs resting together in the trees was beautiful, and I liked how Sydney gradually became more aware of how vulnerable their habitat was. The mysterious drone and the man Sydney sees in the forest also gave the story some welcome suspense. I gave it four stars because I occasionally wanted the story to slow down and explore certain moments a little more, but I still found myself invested in Sydney's determination to help the butterflies. It's a thoughtful adventure that can introduce young readers to conservation without losing the fun of the story.
August 11, 2026
Make Way for Monarchs was a really enjoyable read. I especially liked Sydney because she doesn't seem willing to simply accept that a problem is "too complicated" to solve. Her concern for the monarchs feels genuine, and the scenes in the oyamel forest gave the story a wonderful sense of place. I also enjoyed the contrast between Sydney and Sierra, especially when Sierra gets excited about sharing facts and Sydney just wants to follow her instincts. I'm giving it four stars because I would have liked a little more time with some of the supporting characters, but overall this was an engaging adventure with a message that stayed with me.
August 17, 2026
The butterfly sanctuary scenes were probably my favorite part of the whole book. There was something beautiful about Sydney finally reaching the forest after struggling with the altitude and then seeing the trees covered in monarchs. The description of all those butterflies gathered together really stayed with me. I also loved the quieter moments when Sydney was simply watching them and trying to understand her mission. It made the story feel bigger than just an adventure. There is a real sense of wonder here, but also a reminder that this beautiful place is fragile. I finished this feeling more curious about monarchs than I was before I started.
August 17, 2026
Sydney is such a lovable character because she doesn't pretend to have everything figured out. She gets frustrated, she gets tired, she argues with her sister, and sometimes she definitely acts before thinking. But when it comes to the animals, her heart is always in the right place. I especially liked the scene where she finds the exhausted monarch and carefully moves him beside the little stream so he can drink. That felt very true to who she is. I gave this five stars because the environmental message comes through the character rather than feeling like a lecture. You care because Sydney cares.
August 17, 2026
I really liked the mix of humor and seriousness in this story. Sydney talking to Capaleen and the other horses gave me several little laughs, especially when the horses started commenting on her. Then the story gradually became more serious once Sydney began noticing the drone and the man who had gone off the trail. That change in tone worked really well for me. I also appreciated the family's different personalities. Sierra wants facts, Sydney wants answers, and their parents are trying to keep everyone safe. It gave the story a warm family feeling underneath the larger conservation story. Five stars for me.
August 17, 2026
One of the things I loved most was Sydney's refusal to accept "it's complicated" as an answer. When she learns that illegal loggers are cutting down the trees where the monarchs roost, her reaction feels completely natural. She's basically saying, if something is wrong, why can't we do something about it? That determination makes her such an easy character to root for. I also enjoyed the way Sierra challenges her because she has a different idea of how to help the butterflies. Neither sister is completely wrong, which made their conflict more interesting. This is a hopeful story with plenty of heart.
August 17, 2026
I really appreciated the respect the story shows for the butterfly sanctuary. The rule about remaining silent initially sounds funny from Sydney's point of view, but once she learns why the monarchs need quiet, it makes complete sense. I also found the discussion about people who believe the butterflies carry the souls of their ancestors surprisingly touching. It gave the sanctuary a deeper feeling without taking away from Sydney's playful personality. This book manages to teach quite a lot while still feeling like a real story with humor, family moments, mystery, and adventure. That balance is what earned my five stars.
September 21, 2025
Thank you Carolyn Armstrong, Climate Kid Adventure Books and NetGalley for a copy of *Make Way For Monarchs* in exchange for my honest review 🦋🧡
My tween and I read this book together and enjoyed every second! This story full of adventure, action, fun and wonder had us hooked from the very first page. The twins are clever, brave and lovable. Their differences make for such a great dynamic. The story is like a nature documentary mixed with an action movie, in the best possible way. It's fast-paced, heartwarming and magical. A wonderful read for all ages in our opinion!🧡
My tween and I read this book together and enjoyed every second! This story full of adventure, action, fun and wonder had us hooked from the very first page. The twins are clever, brave and lovable. Their differences make for such a great dynamic. The story is like a nature documentary mixed with an action movie, in the best possible way. It's fast-paced, heartwarming and magical. A wonderful read for all ages in our opinion!🧡
October 8, 2025
This book is a wonderful tale of resourcefulness and hope in a time where it can feel overwhelming to take a stand. The message from Seguro, the horse “do one thing “ should be the message we all take from this book.
While we can’t all travel to Mexico and watch the Monarch’s migration, author Carolyn Armstrong gives easy steps that the reader can take at home to make a difference. I feel this book would be a good assigned reading for an eco unit.
I would recommend this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
While we can’t all travel to Mexico and watch the Monarch’s migration, author Carolyn Armstrong gives easy steps that the reader can take at home to make a difference. I feel this book would be a good assigned reading for an eco unit.
I would recommend this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 12, 2025
“I came across Make Way for Monarchs through a book club placement service, and I’m so glad I did. This story absolutely glows with heart and purpose. Carolyn Armstrong doesn’t just tell a tale about two sisters and a butterfly migration she captures what it means to care deeply for the world around us. The mix of adventure, danger, and hope kept me turning pages long into the night. It reminded me how small actions, even from young voices, can lead to big change. A truly moving and unforgettable read.”
October 15, 2025
“We had such a great discussion about this one! Everyone in our group was amazed even me self I was amazed at how much we learned about monarch migration without ever feeling like we were reading a textbook. The story’s full of suspense, but it’s also filled with heart. The scenes with the drones and illegal logging really opened our eyes to how fragile these ecosystems are. Armstrong has such a warm, cinematic way of writing we could all picture the mountains and butterflies as if we were there.”
October 15, 2025
“Our book club picked Make Way for Monarchs because we wanted something meaningful yet fun and it delivered. We all loved the mix of real science and heartfelt storytelling. The image of millions of monarchs resting in the Sierra Madre forests was just breathtaking. Sydney and Sierra felt like real girls curious, brave, and sometimes unsure of what’s right and that made their journey even more relatable. This is the kind of book that sparks real conversation about the world we live in. Five glowing stars.”
November 11, 2025
Any budding environmentalist will love Sydney and her ability to talk to animals. Sydney's quest to save the monarchs' trees in Mexico is laced with fascinating monarch facts. I also appreciate that while those cutting down the trees are definitely the Bad Guys, Armstrong does note the economic forces that lead people to take such action. As is often repeated in the story, "It's complicated." Kids can deal with nuanced situations, and most environmental issues are quite nuanced. I can see kids who love animals and the environment gobbling up this tale.
November 20, 2025
The author creates vivid characters and a compelling story line that is suspenseful, engaging and empowering for tweens. It is part fantasy, with the protagonist Sydney’s ability to communicate with animals, and part scientific, with her brainiac twin sister Sierra sharing amazing facts about the Monarch Butterfly. The reader is drawn into the mystery of who is killing the Monarch Butterflies and roots for the tweens as they search for ways to help. I can’t wait for my grandchildren to read it!
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