Small as an Elephant [Hardcover]

Jennifer Richard Jacobson (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 8, 2011 | Age Range: 9 and up | Lexile Measure: 790L (What's this?)

Jack's mom is gone, leaving him all alone on a campsite in Maine. Can he find his way back to Boston before the authorities realize what happened?

Ever since Jack can remember, his mom has been unpredictable, sometimes loving and fun, other times caught in a whirlwind of energy and "spinning" wildly until it's over. But Jack never thought his mom would take off during the night and leave him at a campground in Acadia National Park, with no way to reach her and barely enough money for food. Any other kid would report his mom gone, but Jack knows by now that he needs to figure things out for himself - starting with how to get from the backwoods of Maine to his home in Boston before Social Services catches on. With nothing but a small toy elephant to keep him company, Jack begins the long journey south, a journey that will test his wits and his loyalties - and his trust that he may be part of a larger herd after all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I believe in Jack and his ability to understand his mother in shades of gray. I believe in his ability to be fiercely independent: to try and try and try . . . and at the same time to recognize that he needs others. That others are right there, waiting to catch him."
- Jennifer Richard Jacobson — Quote

About the Author

Jennifer Richard Jacobson is the author of several books for children and young adult readers, including the Andy Shane early chapter books, illustrated by Abby Carter. She lives in Cumberland, Maine.

Of Small as an Elephant, the author says, "I believe in Jack and his ability to understand his mother in shades of gray. I believe in his ability to be fiercely independent: to try and try and try . . . and at the same time to recognize that he needs others. That others are right there, waiting to catch him."

Product Details

• Age Range: 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (March 8, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763641553
• ISBN-13: 978-0763641559
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Illness
  • #84 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Elephants

More About the Author

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional, compelling and beautifully written April 16, 2011

By Shelley

Format:Hardcover

I am always looking for a good read for kids. This books is beyond good.
It will hook kids immediately. It's fast paced but allows you to totally understand Jack; to get inside his head and heart. Kids will relate to Jack and be astonished at how logical his whole escapade is. I loved that as emotionally draining this book is, it also has a wonderful resolution.

Excellent writing. I can't wait to put this book in the hands of boys or girls at my school!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book, Wonderfully Written March 29, 2011

By Books31

Format:Hardcover

Small as an Elephant had me hooked from page one. The story was both riveting and touching, the characters (especially the protagonist Jack) were interesting and realistic, and the pace fast moving.

Of course for me what was most impressive about Small as an Elephant was the level of writing Jacobson exhibits. She is obviously a talented storyteller, but the connection she creates between Jack and the reader really goes above and beyond. Readers will commiserate with Jack and his situation, and find themselves overwhelmed by Jack's futile thoughts of living with his mother again, and will tear up with the books touching and fantastic ending. Really it is this level of writing and connection to Jack that brings Small as an Elephant from a good book to a must read.

All in all Small as an Elephant is a fantastic book. While it is short, readers will thoroughly enjoy the book. Jack is endearing and relatable, the premise is unique, and the level of writing is superb. Defiantly worth the purchase.

[...]

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and intense March 26, 2011

By Stephanie Samphire

Format:Hardcover

SMALL AS AN ELEPHANT was beautifully written, incredibly compelling, and so emotionally intense that (especially as the mom of a young son) I sometimes found it almost painful to read, I was so scared and so invested in Jack's fate. I loved the ending, and I look forward to giving this book to my own son to read when he's old enough.