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The Year of the Buttered Cat: A mostly true story
Thirteen years ago, when she was just a tiny baby, something terrible happened to Lexi Haas. Something criminal. It left her with an out-of-control body and without a voice. Now, as a precocious, superhero-obsessed teen, Lexi is counting down the final 24 hours to a risky brain surgery that might help her talk or—dare she dream it?—to walk and use her hands. As surgery grows closer, Lexi finds an urgent, relentless need to share the story of the year in her life she calls The Year of the Buttered Cat.
That year, on the verge of shutting out the rest of the world, Lexi began a gutsy and solitary quest to find her “missing” body. After the family cat went missing, too, and a mysterious letter appeared, Lexi reluctantly enlisted two budding friends to aid her search. But when these friends also disappeared, Lexi had to learn new ways to reach out to the world to save her friendships and uncover the truth about what happened to her as a baby.
The Year of the Buttered Cat is a middle grade (and up!) memoir based on the real-life story of Lexi Haas.
That year, on the verge of shutting out the rest of the world, Lexi began a gutsy and solitary quest to find her “missing” body. After the family cat went missing, too, and a mysterious letter appeared, Lexi reluctantly enlisted two budding friends to aid her search. But when these friends also disappeared, Lexi had to learn new ways to reach out to the world to save her friendships and uncover the truth about what happened to her as a baby.
The Year of the Buttered Cat is a middle grade (and up!) memoir based on the real-life story of Lexi Haas.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2021
25 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 27, 2021
This is a must-read book for sure! Heartfelt, laugh out loud funny, relatable, and entertaining from beginning to end. Lexi’s perspective in this book is so eye-opening and honest, you experience the story right along with her. From the shenanigans of her brother, Tucker, to the worries of her parents, this book makes you feel like you’re part of their family from the first chapter.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good story!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good story!
April 26, 2021
This book is unlike anything I've read before. It's hard to write a review that will actually do it justice.
Susan and Lexi transport the reader into the body and mind of a young child who's lost use of her body and ability to speak. It's heartfelt and emotionally moving, yet also laugh-out-loud funny
Great book for both kids and adults, and gives a whole new perspective on what it means to have a "disability"
I absolutely loved it!
Susan and Lexi transport the reader into the body and mind of a young child who's lost use of her body and ability to speak. It's heartfelt and emotionally moving, yet also laugh-out-loud funny
Great book for both kids and adults, and gives a whole new perspective on what it means to have a "disability"
I absolutely loved it!
May 3, 2021
I met Lexi and Susan in 2006 when my daughter and Lexi were in the same dance class. I have never seen a happier child and a more devoted mom -and family! This book is funny, insightful, sad, most mostly inspirational. I highly recommend reading The Year of the Buttered Cat.
September 11, 2021
Besides a jumbled timeline that is sometimes confusing, this (nearly) true story about Lexi's struggle to overcome profound disabilities caused by newborn jaundice and resultant kernicterus is an inspiring story that will remind all of its readers that "people with disabilities, even severe ones, have interesting internal lives and a lot to offer as friends," as Lexi writes.
August 12, 2022
I will never again complain about all of the heel sticks my babies have been forced to suffer. Never. Also, Lexi is funny. And I would have died unfulfilled if I'd never read the story of the buttered cat.
January 20, 2021
Beautifully written and compelling story!
May 29, 2021
Amazing. Just go read it already!
October 17, 2024
Excellent story! This book shows that even if your body doesn't work well, you can still have lots of adventures both in your mind and in the world around you. This is brilliant disability representation with a truly authentic voice and a view of positivity that is not toxic. It also models the kind of matter-of-fact acceptance that disabled people value in their able-bodied friends and allies. Kids with disabilities grow up with very few books that feature characters like them, and even if they're disabilities are different there are so many common experiences navigating the world with a disability that many will appreciate and relate to Lexi's experiences. I would highly recommend this for developing empathy instead of pity for those with disabilities.
September 28, 2024
Meet Lexi, a precocious five-year-old who doesn't know she suffered a brain injury shortly after birth and is waiting to come into her body and get her voice. When a well-meaning stranger tells her she'll receive five gifts, she's convinced that if she finds them in time, she'll get her body and everything, including her future, will be just as she imagines it.
Meet Lexi at age thirteen. It's 24 hours before her second brain surgery and she's telling her story in case she loses her memory as a result of the surgery.
As the two timelines intertwine and unfold, Lexi - and the reader - learn what happened to her to cause her disability.
Told in first person and written with a lot of physical help from her mother, this is an insider's view of what it's like to have no voice and very little control over your body. Lexi is funny, smart, and engaging. I learned a lot from reading her story.
Meet Lexi at age thirteen. It's 24 hours before her second brain surgery and she's telling her story in case she loses her memory as a result of the surgery.
As the two timelines intertwine and unfold, Lexi - and the reader - learn what happened to her to cause her disability.
Told in first person and written with a lot of physical help from her mother, this is an insider's view of what it's like to have no voice and very little control over your body. Lexi is funny, smart, and engaging. I learned a lot from reading her story.
June 1, 2021
‘The year of the buttered cat’ Susan Haas with Lexi Haas. This is a very thoughtful book. It is a portrayal of the uncertainties of a childhood living with kernicterus. As I review this book it is only right to state that I am a sixty two years old man who ‘discovered’ his kernicterus existence within the last ten years. Kernicterus is a bilirubin induced brain dysfunction. Lexi is non voicing. I, myself ,am ambulatory ,and auditory neuropathy (sound from noise deafness.)is a feature of my own condition as this is a spectrum disorder. Indeed it’s this deep and intense variation within the kernicterus condition which I had not realised before. Lexi has put me right. I would point the reader along Lexi’s life journey using her understandings. Lexi uses terms like “personal space”, memory, ‘ists’ and sinkholes to indicate the landmarks of her life’s journey. Personal space is highlighted because Lexi’s body functions can go in unexpected ways. One could say that personal space (or social sphere) is perhaps sixty to seventy centimetres apart. This is important in communications; non verbal or otherwise, whereby one has to grasp the differences between formality and the informal in social company.
Lexi’s intellect is impressive and she uses perspicacity and displays great self awareness. Sometimes the brain gets too much information so that it stops ‘working’. This is where the sinkhole expression comes to mind. It can also be described as ‘locked in’ syndrome as coined by Steve Shapiro in one of his many insights. The many applications of inventive technologies are touchingly portrayed. This comes to another of Lexi’s terms, ‘ists’ : a reference to the many specialists, neurologists etc who apply deep brain stimulation wired up to computers etc, among many other things. It is perhaps pertinent that Steve Shapiro is based with colleagues and experts in Kansas City in Missouri where there are many natural sinkholes. Let’s hope experts can prevent more mental ‘sinkholes’. ‘Memory’ is another of the topics Lexi covers. It’s important to realise that the memory centres for organising and managing life are located in many distant and distinct parts of the brain eg hippocampus, cerberus and cerebellum. There maybe other sources of memory neurologically. It is how one organises and connects those distant and distinct brain parts that makes up our individual mental terrain. Kernicterus disrupts memory.
Finally, there is mention of the unsatisfactory medico legal issues : undisclosed out of court settlements in return for non liability for damages through malpractice. What more can we squeeze from the ‘evidence’ ?: we ARE the ‘evidence’. This is surely a wake up call to the medical services to achieve a higher level of integrity, opening the way to more honesty and transparency. This in turn would provide more oxygen for publicity about kernicterus which is always a devastating, yet preventable medical mistake. This is a unique, brave and remarkable expose of the hope filled life of an exceptional, gifted young woman, and her extraordinary family, who blaze a trail for humanity.
Lexi’s intellect is impressive and she uses perspicacity and displays great self awareness. Sometimes the brain gets too much information so that it stops ‘working’. This is where the sinkhole expression comes to mind. It can also be described as ‘locked in’ syndrome as coined by Steve Shapiro in one of his many insights. The many applications of inventive technologies are touchingly portrayed. This comes to another of Lexi’s terms, ‘ists’ : a reference to the many specialists, neurologists etc who apply deep brain stimulation wired up to computers etc, among many other things. It is perhaps pertinent that Steve Shapiro is based with colleagues and experts in Kansas City in Missouri where there are many natural sinkholes. Let’s hope experts can prevent more mental ‘sinkholes’. ‘Memory’ is another of the topics Lexi covers. It’s important to realise that the memory centres for organising and managing life are located in many distant and distinct parts of the brain eg hippocampus, cerberus and cerebellum. There maybe other sources of memory neurologically. It is how one organises and connects those distant and distinct brain parts that makes up our individual mental terrain. Kernicterus disrupts memory.
Finally, there is mention of the unsatisfactory medico legal issues : undisclosed out of court settlements in return for non liability for damages through malpractice. What more can we squeeze from the ‘evidence’ ?: we ARE the ‘evidence’. This is surely a wake up call to the medical services to achieve a higher level of integrity, opening the way to more honesty and transparency. This in turn would provide more oxygen for publicity about kernicterus which is always a devastating, yet preventable medical mistake. This is a unique, brave and remarkable expose of the hope filled life of an exceptional, gifted young woman, and her extraordinary family, who blaze a trail for humanity.
June 21, 2023
This book… THIS. BOOK. I honestly am not even sure what exactly to say about The Year of the Buttered Cat as far as a review goes, so instead I’m just going to take you through some of my thoughts
💭: I felt Lexi’s personality come through so strong that it felt as though she was sitting right in front of me telling me her story in person.
💭: The writing of this “mostly true story” was so captivating that it read like a novel
💭: I am so glad to now know what the year of the buttered cat means!
💭: This hit a lot closer to home than I expected it to, as what happened to Lexi is something that would have happened to us, had we not been so fortunate as to have a very invested and dedicated team of doctors/nurses assigned to us when I had my son. There were several similarities between my son’s and Lexi’s birth stories and it makes me simultaneously grateful for the outcome of our situation and angry for the outcomes people like Lexi and her family have had to face. But also relieved that Lexi didn’t have to lose everything, she didn’t lose her brain, she didn’t lose who she was. Because that would’ve been a real and true shame
💭: I felt Lexi’s personality come through so strong that it felt as though she was sitting right in front of me telling me her story in person.
💭: The writing of this “mostly true story” was so captivating that it read like a novel
💭: I am so glad to now know what the year of the buttered cat means!
💭: This hit a lot closer to home than I expected it to, as what happened to Lexi is something that would have happened to us, had we not been so fortunate as to have a very invested and dedicated team of doctors/nurses assigned to us when I had my son. There were several similarities between my son’s and Lexi’s birth stories and it makes me simultaneously grateful for the outcome of our situation and angry for the outcomes people like Lexi and her family have had to face. But also relieved that Lexi didn’t have to lose everything, she didn’t lose her brain, she didn’t lose who she was. Because that would’ve been a real and true shame
June 18, 2021
This book reads much like “Wonder.”
Lexi Haas is a remarkable soul trapped in an imperfect body. Although she has an incredibly loving and supportive family, she spends her days longing for acceptance, friends, a voice and a working body.
Lexi (and her readers too) don’t discover the cause of her imperfect body until the last few pages of the book.
Lexi is an indomitable spirit with a zest for life!
Those of us who have “nearly-perfect” bodies would do well to emulate the kind of living that Lexi does in the midst of her incapabilities!
I would highly recommend this for middle-school audience.
Lexi Haas is a remarkable soul trapped in an imperfect body. Although she has an incredibly loving and supportive family, she spends her days longing for acceptance, friends, a voice and a working body.
Lexi (and her readers too) don’t discover the cause of her imperfect body until the last few pages of the book.
Lexi is an indomitable spirit with a zest for life!
Those of us who have “nearly-perfect” bodies would do well to emulate the kind of living that Lexi does in the midst of her incapabilities!
I would highly recommend this for middle-school audience.
July 14, 2021
This is a fictionalized memoir written by Susan Haas with assistance from Lexi Haas to tell the story of life with a physical disability. Lexi comes across as intelligent and strong-willed and her mother as a champion for her daughter who also struggled in the beginning to accept help. The cause of Lexi's disability is finally revealed, and an afterword goes into greater detail. This book is a great reminder that difficulty in communicating does equal a lack of intelligence or understanding. Recommended.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
July 13, 2021
A fantastic middle-grade read from the real-life perspective of Lexi Haas, along with her mother, Susan. There are many wonderful reviews describing the book itself, so I won't go into the plot. What I will say is that Susan and Lexi have captured a tone that is charming and humorous, but more than that, their story grabs you (kid or adult) and doesn't let you go. Lexi gives us a view of life from her perspective; her wonderful life! I can't recommend THE YEAR OF THE BUTTERED CAT strongly enough.
January 27, 2026
I’ve been following the Facebook reels made by Hannah and Becky Cheetham in Britain, which may have been my first experience seeing someone with cerebral palsy. Hannah definitely lives a full life with a bit of assistance from her sister Becky and some adaptive technologies. I love that Hannah has her own voice, and I really hope that Lexi Haas herself has found her voice by now (most of this book was written when Lexi was just 15). Hannah’s reels focus a great deal on how to interact with someone like her, to know that she does truly have her own voice (sometimes Becky will speak for her because she knows her so well, but it’s literally just translating) and her own opinions and her own thoughts. Just because she can’t speak as readily as someone without a disability doesn’t mean she is unintelligent or without her own opinions.
This book shows us exactly that, that Lexi is definitely her own person. While her mother helped her write this book, and some of it has been fictionalized, it is all from Lexi’s brain. She is incredibly intelligent and insightful, and it would behoove so many people to read this book so as to stop discounting that disabled people are somehow less than. They just function differently than an able-bodied person. The scene that opens the book, where a complete and utter stranger decides to pray over Lexi for healing was so distasteful to read, and it must have been so difficult for Lexi’s family to endure.
It’s so disheartening that Lexi wasn’t born this way, that she developed cerebral palsy after birth through medical negligence. But this is the only body and the only life she’s ever known, and she seems to be making the best of it. I appreciate that while we readers hear her inner monologue, she’s also clear that she communicates mostly through physical means (arching her back) and groans, as well as sticking her tongue out affirmatively. It reminds us that Lexi has her own way of communicating, and that we should understand that different people communicate differently.
I hope Lexi Haas continues to write. She most definitely has a gift for it.
This book shows us exactly that, that Lexi is definitely her own person. While her mother helped her write this book, and some of it has been fictionalized, it is all from Lexi’s brain. She is incredibly intelligent and insightful, and it would behoove so many people to read this book so as to stop discounting that disabled people are somehow less than. They just function differently than an able-bodied person. The scene that opens the book, where a complete and utter stranger decides to pray over Lexi for healing was so distasteful to read, and it must have been so difficult for Lexi’s family to endure.
It’s so disheartening that Lexi wasn’t born this way, that she developed cerebral palsy after birth through medical negligence. But this is the only body and the only life she’s ever known, and she seems to be making the best of it. I appreciate that while we readers hear her inner monologue, she’s also clear that she communicates mostly through physical means (arching her back) and groans, as well as sticking her tongue out affirmatively. It reminds us that Lexi has her own way of communicating, and that we should understand that different people communicate differently.
I hope Lexi Haas continues to write. She most definitely has a gift for it.
December 12, 2025
Nope, this book is not about a cat. This book tells the real life story of Lexi Haas, who grew up with a disability after something terrible happened to her as a baby. It follows her thoughts, her struggles and her big hope before a risky surgery, that she herself wanted to go through at the age of 13.
The theme is really beautiful. I love that it raises awareness and helps us understand what someone like Lexi goes through. Not being able to control her body, or to have her own voice, Lexi does not give up in finding her gifts in life. The intention behind this book is full of heart and I truly appreciate that.
However, the writing style wasn’t quite my taste. I had some difficulty following the flow and there were parts where I felt a bit lost. Still, I really applaud the effort that went into this book.
Thank you Lexi for sharing your story so bravely. And a big hug to Lexi’s mom, from one mom to another, for being a great example of a devoted and strong mom in supporting her through everything. That love is obvious on every page. 🥹💖
And one more thing… this book is extra meaningful because it was a gift from my friend, my twin, Nadia who is now farrrrr away in Norway. Sending love all the way there! 🥰💖
The theme is really beautiful. I love that it raises awareness and helps us understand what someone like Lexi goes through. Not being able to control her body, or to have her own voice, Lexi does not give up in finding her gifts in life. The intention behind this book is full of heart and I truly appreciate that.
However, the writing style wasn’t quite my taste. I had some difficulty following the flow and there were parts where I felt a bit lost. Still, I really applaud the effort that went into this book.
Thank you Lexi for sharing your story so bravely. And a big hug to Lexi’s mom, from one mom to another, for being a great example of a devoted and strong mom in supporting her through everything. That love is obvious on every page. 🥹💖
And one more thing… this book is extra meaningful because it was a gift from my friend, my twin, Nadia who is now farrrrr away in Norway. Sending love all the way there! 🥰💖
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June 3, 2024Lexi has a form of cerebral palsy that doesn't allow her to control her movements or speak. THE YEAR OF THE BUTTERED CAT is a book Lexi wrote with her mother. Her story alternates between the year she was 6 years old and the year she was 13.
In the early years it was discovered that although Lexi was compromised physically, she was extremely smart. She learned to read before age 1 and with the help of her mother and a homeschooling program, Lexi advanced well beyond her peers.
Her parents researched ways to improve Lexi's physical abilities. They discovered a procedure which would implant electrodes in her brain that could be programmed to help her control her movements. Young Lexi underwent the surgery once and found some relief. At age 13 Lexi made the decision to undergo the surgery a second time with the hope of improving even more.
Her story includes a countdown to this second surgery. With the help of her parents and siblings, she is active on social media and helps encourage others with disabilities caused by the same health complication that caused her condition.
Readers who fell in love with Melody in author Sharon. M. Draper's OUT OF MY MIND will want to read Lexi's story.
In the early years it was discovered that although Lexi was compromised physically, she was extremely smart. She learned to read before age 1 and with the help of her mother and a homeschooling program, Lexi advanced well beyond her peers.
Her parents researched ways to improve Lexi's physical abilities. They discovered a procedure which would implant electrodes in her brain that could be programmed to help her control her movements. Young Lexi underwent the surgery once and found some relief. At age 13 Lexi made the decision to undergo the surgery a second time with the hope of improving even more.
Her story includes a countdown to this second surgery. With the help of her parents and siblings, she is active on social media and helps encourage others with disabilities caused by the same health complication that caused her condition.
Readers who fell in love with Melody in author Sharon. M. Draper's OUT OF MY MIND will want to read Lexi's story.
May 17, 2024
Fans of Out of My Mind will love The Year of the Buttered Cat. Lexi Haas has a severe form of cerebral palsy and cannot speak or control her muscles well enough to communicate well with assistive technology, but she has a LOT to say. Lexi is gifted. She learned to read at 10 months, has studied French, and has a wonderful sense of humor. She also has an extremely supportive family. Lexi, now 15, reminisces about two pivotal times in her life: The year of the buttered cat, which when she was 5-6 years old and first learned about what caused her differences, and again at age 13 in which she details the final hours leading up to a major surgery. The story goes back and forth between these two periods. Lexi's memoir is told with humor and such heart that you cannot help but fall in love with her.
Biggest thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for a review copy of this amazing book!
Biggest thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for a review copy of this amazing book!
April 28, 2021
Wow! Such a clear depiction of a child’s life trapped in a strong body that can’t control movement and a strong mind that cannot speak. This book gave me insight into the life of an innocent child with brain injuries. My niece has CP and can surely relate. And one of my closest friend’s newborn grandson was just diagnosed with simplified gyral pattern so we are not sure about his deficits yet. I will get her this book for sure so she can gain insight as to how life can be- both beautiful and hard. It can be an emotional read if you have little ones close to you with a brain injury. But it is so informative and enlightening that it is a must read, especially for those families! Excellent writing Susan and Lexi!
And thank you for sharing your lives with us!!❤️❤️❤️
And thank you for sharing your lives with us!!❤️❤️❤️
February 23, 2022
I've never read a book written like this. It got pretty boring in the middle but was still good. When it went to the six year old Lexi, she did not act six at all. I liked the plot twists. I read the author's note and now I want to register my voice in the voicebank thing.
I can't imagine what it would be like if a doctor just forgot to watch my jaundice and I got kernicterus. And then the doctor said I never had high bilirubin. Also, the surgery would be terrifying
I can't imagine what it would be like if a doctor just forgot to watch my jaundice and I got kernicterus. And then the doctor said I never had high bilirubin. Also, the surgery would be terrifying
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
Lexi Haas's story is inspirational & heartwarming.
This book reveals the innermost thoughts of children that are developmentally delayed. Lexi could understand the entire world around her, likely even better than her peers, but her physical capabilities were stunted due to an injury. She didn't let that stop her...
I listened to this audiobook on Libby at 2.0x speed and finished in less than four hours. It was super easy to listen and follow along with this book.
This book reveals the innermost thoughts of children that are developmentally delayed. Lexi could understand the entire world around her, likely even better than her peers, but her physical capabilities were stunted due to an injury. She didn't let that stop her...
I listened to this audiobook on Libby at 2.0x speed and finished in less than four hours. It was super easy to listen and follow along with this book.
July 7, 2022
Not entirely nonfiction, and I love that this is a collaboration between Lexi and her mom in order to tell her story. Lexi is also hilarious, and has a great voice and an equally hilarious family, so in addition to telling the story of a mostly nonverbal person who lives with a condition called kernicterus it's just a great read.
March 20, 2025
A beautiful mostly true story. One of my daughters recommended this book to me and I’m so glad. Told my a mother and daughter, it’s both uplifting and educational. I learned new things in this book and I love Lexi’s outlook on life. Now if I could only have a service dog for my daughter like Lexi is for Gus…
January 16, 2021
This book is worth a read, especially, for young people in middle grades. Susan and Lexi captured a human story. I think most people face tough times during their lives and Lexi’s experiences are important for young people to read about as they may be facing their own tough times. Reading about how Lexi and her family bring courage, humor, and resilience to the intensity of multiple surgeries, medical procedures, and just living everyday life gives young people a glimpse into experiences they may not be aware of or think about. We need to hear more voices from those of us with disabilities to learn about life as we know it.
August 1, 2021
Can I give this ten stars? Twenty? Fifty? I have never read anything like this book and I need a sequel. Yes I know Lexi and Susan, but that only serves to make this book more personal to me. It's a stunning novel that I'll be pushing on all my friends.
January 16, 2022
A book that everyone should read. Listed as “Teen” but appropriate for elementary grades on up and beyond important for all. A beautiful first-person-eye-view. Take a few hours to read this book, it will be one of the most important things you do this year.
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August 5, 2024it’s just boring. there’s no movement in plot and it just sounds like your grandma telling you how her school schedule went back in her day. i’m gonna get hate for this but it’s not unique, it’s like every other book about a disabled main character.
October 5, 2024
This is my new favourite book it has a very weird title, but the book is very touching I always went to one section of my library and this book was always there so I picked it up and I am so happy I did. This book is so amazing it is also just like wonder and out of my mind which are also some of my favourite books and Lexi sounds like such a great person.❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 1, 2021
So fascinating to read what she thought of -ists. I will keep it in mind with my patients.
May 23, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews