Book Synopsis

AN INDIE NEXT PICK AND AN AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH!

The world's #1 bestselling author James Patterson and award-winning author Ellen Banda-Aaku deliver an unforgettable story of a girl, an elephant, and their life-changing friendship--perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan, Pax, and Because of Winn-Dixie.

Clever, sensitive Jama likes elephants better than people. While her classmates gossip--especially about the new boy, Leku--twelve-year-old Jama takes refuge at the watering hole outside her village. There she befriends a baby elephant she names Mbegu--Swahili for "seed".

When Mbegu's mother, frightened by poachers, stampedes, Jama and Mbegu are blamed for two deaths--one elephant and one human. Now Leku, whose mysterious and imposing father is head ranger at the conservancy, may be their only lifeline.

Inspired by true events, The Elephant Girl is a moving exploration of the bonds between creatures and the power of belonging.

Review Quotes

A Children's Book Council Librarian Favorite
An Indie Next Pick
Amazon Best Book of the Month

"Emotionally thrilling and richly satisfying." --Kirkus

"Inspired by real events, this story vividly depicts Kenya as it explores the relationship between humans and animals. Readers will be inspired by Jama's courage and root for her and Mbegu's future."--School Library Journal

"Patterson and Banda-Aaku's well-developed, vividly set story is thoroughly grounded in Jama's bravery, moral strength, and genuine love for the animals that share her home."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Maximum Ride, Middle School, Treasure Hunters, and Jacky Ha-Ha. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers, and his books have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide. He has received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

A tireless champion of the power of books and reading, Patterson created a children's book imprint, JIMMY Patterson, whose mission is simple: "We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY book to say, 'PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK.'" He has donated more than three million books to students and soldiers and funds over four hundred Teacher and Writer Education Scholarships at twenty-one colleges and universities. He also supports forty thousand school libraries and has donated millions of dollars to independent bookstores. Patterson invests proceeds from the sales of JIMMY Patterson Books in pro-reading initiatives.

Ellen Banda-Aaku is an award-winning author and producer. She has lived, studied, and worked in Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia, and currently lives in the UK with her two children.