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بینظیر، مثل یک فیل
شروع به سوت زدن آهنگ شکوه بینظیرم میکنم. دقیقا همانطوری که تابستان گذشته در ویرجینیای غربی بابابزرگم آن را با سوت میزد.
کویینی گریس آهسته سرش را بالا میآورد و بهم نگاه میکند.
بعد خیلیخیلی آهسته از روی زمین بلند میشود.
به سوت زدنم ادامه میدهم و حرکت میکنم. او هم دنبالم میآید. دنبالم تا بیرون قبرستان، تا جاده میآيد. اصلا پشت سرم را نگاه نمیکنم و فقط به راهم ادامه میدهم.
صدای پای سنگین کویینی گریس را پشت سرم میشنوم.
وقتی به ماشین میرسم. درست مثل بابابزرگ صدای نچنچ درمیآورم. که یعنی ایست. او هم گوش میکند. کویینی گریس حرفم را گوش میکند و درست پشت ماشین کوچولوی سبز میایستد.
مامانبزرگ آهسته میگوید: (لیلی، تو درست مثل بابابزرگتی، باور کن احساس میکنم به اندازهی بیل داره به حرفت گوش میکنه. تو هم همون ارتباط جادویی رو باهاش داری.)
همه سوارماشین ترولیا میشویم. ترولیا ماشین رابه حرکت درمیآورد و از آینهی راننده عقب را نگاه میکند. او هنوز دنبالمان میآید.
کویینی گریس تمام راه تا خانه دنبالمان میآيد.
کویینی گریس آهسته سرش را بالا میآورد و بهم نگاه میکند.
بعد خیلیخیلی آهسته از روی زمین بلند میشود.
به سوت زدنم ادامه میدهم و حرکت میکنم. او هم دنبالم میآید. دنبالم تا بیرون قبرستان، تا جاده میآيد. اصلا پشت سرم را نگاه نمیکنم و فقط به راهم ادامه میدهم.
صدای پای سنگین کویینی گریس را پشت سرم میشنوم.
وقتی به ماشین میرسم. درست مثل بابابزرگ صدای نچنچ درمیآورم. که یعنی ایست. او هم گوش میکند. کویینی گریس حرفم را گوش میکند و درست پشت ماشین کوچولوی سبز میایستد.
مامانبزرگ آهسته میگوید: (لیلی، تو درست مثل بابابزرگتی، باور کن احساس میکنم به اندازهی بیل داره به حرفت گوش میکنه. تو هم همون ارتباط جادویی رو باهاش داری.)
همه سوارماشین ترولیا میشویم. ترولیا ماشین رابه حرکت درمیآورد و از آینهی راننده عقب را نگاه میکند. او هنوز دنبالمان میآید.
کویینی گریس تمام راه تا خانه دنبالمان میآيد.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2017
23 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 9, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I work in an independent bookstore and I picked this ARC to review because of the elephant. I adore elephants. I cannot wait to hand sell this wonderful story. One chapter is narrated by the protagonist Lily, who lives in Virginia. The next chapter is narrated by the elephant, "Queenie Grace", who you will completely fall in love with. So you get the feelings from both sides of what is happening in the story. I don't want to give anything away because it's all just so wonderful. I'll be selling this to kids and adults who were fans of Hannah's Dream by Diane Hammond and other animal lovers. This is due out in January 2017
September 23, 2022
it turns out I like stories set in the circus 🎪 even though not included with the animal part, because no matter how well it is told or explained the bright sides, I still disagree with the statement that animals are trained for performances.
this book uses the circus settings only as the background, the story itself is about Lily, the Queenie Grace's mahouts' granddaughter, the relationships of Lily and her mom's side of family, and Queenie Grace herself. with the division of chapters (fortunately they're the mini ones) from the pov of Lily and Queenie Grace the elephant, many events are told twice. this book also focused on grief and loss, so don't expect any heartwarming or sweet moment in it.
what we can learn from the story is about bracing ourselves to face our fears, just like what Lily did. it was okay for me, no intriguing plot, no tense climax, just an okay book with a happy ending.
this book uses the circus settings only as the background, the story itself is about Lily, the Queenie Grace's mahouts' granddaughter, the relationships of Lily and her mom's side of family, and Queenie Grace herself. with the division of chapters (fortunately they're the mini ones) from the pov of Lily and Queenie Grace the elephant, many events are told twice. this book also focused on grief and loss, so don't expect any heartwarming or sweet moment in it.
what we can learn from the story is about bracing ourselves to face our fears, just like what Lily did. it was okay for me, no intriguing plot, no tense climax, just an okay book with a happy ending.
December 17, 2019
I really loved this book. The feels were overwhelming, but in a good way! Lily meets Henry Jack, they become friends, and save Queenie Grace together! The suspense and action is overpowering, which is what I like in a book.
September 27, 2019
If your students enjoyed The One And Only Ivan, this book is for them.
Lily Pruitt is almost 13 and already over 5 feet 7 inches. She suffers with asthma. It's just her and her father living in the Magic Mountain Campground in West Virginia. Her mother, Trullia Lee Pruitt, left them a number of years ago to return to the circus and her trapeze act. Lily’s grandparents are part of a small traveling circus. Her grandfather is 7 feet tall and has an act called The Amazing Queen and her Best Friend Bill the Giant. Queenie Grace is a 9 foot 3 inch tall, 58 year old elephant, but has only been owned by Bill for 28 years. Before that, Queenie was owned by people who treated her cruelly. And Bill is married to Violet, 4 feet 9 inches, who has an act of her own.
Lily has always been afraid of Queenie Grace, much to her grandfather’s unhappiness. More than anything, he would like them to get along. When Grandpa Bill dies suddenly of a heart attack, Lily travels to Gibtown, Florida, where the circus stays when not traveling, to attend his funeral. There is not enough money for her father to accompany her. She arrives on Christmas and promptly meets a boy, Henry Jack, who is part of the circus, billed as the Alligator Boy because of a skin condition he was born with. This seems cruel for Henry Jack, but he says he loves his circus fame and living with his pretty trapeze flying and loving mother. She also meets her chain-smoking mother’s boyfriend, Mike, also a smoker. who dislikes Queen Grace and wants to sell of her as quickly as possible. Until then, he puts her in chains, even though in Gibtown, wild animals are not chained or caged. The final straw is when Mike burns Queenie with a cigarette simply out of cruelty. He also beats his own dogs.
Slowly, and with the help of Henry Jack, Lily begins to overcome her fear of Queenie Grace, and even to feel rather protective of her. In fact, Henry Jack helps Lily overcome a lot of her fears and find strength within herself to try new things. He has the knack for finding the bright side of bad situations. In the end, Violet decides to send Queenie Grace to an elephant sanctuary. Without the act, she doesn't have money to feed Queenie Grace or to pay for her food. At the Room to Room elephant sanctuary, there is a nice surprise awaiting her. And there is a nice surprise awaiting Lily in Gibtown, as well.
This was a well-written coming of age story where it is easy to get to know and understand the characters. Trullia is distant to Lily and a bit self-centered. Mike the smoker is just despicable; and Henry Jack is ultra sweet and kind. Lily is unsettled and disturbed by her distant mother and the sudden death of her beloved grandfather.
The reader may have trouble with the freak show element to the story and the idea that a 12 year-old boy would be put on display for having a skin disease that had killed his twin brother. But as Lily explains: “Not a lot of circuses still have ‘freak shows’ these days, but the Hass-Millard circus does.The ‘freaks’ are a big attraction for this little circus.” I remember going to the county fair in NC and there were freak shows and girlie shows one could pay to see. Seems foreign today. And that's s good thing. The story appears to be modern day because folks are texting on cell phones and there is mention of the Ringling Brothers Circus retiring the elephant show.
One of the best parts of the novel, for me, is when Queenie Grace discovers her surprise at the elephant sanctuary even though it is a but unlikely. MS readers won't mind they.
I was rather curious about Gibtown and a google search will reveal that this is an actual town in Florida that used to be a freak town. The article quotes Ward Hall who worked with the performers who says doctors have ruined the show by treating skin diseases and separating Siamese (co-joined) twins. Interesting take.
The ending was a little too happy for me, but sometimes we need that in our lives.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
Lily Pruitt is almost 13 and already over 5 feet 7 inches. She suffers with asthma. It's just her and her father living in the Magic Mountain Campground in West Virginia. Her mother, Trullia Lee Pruitt, left them a number of years ago to return to the circus and her trapeze act. Lily’s grandparents are part of a small traveling circus. Her grandfather is 7 feet tall and has an act called The Amazing Queen and her Best Friend Bill the Giant. Queenie Grace is a 9 foot 3 inch tall, 58 year old elephant, but has only been owned by Bill for 28 years. Before that, Queenie was owned by people who treated her cruelly. And Bill is married to Violet, 4 feet 9 inches, who has an act of her own.
Lily has always been afraid of Queenie Grace, much to her grandfather’s unhappiness. More than anything, he would like them to get along. When Grandpa Bill dies suddenly of a heart attack, Lily travels to Gibtown, Florida, where the circus stays when not traveling, to attend his funeral. There is not enough money for her father to accompany her. She arrives on Christmas and promptly meets a boy, Henry Jack, who is part of the circus, billed as the Alligator Boy because of a skin condition he was born with. This seems cruel for Henry Jack, but he says he loves his circus fame and living with his pretty trapeze flying and loving mother. She also meets her chain-smoking mother’s boyfriend, Mike, also a smoker. who dislikes Queen Grace and wants to sell of her as quickly as possible. Until then, he puts her in chains, even though in Gibtown, wild animals are not chained or caged. The final straw is when Mike burns Queenie with a cigarette simply out of cruelty. He also beats his own dogs.
Slowly, and with the help of Henry Jack, Lily begins to overcome her fear of Queenie Grace, and even to feel rather protective of her. In fact, Henry Jack helps Lily overcome a lot of her fears and find strength within herself to try new things. He has the knack for finding the bright side of bad situations. In the end, Violet decides to send Queenie Grace to an elephant sanctuary. Without the act, she doesn't have money to feed Queenie Grace or to pay for her food. At the Room to Room elephant sanctuary, there is a nice surprise awaiting her. And there is a nice surprise awaiting Lily in Gibtown, as well.
This was a well-written coming of age story where it is easy to get to know and understand the characters. Trullia is distant to Lily and a bit self-centered. Mike the smoker is just despicable; and Henry Jack is ultra sweet and kind. Lily is unsettled and disturbed by her distant mother and the sudden death of her beloved grandfather.
The reader may have trouble with the freak show element to the story and the idea that a 12 year-old boy would be put on display for having a skin disease that had killed his twin brother. But as Lily explains: “Not a lot of circuses still have ‘freak shows’ these days, but the Hass-Millard circus does.The ‘freaks’ are a big attraction for this little circus.” I remember going to the county fair in NC and there were freak shows and girlie shows one could pay to see. Seems foreign today. And that's s good thing. The story appears to be modern day because folks are texting on cell phones and there is mention of the Ringling Brothers Circus retiring the elephant show.
One of the best parts of the novel, for me, is when Queenie Grace discovers her surprise at the elephant sanctuary even though it is a but unlikely. MS readers won't mind they.
I was rather curious about Gibtown and a google search will reveal that this is an actual town in Florida that used to be a freak town. The article quotes Ward Hall who worked with the performers who says doctors have ruined the show by treating skin diseases and separating Siamese (co-joined) twins. Interesting take.
The ending was a little too happy for me, but sometimes we need that in our lives.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
June 14, 2017
Lily Pruitt, 12 almost 13 and already over 5 feet 7 inches tall and an asthmatic, has been living with her father in the Magic Mountain Campground in West Virginia. Her mother, Trullia Lee Pruitt, left them a number of years ago to return to the circus and her trapeze act. Lily’s grandparents are part of a small traveling circus, he is 7 feet tall and has an act called The Amazing Queen and her Best Friend Bill the Giant. Queenie Grace is a 9 foot 3 inch tall, 58 year old elephant, but has only been owned by Bill for 28 years. Before that, Queenie was owned by people who treated her cruelly. And Bill is married to Violet, 4 feet 9 inches, who has an act of her own.
Lily has always been afraid of Queenie Grace, much to her grandfather’s unhappiness. More than anything, he would like them to get along. When Grandpa Bill dies suddenly, Lily travels to Gibtown, Florida, where the circus stays when not traveling, for his funeral. Over the course of time she is there, she meets a boy, Henry Jack, who is part of the circus, billed as the Alligator Boy because of a skin condition he was born with. She also meets her chain-smoking mother’s boyfriend, Mike, also a smoker. who dislikes Queen Grace and wants to get rid of her as quickly as possible. Until then, he puts her in chains, even though in Gibtown, animals are chained or caged, and then burns her with a cigarette.
Slowly, and with the help of Henry Jack, Lily begins to overcome her fear of Queenie Grace, and even to feel rather protective of her. In fact, Henry Jack helps Lily overcome a lot of her fears and find strength within herself to try new things. In the end, Violet decides to send Queenie Grace to a elephant sanctuary, where there is a nice surprise awaiting her. And there is a nice surprise awaiting Lily in Gibtown, as well.
This was a well-written coming of age novel, alternately narrated by Lily and Queenie Grace, so readers get to see Lily’s transformation from both points of view. The descriptions are clear and easily envisioned; Trullia is distant to Lily, but not so distant that a mother-daughter reconciliation is impossible to imagine; Mike the smoker is just despicable; and Henry Jack is ultra sweet and kind. Lily, on the other hand, is unlikeable from the start. She seems to be consumed with self-pity which dissipates over the course of the story, but really goes on for too long to be a sympathetic character for me.
In the end, I really disliked this novel. I had so much trouble with the freak show element to it, and the idea that a 12 year-old boy would be put on display for having a skin disease that had killed his twin brother. But as Lily explains: “Not a lot of circuses still have ‘freak shows’ these days, but the Hass-Millard circus does.The ‘freaks’ are a big attraction for this little circus.”
The best part of the novel, for me, is when Queenie Grace discovers her surprise at the elephant sanctuary - keep tissues handy.
I was rather curious about Gibtown and found an article about it in The Guardian from 2015. It was written for adults, so I would be careful about sharing this with students, but it is informative.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an EARC received from Edelweiss Plus
Lily has always been afraid of Queenie Grace, much to her grandfather’s unhappiness. More than anything, he would like them to get along. When Grandpa Bill dies suddenly, Lily travels to Gibtown, Florida, where the circus stays when not traveling, for his funeral. Over the course of time she is there, she meets a boy, Henry Jack, who is part of the circus, billed as the Alligator Boy because of a skin condition he was born with. She also meets her chain-smoking mother’s boyfriend, Mike, also a smoker. who dislikes Queen Grace and wants to get rid of her as quickly as possible. Until then, he puts her in chains, even though in Gibtown, animals are chained or caged, and then burns her with a cigarette.
Slowly, and with the help of Henry Jack, Lily begins to overcome her fear of Queenie Grace, and even to feel rather protective of her. In fact, Henry Jack helps Lily overcome a lot of her fears and find strength within herself to try new things. In the end, Violet decides to send Queenie Grace to a elephant sanctuary, where there is a nice surprise awaiting her. And there is a nice surprise awaiting Lily in Gibtown, as well.
This was a well-written coming of age novel, alternately narrated by Lily and Queenie Grace, so readers get to see Lily’s transformation from both points of view. The descriptions are clear and easily envisioned; Trullia is distant to Lily, but not so distant that a mother-daughter reconciliation is impossible to imagine; Mike the smoker is just despicable; and Henry Jack is ultra sweet and kind. Lily, on the other hand, is unlikeable from the start. She seems to be consumed with self-pity which dissipates over the course of the story, but really goes on for too long to be a sympathetic character for me.
In the end, I really disliked this novel. I had so much trouble with the freak show element to it, and the idea that a 12 year-old boy would be put on display for having a skin disease that had killed his twin brother. But as Lily explains: “Not a lot of circuses still have ‘freak shows’ these days, but the Hass-Millard circus does.The ‘freaks’ are a big attraction for this little circus.”
The best part of the novel, for me, is when Queenie Grace discovers her surprise at the elephant sanctuary - keep tissues handy.
I was rather curious about Gibtown and found an article about it in The Guardian from 2015. It was written for adults, so I would be careful about sharing this with students, but it is informative.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an EARC received from Edelweiss Plus
April 19, 2017
So many connections with this book. I thought about Ruby in THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. We are now questioning using animals for entertainment purposes, making this book timely and relevant. I was a bit disappointed that the character Henry Jack wasn't developed more. Exploitation of humans in sideshows is also pretty despicable. (connection: WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN).
January 27, 2017
One Amazing Elephant is a story about a 12 year old girl named Lily who's family runs a circus. Her mother left her with her dad when she was three to rejoin the circus . Her grandfather has had Queenie Grace, a 58 year old elephant, for longer then Lily has been alive.
Lily has alway been terrified of Queenie Grace until she is forced to spend time with her.
This is an amazing story about bonds we as humans can and do have with animals.
It will reel you in and touch your heart.
Lily has alway been terrified of Queenie Grace until she is forced to spend time with her.
This is an amazing story about bonds we as humans can and do have with animals.
It will reel you in and touch your heart.
May 20, 2017
I had a few moments of "is this a Newbery "? It is really good. I just wanted more Henry Jack, my favorite character.
February 6, 2017
I read this book because my daughter works in a library and she was given as ARC. This is a very sweet story about a 12 year old girl named Lily and and Elephant named Queenie Grace. Lily's family on her mother's side work in a circus. Her grandfather handles the Elephant named Queenie Grace. When Lily's grandfather tragically dies at Christmas time, Lily is sent there for the funeral.
Lily is at first a bit afraid of the Elephant. But through out the book this changes Lily and Queenie Grace get to know and understand each other better. The book takes turns showing the point of view of Lily and the elephant Queenie Grace. there are some Mean people to Queenie to contend with. and hope for the girl and elephant to become pals. Lily also becomes friends with Henry Jack a boy the same age as her who is a part of the circus because of his unusual skin. after Queenie is treated badly by some cruel men. Lily and Henry want to help the Elephant. A sweet story about a girl and an elephant. I am an adult an liked this story. I think the the age group 8-12 will also enjoy this wonderful story.
Lily is at first a bit afraid of the Elephant. But through out the book this changes Lily and Queenie Grace get to know and understand each other better. The book takes turns showing the point of view of Lily and the elephant Queenie Grace. there are some Mean people to Queenie to contend with. and hope for the girl and elephant to become pals. Lily also becomes friends with Henry Jack a boy the same age as her who is a part of the circus because of his unusual skin. after Queenie is treated badly by some cruel men. Lily and Henry want to help the Elephant. A sweet story about a girl and an elephant. I am an adult an liked this story. I think the the age group 8-12 will also enjoy this wonderful story.
June 4, 2017
Sweet. Reminiscent of The One and Only Ivan and Circus Mirandus. I love reading about circuses. This book is told through two points of view: the elephant's, Queenie Grace, and the main character's, Lily Pruitt. Lily is dealing with a lot - a neglectful mother, the loss of her beloved grandfather, and the fear/dislike of the circus and Queenie Grace. She learns to overcome her fears, forgive those her hurt her, and stand up for what is right. It would make a good read aloud. LOVE the cover!
August 7, 2017
Another Newbery buzz book.
This was a sweet enough story. It had many elements that tug at your heart - a grandfather who dies right at the beginning of the story, a girl, Lily, who is angry at her mom for leaving her and her father, an elephant whose fate is uncertain now that his handler/best friend has died, a menacing neighbor.
The book is told from two different points of view - Lily's and Queenie Grace's (the elephant). Lily is wise for her years and afraid of Queenie Grace from an incident that occurred when Lily was younger.
Will Lily and her mother be able to face the past? Will Lily overcome her fear of elephants? Will Queenie Grace escape the danger of being sold?
This book will probably hold kids in suspense. For me, it was a little too much like The One and Only Ivan with it's sad overtones.
This was a sweet enough story. It had many elements that tug at your heart - a grandfather who dies right at the beginning of the story, a girl, Lily, who is angry at her mom for leaving her and her father, an elephant whose fate is uncertain now that his handler/best friend has died, a menacing neighbor.
The book is told from two different points of view - Lily's and Queenie Grace's (the elephant). Lily is wise for her years and afraid of Queenie Grace from an incident that occurred when Lily was younger.
Will Lily and her mother be able to face the past? Will Lily overcome her fear of elephants? Will Queenie Grace escape the danger of being sold?
This book will probably hold kids in suspense. For me, it was a little too much like The One and Only Ivan with it's sad overtones.
July 16, 2019
Very sweet. Fans of One and Only Ivan will enjoy this. Narrator voice alternates between the protagonist and the elephant. Ending is appropriate for young readers - say 3rd or 4th grade. Older students will find the wrap up at the end as probably too sweet. Again, ok for younger readers. At the same time, adult characters are sometimes cruel - consider the sensitivity of your youngest readers and provide support as you think best.
May 7, 2021
We picked up this heart-string tugger at our public library recently. The MC is 11 and the cover is gentle and soft. The story, however, does an excellent job of juxtaposing the cruelty of adults with the kindness of children.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
May 22, 2021
Absolutely adorable. All the perspectives of Queenie Grace where an amazing insight I was not expecting. The development of Lily's character and her growing relationship with Queenie Grace beautifully written. My favourite character in this book was Henry Jack with all of his comforting words and brilliant ideas.
My favourite quote from this book: “There are some things in life that just don’t fit within twenty-six letters of the alphabet.”
My favourite quote from this book: “There are some things in life that just don’t fit within twenty-six letters of the alphabet.”
November 26, 2019
A heartwarming read told from two different perspectives (a tween girl and her family's elephant). I was pleasantly surprised at how Oatman High managed to realistically portray two different points of view (and one of them being an animal). The librarian in me highly enjoyed the research in the back of the book.
January 13, 2021
5/5⭐
Novel pertama yang selesai dibaca tahun 2021
First, aku suka dan selalu kagum sama hewan gajah. Dan buku ini sangat heartwarming ,bikin sedih, bikin termenung
Ada topik permasalahan yang sebenarnya paling aku hindarin dalam buku ini, tapi untungnya gak bikin aku beban bacanya 🙈
Bakal ngebahas buku ini lebih lanjut di videoku, semoga bisa ada waktu takenya 🙈🙈
Novel pertama yang selesai dibaca tahun 2021
First, aku suka dan selalu kagum sama hewan gajah. Dan buku ini sangat heartwarming ,bikin sedih, bikin termenung
Ada topik permasalahan yang sebenarnya paling aku hindarin dalam buku ini, tapi untungnya gak bikin aku beban bacanya 🙈
Bakal ngebahas buku ini lebih lanjut di videoku, semoga bisa ada waktu takenya 🙈🙈
April 14, 2017
One girl. One boy. One amazing elephant. And endless adventure and fun! This book is about 12-year-old Lily Rose Pruitt, whose grandparents own a circus in Gibtown, Florida, where they live with their beloved elephant, Queenie Grace. Unfortunately, we also learn that Lily has a strong fear of elephants. Lily has lived with her father in West Virginia since her mother ran away to join the circus when Lily was a baby. Nothing out of the ordinary ever happens to her. But that all changes when Lily’s grandpa dies and she must fly to Florida for the funeral. Lily is nervous at first because she is afraid of Queenie Grace who lives in Grandma Violet’s back yard. Luckily, Lily befriends a boy named Henry Jack who is also part of the circus since he has a rare skin condition. Henry Jack helps Lily overcome her fear of Queenie Grace and he helps her find the strength to try new things. Soon, Queenie Grace and Lily become very close friends and find they are more similar than they thought. When Lily finds out about a plot involving Queenie Grace, she knows she must act fast to save her new friend. Will the power of their friendship save the day?
Roksanna K, age 12, Broward County Mensa
Roksanna K, age 12, Broward County Mensa
February 3, 2018
3.5/5 Stars. I am going to say that I had a difficult time in the beginning with this read. It depicted an elephant "expressing" happiness at being held in captivity. Unfortunately for me, it carried through the story. Overall, cute, but predictable. I do try to remember this is a juvenile read.
April 22, 2017
Sweet, touching story. I really enjoyed the alternating chapters from Lily and Queenie Grace's points of view. Reading this reminded me a lot of Katherine Applegate's books and a bit of "Water for Elephants". I wish there'd been more development of Henry Jack, and I wasn't really sold on the whole mother / daughter story. This book had a lot of sadness in it but it was well-written.
April 12, 2019
Reminiscent of The One and Only Ivan, this is a tween novel that alternates perspectives between a young girl and a captive circus elephant, Queenie after the death of a family member they loved.
April 9, 2020
Nora and I read this one together. We loved it!
April 3, 2022
This has been my favorite book since 4th grade, I haven't read it for a while so I decided to read it this year. This book is such an aggressive passionate book full of many emotions mostly sad. In my opinion this story was carried by the elephant and grandpa bill, the elephant and grandpa bill are those who kept the story going because they were the favorited people which to me showed me that they are the strongest in the story. There was also granpas bill grandaughter who is the defintion of having mental trauma, shes been through so much but still fights for everything and finds her worth in everything. Granpa Bill's daughters name is Lily by the way, back to lily shes had a traumatizing experience with the whole circus idea however her grandparents are absouleuty in love with the circus which leads lily to slowly over coming her fear. Theres way more to go but im not gonna spoil it because this story really deserves to be read
April 13, 2017
An interesting story about a girl, an elephant, and relationships. I loved the evolution of Lily's relationship with Queenie Grace and her mother and started noticing a correlation between them. This is a perfect "discussion" book with the issues Lily faces with her mother, the plight of Queenie Grace, Lily's new friend, Henry Jack, and the grief all of the characters endure. Many connections can be made to the treatment and captivity of elephants today. I did find it odd that Henry Jack's condition was not a part of the story after the first half of the book. I also wished more information about the issues elephants face in captivity were explored further in the author's note, though she does offer a number of websites to the reader. All in all, a book I will remember with characters I grew to be fond of!
April 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book about faith, forgiveness, grief, and bravery. The changing point of view between the 12 year-old girl and an elephant will be enjoyed by readers.
April 14, 2017
I have been an elephant lover all my life, so I absolutely had to read this book. At first, it started off a little slow. Lily is introduced as the protagonist who lives with her father in West Virginia. Her mother and grandparents work in a traveling circus. Her Grandpa Bill is the mahout (trainer) and best friend of his elephant, Queenie Grace, whom Lily is afraid of. Queenie Grace is given a first-person voice every other chapter.
When Grandpa Bill dies of a sudden heart attack, Lily travels to Florida to attend his funeral. She gets more than she bargained for with much excitement surrounding Queenie Grace, who is also grieving her beloved mahout. Lily meets and becomes fast friends with my favorite character in this book, Henry Jack, a circus boy with wrinkly skin known as "Alligator Boy." He is an overall fun kid and great role model of positivity, optimism, and faith.
I loved the themes explored in this book including faith, hope, love, forgiveness, and family relationships. Giving the elephant a voice drove home the point about elephants having feelings, but I did feel Queenie Grace was being a bit too overdramatic at some points. I also felt Lily was a little bit too mature for a 12.5 year old in some instances, and a little too immature in some places. But these are minor grievances, and I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this novel.
Ms. High, thank you for writing this story that clearly needed to be told and enlightening readers about the inner lives of elephants.
When Grandpa Bill dies of a sudden heart attack, Lily travels to Florida to attend his funeral. She gets more than she bargained for with much excitement surrounding Queenie Grace, who is also grieving her beloved mahout. Lily meets and becomes fast friends with my favorite character in this book, Henry Jack, a circus boy with wrinkly skin known as "Alligator Boy." He is an overall fun kid and great role model of positivity, optimism, and faith.
I loved the themes explored in this book including faith, hope, love, forgiveness, and family relationships. Giving the elephant a voice drove home the point about elephants having feelings, but I did feel Queenie Grace was being a bit too overdramatic at some points. I also felt Lily was a little bit too mature for a 12.5 year old in some instances, and a little too immature in some places. But these are minor grievances, and I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this novel.
Ms. High, thank you for writing this story that clearly needed to be told and enlightening readers about the inner lives of elephants.
April 20, 2017
This story is about a girl named Lily who lives with her dad at a campground in West Virginia. Her grandparents and her mother live in Florida part of the year and travel with the circus for the part of the year with an elephant named Queenie Grace. Lily is completed terrified of Queenie because of an incident when she was six. When her beloved grandfather dies, Lily goes to be with her family in Florida. Queenie also struggling with grief as Lily's grandfather was her mahout-a kind of a trainer that is highly bonded with an elephant. There is a lot of information about elephants here as well as some information about circuses. There are some big social issues-anxiety, ethical treatment of animals, and family loyalty. I really liked this one, but there are a lot of very sad parts, which my students seem to really like.
September 22, 2017
This was a great story. It is uniquely told in first person through the point of view of both a young girl named Lily and an elephant named Queenie Grace. The point of view switches with each chapter.
Lily's mother, Trullia, left her alone with her father when Lily was only three years old. Trullia was a trapeze artist in the circus and had some issues that prevented her from being able to successfully mother her own daughter. Trullia's parents were also members of the same circus, but (unlike their daughter) they always adored Lily Ann and wanted to be as much a part of her life as possible. They kept in touch as best they could over the years, but this was a difficult feat when they were constantly traveling with the circus. Lily's grandfather, Bill, performed with Queenie Grace for 28 years. Prior to that she had been treated very poorly. They were great friends, and we learn that Queenie Grace had a deep love for her mahout - her trainer. When Bill dies of a sudden heart attack, both the elephant and Lily are devastated.
Upon hearing the news of her grandfather's death, Lily travels to her grandparent's trailer in Florida to attend her grandfather's funeral and console her grandma. This is the first time she has ever been there. It turns out that life changes in significant ways from this one visit. Lily could never have imagined this. For one thing, she gets to know many members of the circus. One of them becomes a close, dear friend. His name is Henry Jack, though he's often called Alligator Boy because of a skin condition and his role in the circus. It's difficult not to love this kind, spirited character, and easy to see why Lily becomes such fast friends with him.
Though Lily has always been frightened of the elephant, they begin to form a bond with one another. Both are grieving for Bill, but Queenie Grace's feelings are misunderstood. Trullia's wicked boyfriend and some of his acquaintances feel that the elephant is unsafe. Between that and a lack of money, Lily's grandma decides it is best to find a spot for Queenie Grace to go. However, Henry Jack and Lily overhear Mike and his buddies talking about how they are going to capture the elephant and split the money they sell her for. The two decide they need to do something to save her. They decide to set off with the elephant in the middle of the night, but end up getting caught by the three, violent men. Lily even ends up pretty badly injured. Luckily, Lily's family and law enforcement are able to interfere and get Queenie Grace transferred safely to an elephant sanctuary, where she is coincidentally reunited with her "long lost" child. Lily and her family visit often, and Lily's mother finally has a change of heart when it comes to being involved in her daughter's life. Though Bill's death is tragic, a lot of good ends up happening as a result.
Lily's mother, Trullia, left her alone with her father when Lily was only three years old. Trullia was a trapeze artist in the circus and had some issues that prevented her from being able to successfully mother her own daughter. Trullia's parents were also members of the same circus, but (unlike their daughter) they always adored Lily Ann and wanted to be as much a part of her life as possible. They kept in touch as best they could over the years, but this was a difficult feat when they were constantly traveling with the circus. Lily's grandfather, Bill, performed with Queenie Grace for 28 years. Prior to that she had been treated very poorly. They were great friends, and we learn that Queenie Grace had a deep love for her mahout - her trainer. When Bill dies of a sudden heart attack, both the elephant and Lily are devastated.
Upon hearing the news of her grandfather's death, Lily travels to her grandparent's trailer in Florida to attend her grandfather's funeral and console her grandma. This is the first time she has ever been there. It turns out that life changes in significant ways from this one visit. Lily could never have imagined this. For one thing, she gets to know many members of the circus. One of them becomes a close, dear friend. His name is Henry Jack, though he's often called Alligator Boy because of a skin condition and his role in the circus. It's difficult not to love this kind, spirited character, and easy to see why Lily becomes such fast friends with him.
Though Lily has always been frightened of the elephant, they begin to form a bond with one another. Both are grieving for Bill, but Queenie Grace's feelings are misunderstood. Trullia's wicked boyfriend and some of his acquaintances feel that the elephant is unsafe. Between that and a lack of money, Lily's grandma decides it is best to find a spot for Queenie Grace to go. However, Henry Jack and Lily overhear Mike and his buddies talking about how they are going to capture the elephant and split the money they sell her for. The two decide they need to do something to save her. They decide to set off with the elephant in the middle of the night, but end up getting caught by the three, violent men. Lily even ends up pretty badly injured. Luckily, Lily's family and law enforcement are able to interfere and get Queenie Grace transferred safely to an elephant sanctuary, where she is coincidentally reunited with her "long lost" child. Lily and her family visit often, and Lily's mother finally has a change of heart when it comes to being involved in her daughter's life. Though Bill's death is tragic, a lot of good ends up happening as a result.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2019
The book “One Amazing Elephant” by Linda Oatman High is a good book. The thing I like about this book is that it’s about a girl named Lily and her grandpa has a elephant and he wants lily to ride it and it to become hers. And I really love books about animals. If you love books about animals and their relationship with there owners I recommend this book.
March 30, 2017
Emily brought this home from the library and said, "I thought you would like this book, Mom." She got to it before I did and liked it. I love that my 11 year-old is now choosing my reading material for me. :)
August 29, 2017
I absolutely LOVED this book! The main character is a twelve-year-old girl named Lily Rose Pruitt. She is very close to her grandfather Bill who is a very tall man involved with the circus. He has an elephant named Queenie Grace who Lily is very afraid of at the beginning of the story. Lily’s mom and grandparents have always been circus people. She lives with her father at a campground in West Virginia. Grandfather Bill has a heart attack and dies. Lily flies to Florida for the funeral. There she becomes good friends with Henry Jack and the elephant. Many things happen to her on the trip that change her in many ways. This book brings out many emotions throughout the story including sadness and great happiness. The chapters are set up very nicely. They are all short, and they alternate between Lily’s point of view and the elephant’s. I think kids will really like that. There are interesting facts about elephants embedded throughout the story such as how elephants grieve. The book has themes of dealing with grief, friendship, overcoming your fears, forgiveness, and finding the silver lining. Overall, a great book. It made me smile! :-)
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