An Elephant in the Garden

Written by Michael Morpurgo

A book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Donavan

        

An Elephant in the Garden is told from the perspective of Elizabeth, an elderly woman who looks back on her experiences as a young girl living in Dresden during World War II. Elizabeth's mother works at the local zoo, and when the city is bombed, she is tasked with caring for Marlene, the zoo's beloved elephant. Together, Elizabeth, her mother, and Marlene embark on a perilous journey across war-torn Germany, encountering many challenges and dangers along the way.

Overall, An Elephant in the Garden is a touching and emotional story that explores themes of courage, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity. The novel is well-written and engaging, and its historical setting adds an important dimension to the story. For anyone interested in World War II history, animal stories, or heartwarming tales of survival and friendship, it is a great read.