The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

 

Release date: March 01, 2021

From the Publisher:

An action-packed, instant best-seller in the UK! Hitch a ride on this global adventure from Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook.

Chaya, a nobleman’s rebellious, outspoken, no-nonsense daughter, just can’t resist the shiny temptations the king’s palace has to offer. But playing Robin Hood for her impoverished community doesn’t come without risks, and when Chaya steals the queen’s jewels from a bedside table—a messy getaway jeopardizes the life of a close friend. After an equally haphazard prison break, Chaya barely escapes on the king’s prized elephant! With leeches and revolution lurking in the jungle, Chaya leads her companions on a thrilling adventure. After leaving her village as a thief, can she return as a hero? Or will Chaya’s sticky fingers be the beginning—or the end—of everything for the intrepid gang? 

Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins an exciting, page-turning tale in a lush, vibrant, fictional Sri Lankan setting and featuring themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism. A great middle-grade escapist novel and readaloud! 

My Thoughts:

This book was so fun! It is indeed fast-paced and read aloud-able. Reading aloud everyday in small chunks will drive middle level readers batty, which is the best kind of read aloud. This debut author uses the jungles of Sri Lanka as a backdrop for her fictional adventure tale of a stubborn, headstrong, and very brave girl (Chaya), her long suffering best friend Neel and a just as headstrong daughter of a merchant, Nour. Every time Chaya thinks she has done the impossible in order to help her friends, a larger challenge pops up. 

Like I said, this book is fun and I think what makes it fun is that there is no lull or breathing room in the adventures/misadventures of these three. Actually, counting Ananda, the stolen elephant who himself is a rounded out character, it really is about the adventures and misadventures of the four of them. 

This is perfect for 6th grade read aloud. I find Chaya a breath of fresh air as a heroine and unlike some Roald Dahl character, she is both loved and respected by her family, despite sometimes being very stubborn and single-minded. Like Pippi Longstocking or Anne from Anne of Green Gables, this is the newest girl with spunk adventure. 

Discussion notes from Nosy Crow @NosyCrowBooks