This is a beautifully written novel that will touch the hearts of readers and stick with you long after the last page. It’s a poignant story of overcoming grief and finding strength in unexpected friendships.

Although the story is geared towards a middle-grade audience, I believe the story offers valuable lessons for everyone, regardless of age.

“One of the miracles of elephants is that they can read your soul.”

After the accidental death of her mother, twelve-year-old Quinn is left reeling. Her devoted aunt, Lizzie, decides that a two-week volunteer trip to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand is exactly what the two of them need to overcome their grief. Though Quinn is initially reluctant to dedicate herself to the physical and emotional labor of caring for these elephants, many of which have suffered abuse and trauma, she quickly begins to see the elephants as a mirror for her own struggles. After a touching encounter with the twenty-year-old elephant Sumana, Quinn starts to understand the beauty of making heartfelt connections. When a young, motherless elephant named Lee Lawa Dee enters the sanctuary, Quinn immediately feels compelled to do everything she can to help her, even if it means breaking a few rules. In helping Lee Lawa Dee rediscover the joy of living, perhaps Quinn can find some happiness of her own.

The middle grade market currently seems to be flooded with books that revolve around dealing with grief. While Elephant Touch is not necessarily unique in its themes, it effectively teaches kids about balancing empathy with their own struggles, simultaneously acknowledging their own pain and the pain of other people (and animals). However, I found it a little irritating that the protagonist constantly wants to be applauded for experiencing basic empathy. She acts like no one else cares about the elephants, even though there are characters who have dedicated their lives to this sanctuary. Despite Quinn’s pick-me attitude, she was a relatively accurate representation of the constant drama and anxiety of being a preteen. Oddly, the book feels aimed towards younger readers rather than preteens, mostly because the author writes as if children are incapable of understanding or looking up longer words. As a result, the prose frequently read like the author was telling the audience information rather than showing them. That is not to say that this book did not have some appealing characteristics, though. Quinn’s interactions with the elephants are by far the strongest, most natural part of the text. It is easy to picture them playing together and forming bonds. Greenway’s descriptions of the activities at the sanctuary also effectively demonstrate how conservation and sustainability efforts work hand in hand. Children who are curious about elephants and enjoy books about coping with difficult feelings will gravitate toward Elephant Touch.

Told by the 12 yol Quinn’s POV, Elephant Touch is a touching story about grief, love, guilt, finding love and happiness again and important topics as elephant sanctuaries, volunteering and solidarity.
Quinn finds solace in her new experience, and we go through what she goes through with her experience with elephants.
This book flows well, the prose, the tone and the topic are appropriate, the characters relatable, the metaphors and the surface level story important.
Adults can also enjoy this book, however this is best suited at children and MG readers.
4.5 stars

This book truly resonated with my 6 and 7-year-old daughters. The book offers a wealth of information about elephants and their sanctuaries, making it both educational and engaging. Additionally, it addresses the difficult topic of losing a parent in a way that is accessible and understandable for young readers.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Elephant Touch by Susan Greenway is a deeply moving story about a young girl's journey through grief after losing her mother in a skiing accident. Volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, she forms a poignant connection with the elephants, which helps her navigate her sorrow and find hope. This beautifully crafted book intertwines pain and joy, making it a touching and hopeful read for all ages.

This book had my heart from the very first page! Quinn is 12-years-old and still dealing with the death of her mother six months earlier. Her Aunt Lizzie takes her to Thailand to the Orawan Elephant Sanctuary as a way to try to heal them both. Quinn soon finds out the horrors that face wild elephants and the pain they also have to go through to recover from tragedy. Sumana, a 20-year-old-elephant who was beaten and blinded by her owner, shows Quinn that despite the pain, there is also healing. But when Lee Lawa Dee, a 6-month-old elephant who has just lost her mother to hunters comes to the Sanctuary, can there be enough healing to save this little one? This book is absolutely incredible! Must Read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sparkpress for an advanced copy of this book! Elephant Touch by Susan Greenway is incredibly moving. It's a reminder that even in the depths of sorrow, there can be moments of beauty and hope. The story follows a young girl grappling with the traumatic loss of her mother in a skiing accident. Her journey of grief takes her to Thailand, where she volunteers at an elephant sanctuary with her aunt. This book beautifully illustrates how pain, joy, grief, and hope can coexist, creating a narrative that is both touching, insightful, and accessible to all readers.

Quinn’s connection with the elephants is a highlight of the story. Elephants, known for their intelligence and emotional depth, intuitively understand her pain, creating a poignant bond that helps her navigate her grief. As she learns about the elephants, many of whom have faced abuse or lost their families, she draws parallels to her own life, finding solace and understanding in their shared experiences.

I had tears running down my face by the end of this book. The story is sweet, tender, loving, sad, hopeful, and even funny at times. This book is a must-read for anyone, not just middle graders, and it’s a testament to the power of stories in helping us heal and find hope.

This is a beautiful story about a young girl coming to terms with grief after the loss of her mother. Her aunt takes her on a trip to Thailand to an elephant care project where injured and abandoned elephants are rehabilitated.

Through the experience she comes to certain realisations about life, loss and love. The story also uses the setting of Thailand to great effect.

This is a story that will appeal to young readers because of its elements of adventure and travel, and the unexpected experience of interacting with elephants. It gets 3.5 stars.

I am someone who often watches the nature channel, and I adore a everything about elephants. So reading this, even though it was sad at times, it overall warmed my heart. I’m glad I got to read such a wonderful book.

Elephants have always been a favorite of mine for their meaning and so many other special things. I absolutely love this beautiful children’s book that’s deals with grief and the magical power of elephants, Such a special and beautiful read for young minds.

Such a darling book! I adored the main character, and the feelings she felt throughout this story, It was such a great story.