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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Adventure that's verging on political, friends, elephants and excitement share the narrative.
My son made me read this, it was a Year 6 topic book, and he enjoyed it so much he wanted me to read it too. When I finally had a copy, he kept asking me what part I was up to, which I really liked, sharing that with him.
And yes - a good book for primary readers. Set in Sri Lanka, it opens in the middle of a jewel theft, with young girl Chaya breaking back out of the Queen's rooms with her precious stones, to pay a fellow villager's medical expenses. Very aware of the danger she, her family, and all the nearby towns will be in, she hides them with a loyal friend who works in a shop, she can relax knowing they won't be found.... until the box they are hidden in is sold...
It's the beginning of an adventure in which Chaya will show resourcefulness, Neel his bravery and loyalty, and the titular elephant of course makes an appearance as well.
It romps along nicely, with fish-out-of-water, danger, chases, and a good dollop of social conscience and dissatisfaction with poor rulers.
Did not take long to read, and I found the setting and characters refreshing, with a 'twist' my son was desperate for me to reach and a satisfying ending. A great read for classrooms with short chapters, strong female characters and lots of action.
For ages 8-12.
My son made me read this, it was a Year 6 topic book, and he enjoyed it so much he wanted me to read it too. When I finally had a copy, he kept asking me what part I was up to, which I really liked, sharing that with him.
And yes - a good book for primary readers. Set in Sri Lanka, it opens in the middle of a jewel theft, with young girl Chaya breaking back out of the Queen's rooms with her precious stones, to pay a fellow villager's medical expenses. Very aware of the danger she, her family, and all the nearby towns will be in, she hides them with a loyal friend who works in a shop, she can relax knowing they won't be found.... until the box they are hidden in is sold...
It's the beginning of an adventure in which Chaya will show resourcefulness, Neel his bravery and loyalty, and the titular elephant of course makes an appearance as well.
It romps along nicely, with fish-out-of-water, danger, chases, and a good dollop of social conscience and dissatisfaction with poor rulers.
Did not take long to read, and I found the setting and characters refreshing, with a 'twist' my son was desperate for me to reach and a satisfying ending. A great read for classrooms with short chapters, strong female characters and lots of action.
For ages 8-12.
ginameix's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
An adventurous tale for fans of Robin Hood and other righteous thieving stories. While I thought the end was a little bit abrupt, middle grade readers will appreciate the character growth that Chaya experiences as well as the friendship she makes along her journey.
Content Warnings
Minor: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
maireador20's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sammi1966's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
millarpa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
theresa_timber's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
storiesandsours's review
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
chickchick22's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Interesting.