After a devastating tornado, Roger Marsh, the train engineer at the Lexington Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, finds a little girl being sheltered by Nyah an African elephant in the elephant enclosure. No one reports her missing in spite of the extreme news coverage. Roger becomes her guardian, and they live together in his home at the zoo. When Lexington starts school, the other kids tease her and call her Elephant Girl. The head keeper and his family also live at the zoo. Lex ends up being homeschooled by the zookeeper's wife - also the mom of her best and only friend her age Fisher. The summer before middle school, the kids are finally old enough to watch the elephant training. What follows is a magical level of communication between Nyah and Lexington. As Lex attempts to unravel the mysterious pictures she sees in her communication with Nyah, she encounters a misplaced spirit. As the kids hunt for treasure for the ghost, Lexington and Fisher get in trouble repeatedly. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Part mystery, part magical realism, part realistic fiction, this book transported me. I laughed and cried and shook my head. This book made me think of Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan. I can't wait to recommend this book to my middle school students.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I got an ARC of this book.

I got this because there was an elephant on the cover. My family is an elephant family. We feed the elephants at the zoo every chance we get, we have elephant art work (the ones painted by elephants, not paintings of elephants), and more. I got this so I could read it and hopefully think my grandmother would like it to get for her. My grandmother does not have a reading level that matches her age. She loves reading though. So a middle grade book about elephants sounded perfect for her. 

The problem is this book is boring. That is sadly the nicest way I can say it. The writing feels disconnected and emotionless. There is no reason for me to care about the mystery. It reads as a adult novel in tone and pacing. There are so many unexplained things that I had to force myself to read it. I ended up stopping around 73% of the way. I just couldn't force myself to read any more. So I don't know how it ends and I just don't care. If I don't care by this point in the book I doubt I ever will. I am done torturing myself.

With my normal reading speed, I should have been able to finish this book in a sitting or just a few hours. Instead I have been attempting to read it for over a week. I just can't focus. There is nothing to focus on. The characters are flat that there really is no explanation for why they do what they do or any desire on my part to know. There is too much trying to hide plot points to reveal them later (like the names that Lex was called in school). If you erased about every other chapter from the first quarter of the book, the book would read smoother and I wouldn't have been as bored. There is no reason to have a chapter to hint that she was bullied at school. Just tell me she was bullied and move on. 

If there were an adult book, then I might have overlooked some of this as adult books often have way too many details and have pacing that just isn't conducive to binge reading. But this is middle grade. This is supposed to be for younger readers and it is just boring. How can you make a telepathic elephant boring?

Lex Willow was only a toddler when, seven years ago, she was found inside the elephant habitat at the Lexington Zoo, after a devastating tornado. She was being guarded by Nyah, a young elephant, and was found only because a ghost pointed the way to where she was located. When a lengthy search turned up no family, she was allowed to live in the zoo with Roger Marsh, the zoo's train engineer, as her guardian. Lex's best friend, Fisher, also lives inside the zoo since his parents are both zoo employees. While Fisher attends a local public school, Lex is homeschooled because the school children made fun of her, pointing out the fact that she talks to the wind and by also calling her Elephant Girl. So in the present, Lex discovers a 'misplaced spirit' who has a mystery that must be uncovered. Lex feels compelled to reveal the secrets she uncovers, even if it includes damaging zoo property. But she eventually bites off more than she can chew, risking losing permission to live on zoo property any more.

When I agreed to review this book, I didn't even know it was set in Lexington, Nebraska -- not too far from where I live. So all the references to weather and other local hot spots in the area were spot on! Also worth noting is the fact that Lex's homeschool teacher, who happens to be Fisher's mom, is requiring her to write a paper comparing herself to Karana from the book Island of the Blue Dolphins. So there are a number of ways she examines her experiences throughout that story. I usually examine parent/child relationships in coming of age books, but in this book it's complicated by her unusual circumstances of being taken in by a zoo employee who hasn't officially adopted her. But it's still a beautiful relationship with mutual respect -- the type that I would hope all children have with their biological or adoptive parents.

This book is Celesta Rimington's debut novel, but it certainly didn't read like one. The writing was so beautiful and I easily slipped into the story, admiring her descriptive language and in-depth understanding of Lex. Furthermore, Rimington went to great measures to research elephant communications, zoos, and the circus. Additionally, she worked for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, so there was plenty of personal experiences to guide her on her research path, leading to this book. I happily recommend this story to young readers who love mysterious adventures. That said, the story will be equally engaging for adult readers who long to remember the feeling of being young, curious, open-minded, and often misunderstood. My thanks to Netgalley and Crown Books for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy so that I could give an honest review. This title is scheduled to be published tomorrow, May 19th.

The Elephant's Girl was an absolutely wonderful story for a middle-grade reader! The book moved at a fairly fast pace and had an engaging story. The characters were likable, and I loved Lexington. I think that she will resonate with young readers!

The setting was awesome. I enjoyed that Lex grew up in the zoo and seems to know so much about it now. The plot caught me by surprise, and I couldn't put the book down!

I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Lexington Willow is not her real name, but nobody knows what her real name is. The school kids taunt her by calling her “Elephant Girl,” but that is not who she is either. Roger, her guardian guided by a ghost, found her sheltered by an elephant after a tornado ripped through the town and zoo. Advertising failed to locate parents looking for a little girl. Guessing at the age she must have been when she was found, she and Roger have concluded she is now twelve.

Elements of magical realism, in addition to Roger’s ghost who keeps turning up, include the wind who has a contentious relationship with Lex and the friendly elephant Nyah who sends her telepathic visual messages. Her best friend Fisher, who also lives at the zoo, takes time from his obsession with baseball to help her follow trails that may reveal her identity and answer questions that Nyah has sent about her own elephant family. In the end, Lex must leave the safe confines of the zoo to find the answers to her questions about who she really is and if there is some connection between her family and the elephants.

Included in the book, and woven into the storyline in a non-didactic way, are issues about the ethical and humane treatment of elephants. Back matter gives satisfying answers to some of the questions that might occur to a discerning reader. The book keeps the reader engaged, even in the midst of a pandemic, and eager to read the next page. Although it is targeted for middle grade, I wouldn’t let them have all the fun. I read The Elephant’s Girl, scheduled for release tomorrow, May 19, in an advance reading copy from Net Galley and found just the right amount of magic to season a really good story.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review,

Lexington Willow arrived at the zoo by way of a tornado. Her life inside the zoo is safe and comfortable, It's away from the taunts of the kids at school, and her best friend lives at the zoo. She's gearing up for a great summer, getting to spend time with her best friend and helping to train the elephants. Her plans get turned upside down, however when her friend is off to baseball camp and her first training session with the elephants sends her on a quest with a ghost.

I really liked this one, and think it will be a favorite of many middle grade readers. Lex is charmingly sympathetic main character with a friend many kids dream of. Her desire to live up to Roger's expectations, to be a better friend, to help both Nyah and Miss Anna, and to channel her inner Karana will have readers cheering her on and crossing their fingers as she braves the woods, and races through the city. I can't wait to recommend this to a few middle grader readers.

A beautifully woven story of a young girl without a home within a home. As a debut I found this to be a wonderful story and I look forward to more from this author. The inclusion of animals bring so much truth to how we connect with the life and breath of a being that speaks to humans with something other than words.

"It's possible to miss people you can't remember."

TheElephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington is an adventurous, fun middle grade novel filled with magical realism and a touch of the paranormal. I really enjoyed the main character, Lexington, who lives at the zoo, being found there alone, protected by one of the elephants, after a damaging tornado swept through the area.  Now grown up, she stumbles across a mystery pertaining to the elephants and a missing treasure. She is determined to figure it out, and hopefully learn more about her own history along the way.  A great book that I know I would have absolutely loved as a kid. I even learned a few things I hadn't known before reading it.

Disclaimer: The quoted text is from an uncorrected proof of this book that I received from Random House Childrens and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Sometimes, the things we think are missing from our lives, aren’t missing at all. We have simply misplaced our ability to see what is right in front of us.

Lexington (Lex) is different from other kids her age for two main reasons. First, following a major tornado, she was found at the zoo being sheltered by an elephant named Nyah. Secondly, she lives at this same zoo with her foster guardian, Roger.

Nyah and Lex share a special bond and communicate on a deep level. When this sends Lex into the woods, she meets a ghost seeking help to find a lost treasure and things get dangerous.

This was such a fun, adventurous, and extremely touching novel! The fantasy elements flowed so well with the everyday goings on at the zoo. I never knew what was going to happen next! I loved it!

However, the real beauty of this story lies in coming to understand how our family can extend to be more than just a bloodline. Your home is where you choose it to be. Our family can be found among our closest friends and those who are our caretakers. It is the people who love us the most and those we love the most in our lives. And it is our realization of this, and our journeys to get to this point, that is beautiful.

With their uncanny ability to remember, impeccable communication skills, and incredible family bonds, the elephant was the perfect animal for this magical story. As the saying goes, “The elephant never forgets”. Nyah and the other elephants are a lovely use of memory for the story.

In the end, you have an extremely imaginative middle grade fantasy that is about friendship, loss, family, self confidence and love. The characters are all relatable and I found myself saddened to see it come to an end.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children’s for this Advanced Reader’s Copy.

A young girl is discovered inside the elephant enclosure after a severe tornado at the Lexington Zoo. The elephant, Nyah, saved her life and because of this it is believed they have a special connection. When no one claims the little girl, everyone assumes her family died in the tornado and she is taken care of by a zoo employee named Roger. With no memory of who she is and her life before, Roger decides to name her Lexington Willow after the zoo and the town.

The story takes place seven years after the incident and Lexington is known in the area because of her survival story and the media coverage that surrounded it. When Lex goes to school the kids make a mockery of her, calling her elephant girl and forcing her to be homeschooled instead. Through their communication abilities, Nyah sends Lex telepathic images that lead her to meeting a ghost or a “misplaced spirit” who may know what happened on that fateful night all those years ago. So she sets out on an adventure full of ghosts, lost treasure, and hopefully discovering the family she lost.

I did not really enjoy or believe the magical realism elements of this book, although it probably won’t be an issue for many others. It took me a while to get into the book because of the slow pacing, but had very lovable characters. The ending tied up very neatly, which I personally liked but others may not enjoy endings like that.

A small child is found nestled next to an elephant following a tornado which swept through a zoo in Nebraska. No one ever comes for her, no one claims her. Named Lexington Willow by Roger, a zoo employee with whom she lives, she is raised within the boundaries of the zoo. There she knows what to expect. It is only when she steps outside the gates that things become uncertain. Leaving the zoo means being teased by other children and facing the unknown. When Lex is twelve she is allowed to start to help with the care of the elephants. And it is here that Nyah the younger elephant who saved her, starts sending her messages telepathically. These messages received on the wind will require that Lex leave the safety of the zoo. She will meet a ghost and search for hidden treasure.

Children and adults alike will enjoy this story and find themselves rooting for Lexington and for Nyah. Magical realism, mystery, and the power of love - what's not to like. People who like Kate DiCamillo's stories will be equally impressed by Rimington's tale.

There were lots of things I really loved about this middle grade magical realism read.

The cover is stunning, and that alone was almost enough for me to request it. I read When Elephants Fly earlier this year, and was hoping for a similar, but younger, read. This had a lot more magic, and I think that’s something my daughter would love (she’s 6) and it didn’t feel terribly dumbed down. The story was sweet, if anything it wrapped up so sweetly that I struggled a little with the end.

I loved the complex, delightful characters that came to life in this story. It would be hard not to fall in love with curly-haired Lex and her impetuous determination to figure out her true identity. The small touches of magic and fantasy drew me further into the reality of an eleven-year-old girl, after all who didn't secretly believe in magic at that age? I was yelling at the wind, hugging elephants, and talking to ghosts right along with her.
With themes of friendship, family, loss, and perseverance, this book will resonate with readers of all ages. I can readily recommend it without reservation.

This story takes you on an adventure with an unknown child, dubbed Lexington, who shows up in the elephant enclosure at a zoo after a tornado. Not knowing who she is plagues her as she tries to find a place in the world. She ends up living and being raised at the zoo and must learn to leave her 'island' of safety to make discoveries that will change her life forever. Her relationships with the elephant who saved her is something every animal lover would envy and her respect for the lives and well beings of the animals makes Lexington an honorable character. She is strong but learns to be even stronger with the love and support of those around her. This book takes you not only into life inside a zoo but provides glimpses into circus life. It allows inside looks into parts of these worlds the general public does not get to witness. It is insightful and realistic with a touch of magic and suspension of disbelief. I was charmed through to the end.

Unfortunately my daughter and I did not finish reading this book. While the story itself is interesting, and the main character is someone we'd like to get to know as a reader, the pacing was slow so it did not hold our interest.

A girl who solves the mystery of hidden treasure by communicating with an elephant and meeting with a ghost. This new middle grade novel will spark imaginations while reminding readers of the many ways elephants can be mistreated. The zoo featured in this book does not abuse their charges, but some have previously been part of circus acts. Our main character Lexington is 12-years-old. When she was just a little girl, a tornado tore her away from her family and she found refuge with an elephant at the Lexington Zoo. No one came forward to claim Lexington so she has grown up at the zoo. In this story she establishes a connection with the resident elephants and the pictures conjured up by these conversations lead Lexington on a treasure hunt. This book will be appealing to kids who like to read Dusti Bowling's books and, of course, Katherine Applegate's "The One and Only Ivan" and her newest release, "The One and Only Bob."

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

You had me at elephant. This touching story takes place in a zoo, centers on family and belonging and friendship, with a bit of bullying and some magical realism thrown in. All in all, really well done..

(I did feel that Lex took too much free reign with her freedom to roam the zoo. Chasing a car down with a bus and then on foot? Yikes)

Thank you to #NetGalley and Random House Children's publishing house.

The Elephant's Girl is a beautifully written debut novel by Celesta Rimington. This is a heartfelt story told with authentic characters in an honest and meaningful way. The relationships between the characters are meaningful in ways that entice the reader deeper into the story. The use of magical realism is a credit the novel. I highly recommend this novel.

What a great book. As an adult I loved this book. My kids, third grade and kindergarten also loved it. Elephants are such great animals and this book furthered our love for them. I'll be recommending this to fellow educators, friends, family, and buying a physical copy when this book is published. Can't wait!

A heartwarming and beautifully written debut novel! Celesta Rimington does a brilliant job covering tough topics and the pure relationship between a little girl and an elephant. The focus on friendship and love is one of my favorite parts about this book. I adored this author's writing style and will definitely be picking up her next book!