Small as an Elephant

Jennifer Jacobson
44 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2011

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Book Brief

Jennifer Jacobson

Small as an Elephant

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

275

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Maine • 2010s

Theme
Fear

•

Perseverance

•

Hope
Topic
Mental Illness
First Publication Year

2011

Publisher

Candlewick Press

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

790L

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Super Short Summary

In Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Jacobson, eleven-year-old Jack finds himself abandoned by his mother during a camping trip in Maine and embarks on a journey to survive alone while searching for her. He encounters various challenges and meets new people, striving to maintain his independence and avoid being taken away by authorities.

Adventurous

Emotional

Melancholic

Contemplative

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.0

9,714 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jennifer Jacobson's Small as an Elephant has been praised for its emotional depth and well-developed protagonist. The story engages readers with its heartfelt narrative and themes of resilience and family. However, some reviews note a predictable plot. Overall, the book's powerful portrayal of a young boy's journey captivates and provides meaningful discussion points.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Small as an Elephant?

Readers who would enjoy Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Jacobson are typically ages 10-14, characterized by curiosity, empathy, and an interest in adventure and realistic fiction. Fans of The One and Only Ivan or Hatchet will appreciate the poignant story of a young boy's resilience as he navigates life's challenges alone in the wilderness.

4.0

9,714 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

An 11-year-old boy who is left by his mother while camping on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and embarks on a determined and resourceful journey, guided by his love for elephants and his mother.

Jack's mother, who has a severe mental illness and is characterized by her unpredictable absence, shaping much of Jack's perception and actions through his memories of her.

A mentor figure Jack meets who provides guidance and perspective, helping Jack navigate his situation and fostering a crucial moment of clarity and acceptance for him.

A girl Jack encounters who initially identifies him as a missing boy but becomes a surprising ally, helping him continue his journey to meet an elephant he wishes to see.

Sylvie’s cousin, who at first appears to aid Jack but then reports him to the authorities, believing it to be the right action to take.

Jack’s maternal grandmother, initially seen through Jack’s skewed perspective as someone wanting to separate him from his mother, but later becomes a supportive and understanding family figure.

Book Details
Pages

275

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Maine • 2010s

Theme
Fear

•

Perseverance

•

Hope
Topic
Mental Illness
First Publication Year

2011

Publisher

Candlewick Press

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

790L

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