WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW by Eric Dinerstein tells the compelling story of a boy living in the Nepalese Borderlands.
Abandoned as a toddler, Nandu grows up in the King’s elephant stable. When the government threatens to shut down their operation, twelve-year-old Nandu must convince his adopted father to turn the stable into an elephant breeding center. Along the way, Nandu faces issues of political corruption, cultural identity, environmental ethics, and social justice.
Dinerstein’s beautiful prose brings a fascinating array of supporting characters to life including a nurturing mentor and caring elephant. Readers will be engrossed with the heartwarming tale from beginning to end.
Written for a middle grade audience, librarians will find this book has a number of audiences including animal lovers, history fans, and those who enjoy stories set in other cultures.
This “out of the ordinary” story of human connections with the environment in a far-off land is a refreshing break from mainstream children’s literature.
Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 17, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
