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The Elephant in the Room

The Elephant in the Room

by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Author)

From the New York Times bestselling author of Counting by 7s comes a heartfelt story about "the importance of compassion and bravery when facing life’s challenges” (Kirkus) for fans of The One and Only Ivan and Front Desk.It's been almost a year since Sila's mother traveled halfway around the world to Turkey, hoping to secure the immigration paperwork that would allow her to return to her family in the United States.The long separation is almost impossible for Sila to withstand. But things change when Sila accompanies her father (who is a mechanic) outside their Oregon town to fix a truck. There, behind an enormous stone wall, she meets a grandfatherly man who only months before won the state lottery. Their new alliance leads to the rescue of a circus elephant named Veda, and then to a friendship with an unusual boy named Mateo, proving that comfort and hope come in the most unlikely of places. A moving story of family separation and the importance of the connection between animals and humans, this novel has the enormous heart and uplifting humor that readers have come to expect from the beloved author of Counting by 7s. “I couldn’t stop reading—I had to find out what would happen. An unusual and lovely real-life fairy tale.” Linda Sue Park, New York Times Bestselling author of A Long Walk to Water“A gorgeous and emotional novel. I loved every page.” —Cynthia Kadohata, Newbery Medal-winning author of Kira-Kira

In the poignant and captivating novel "The Elephant in the Room" by Holly Goldberg Sloan, we are introduced to the extraordinary life of Maya, a young girl who is dealing with the complex and often overwhelming challenges of growing up in a family marked by mental illness. Maya's mother, struggling with bipolar disorder, brings both moments of joy and despair into their lives, while her father, a caring but overwhelmed figure, tries his best to navigate the tumultuous waters of their family's reality.

As Maya embarks on her journey through middle school, she finds herself confronted by the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental illness. With the help of her wise and supportive grandmother, she learns to confront her fears and misconceptions surrounding mental illness. With the help of her wise and supportive grandmother, she learns to confront her fears and grapple with the complexities of her family's situation.

"The Elephant in the Room" is a poignant and insightful story that delves into the depths of human resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Through Maya's eyes, readers are given a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of mental illness, its impact on individuals and families, and the strength that can be found in embracing and understanding our differences.

Holly Goldberg Sloan's skillful storytelling brings Maya's world to life with vivid imagery, relatable characters, and a narrative that keeps readers invested until the very end. "The Elephant in the Room" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the often overlooked realities of mental illness and the importance of empathy, acceptance, and unconditional love.

Rating:

Pages:
256 pages
Language:
English