DigeeBooks

From the New York Times best-selling 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)

Unraveling the Complexities of Family Dynamics in Holly Goldberg Sloan's "The Elephant in the Room"

In her captivating novel, "The Elephant in the Room," Holly Goldberg Sloan delves into the intricate tapestry of family relationships, exploring the challenges and triumphs of finding one's place in a blended family.

At the heart of the story is Maya, a young girl navigating the complexities of life with two sets of parents, two homes, and two very different stepfamilies. As she struggles to balance her loyalties and find her identity, Maya discovers that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that sometimes, the most unexpected connections can offer the greatest comfort.

With warmth and humor, Sloan paints a vivid portrait of a modern family grappling with the realities of blended family dynamics. Maya's journey of self-discovery and acceptance is a poignant reminder that love can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

Sloan's characters are richly developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and strengths. Maya's resilience and determination shine through as she confronts the challenges of her new family structure, while her stepsiblings, stepparents, and biological parents all bring their own unique perspectives to the narrative.

"The Elephant in the Room" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of family, identity, and the power of love to overcome adversity. Sloan's skillful storytelling and poignant insights make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary family dynamics and the complexities of human relationships.