Small as an Elephant

Eleven-year-old Jack wakes up alone at a campground in Maine's Acadia National Park, discovering his mother has left with their tent and supplies. With only a few belongings and his cell phone, he must figure out how to survive while keeping his situation hidden from authorities. Jack makes his way across Maine, using his knowledge and resourcefulness to find food and shelter. His journey becomes intertwined with his lifelong fascination with elephants, particularly a real elephant named Lydia who lives in Maine. Through Jack's ordeal, he grapples with understanding his mother's mental illness and their complex relationship. His determination to avoid foster care drives him to take risks and make difficult choices along his journey. The story explores themes of survival, family bonds, and the ways children cope with adult problems. Through Jack's perspective, the narrative examines how love can remain strong even in challenging circumstances.

Readers connect emotionally with 11-year-old Jack's journey after being abandoned by his mother at a campground. Many reviewers note the realistic portrayal of a child processing trauma while maintaining hope and resourcefulness. Liked: - Authentic depiction of mental illness's impact on families - Integration of elephant facts that parallel the story themes - Character development shows Jack's growth without seeming unrealistic - Balance of serious topics with moments of warmth Disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more resolution regarding the mother's situation - Young readers occasionally struggled with the heavy themes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "The emotional depth rings true without becoming overwhelming," notes one teacher reviewer on Goodreads. Multiple parents mention using the book to discuss difficult topics with children aged 9-12.

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🐘 Author Jennifer Richard Jacobson was inspired to write this story after reading a news article about a young boy who had been abandoned at a campground. 🌲 The book's detailed camping scenes draw from Jacobson's personal experiences exploring Acadia National Park in Maine, where much of the story takes place. 🎪 The book highlights the plight of Rosie, one of the last performing elephants in Maine's history, who was housed at the now-closed Roseland Park. 🧠 The main character's mother's mental illness was carefully researched with the help of mental health professionals to ensure accurate representation. 🏆 "Small as an Elephant" won the 2011 Parents' Choice Gold Award and was named to six state reading lists, including the Maine Student Book Award list.