Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommended: Yes
Reading Level: Middle grade

Review: I also enjoyed reading this book. It’s a sweet story, and it is also very informative. I learned a lot
about elephants that I didn’t know before. I loved the relationship between the main character and her
father, but especially between the humans and the elephants. ( )

I was apprehensive of this story because how much can really be said about elephants? but needless to say I was impressed! Eric Walters told a fantastic story that kept me reading and wanting to know what happens next! The story teaches the importance of family and the great bond it holds, regardless of who’s in it whether it’s a herd of elephants or a widowed-parent. ( )

An enjoyable read, even as an adult. The characters are engaging and the plot held my attention. A family feel-good book that can be read with your middle schooler to open up conversations around relationship dynamics in the herd, various ethical (or not so ethical) choices made by characters, and the importance of balancing responsibility with childhood fun. ( )

This is the first chapter book of Eric Walters that I have read and I did take a long pause in the middle as it was so slow in moving forward. I was also frustrated because I didn’t know where the elephant sanctuary was, having travelled in Africa and seen these wonderful animals in their natural habitat I hoped it was there. But it didn’t feel right and I, correctly, decided it was in the United States, which was a disappointment. But Sam and her father did do good work there

Sam’s bonding with the animals was realistic and true, particularly with the baby and it was here the speed of the book picked up and carried through to a satisfactory ending. For now I prefer Walters picture books but would try any of his writing. I am proud he is a successful Canadian author.

I received this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. I also posted my review on Amazon.ca.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 ( )

13 and raised on her family's North American elephant sanctuary, Sam can do it all. Drive truck, haul bales of hay, and speak the secret language of elephants. Every member of the herd holds a special place in her heart and Sam is fiercely protective of her over-sized family but it's the pregnant Daisy Mae who is about to turn Sam's world upside-down.
When Daisy Mae's baby is born, Sam and her dad suspect that something just isn't quite right about the baby and they're about to be taken on an adventure of a lifetime. A billionaire genius, top secret science experiment, and Sam's beloved herd come together in a story that is timely, relevant, and entirely believable. Walters offers an endearing story with just the right combination of facts and fiction. Well done! ( )