Singing with Elephants
Written by Margarita Engle
Published by Penguin Young Readers Group
Cuban-born eleven-year-old Oriol lives in Santa Barbara, California, where she struggles to belong. But most of the time that’s okay, because she enjoys helping her parents care for the many injured animals at their veterinary clinic.
Then Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature moves to town, and aspiring writer Oriol finds herself opening up. And when she discovers that someone is threatening the life of a baby elephant at her parents’ clinic, Oriol is determined to take action. As she begins to create a world of words for herself, Oriol learns it will take courage and strength to do what she thinks is right—even if it means keeping secrets from those she loves.
A beautifully written, lyrically told story about the power of friendship—between generations, between humans and animals—and the potential of poetry to inspire action, justice, and acceptance.
Look for the Spanish version, El Canto de Los Elefantes.
Primary ISBN: 9780593206690
Publication Date: May 2022
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade , Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Cuban/Cuban American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Animals, Arts, Coming of Age, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Format: Novel In Verse, Immigrant: Economic, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: United States (Santa Barbara, CA)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.