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Elephant Touch
For fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish, Elephant Touch is a contemporary middle grade novel about overcoming grief that will touch the hearts of its readers.
Since the sudden loss of her mother, Quinn has been inconsolable. Her aunt brings her to volunteer at a Thai elephant sanctuary, hoping it will be a healing experience—but when Quinn learns about the previous abuse of the elephants she’s there to help, she’s overcome with even more grief.
While crying alone by the river one day, Quinn has a magical encounter with an adult elephant. She marvels at the elephant’s show of compassion, and they develop a strong connection. But when an orphaned baby elephant, also grieving her mother’s death, arrives at the sanctuary in fragile health, Quinn is afraid to get involved. To help save the baby elephant’s life, she must be courageous and use her newfound ability to connect with the elephants—not to mention accept the support of her new human friends. If she can channel her grief into action, she just might find the community and support she’s been missing. But can she find the courage to do it?
Since the sudden loss of her mother, Quinn has been inconsolable. Her aunt brings her to volunteer at a Thai elephant sanctuary, hoping it will be a healing experience—but when Quinn learns about the previous abuse of the elephants she’s there to help, she’s overcome with even more grief.
While crying alone by the river one day, Quinn has a magical encounter with an adult elephant. She marvels at the elephant’s show of compassion, and they develop a strong connection. But when an orphaned baby elephant, also grieving her mother’s death, arrives at the sanctuary in fragile health, Quinn is afraid to get involved. To help save the baby elephant’s life, she must be courageous and use her newfound ability to connect with the elephants—not to mention accept the support of her new human friends. If she can channel her grief into action, she just might find the community and support she’s been missing. But can she find the courage to do it?
160 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 23, 2024
This is a beautifully written novel that will touch the hearts of readers and stick with you long after the last page. It’s a poignant story of overcoming grief and finding strength in unexpected friendships.
Although the story is geared towards a middle-grade audience, I believe the story offers valuable lessons for everyone, regardless of age.
Although the story is geared towards a middle-grade audience, I believe the story offers valuable lessons for everyone, regardless of age.
September 7, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you so much to Booksparks for sending me a physical copy for the Fall Pop-Up <3
Elephant Touch by Susan R. Greenway was such a touching and emotional read. Even though it's a middle-school-level book, it was still beautifully written and had such a heartwarming story. Greenway did such a great job of portraying grief and depression and made it all the more relatable with a young character for a younger audience.
I'm a huge animal lover and am fond of elephants in particular, so applying to read and review this book was a no-brainer. I fell in love with the story and our main character, Quinn. At certain points, I even teared up a bit because of how tragic this story is. However, it was breathtaking watching Quinn connect with the elephants and rediscover herself.
My one issue with this book was that the dialogue was very young, even for a middle school audience. The sentences were short and the things that the characters would say were not conversation-like whatsoever. If I were to compare it to something, I would say the dialogue feels like it's coming out of a picture book and not a novel.
I'm so grateful to have received this book and the opportunity to continue working with Booksparks for the 3rd time! A huge thank you to Susan R. Greenway as well for sharing your story with the world.
Thank you so much to Booksparks for sending me a physical copy for the Fall Pop-Up <3
Elephant Touch by Susan R. Greenway was such a touching and emotional read. Even though it's a middle-school-level book, it was still beautifully written and had such a heartwarming story. Greenway did such a great job of portraying grief and depression and made it all the more relatable with a young character for a younger audience.
I'm a huge animal lover and am fond of elephants in particular, so applying to read and review this book was a no-brainer. I fell in love with the story and our main character, Quinn. At certain points, I even teared up a bit because of how tragic this story is. However, it was breathtaking watching Quinn connect with the elephants and rediscover herself.
My one issue with this book was that the dialogue was very young, even for a middle school audience. The sentences were short and the things that the characters would say were not conversation-like whatsoever. If I were to compare it to something, I would say the dialogue feels like it's coming out of a picture book and not a novel.
I'm so grateful to have received this book and the opportunity to continue working with Booksparks for the 3rd time! A huge thank you to Susan R. Greenway as well for sharing your story with the world.
September 8, 2024
Quinn and her Aunt Lizzy arrive in Thailand at an elephant sanctuary hoping for a chance to heal.
Six months ago Quinn’s mom, Lizzy’s sister, died tragically in a skiing accident. And Quinn hasn’t been ok since, withdrawn and quiet, she won’t let anything out or anyone in.
Despite her initial anger and despondency, her confusion and sadness to see these elephants who were mistreated prior to their arrival, when Quinn interacts with the elephants, she begins to feel again.
And then a baby elephant arrives after losing her mother, refusing to eat, slowly dying in her enclosure. Quinn comes up with a plan to save her - but will the adults give her plan a chance?
This was a sweet, touching middle grade book about loss, grief, and healing set against a backdrop of nature and animals.
Although Quinn is a middle schooler, the writing style for this one skews younger, more simplistic in identifying emotions, and I could see this being excellent as a read aloud in a 3rd grade classroom. I look forward to adding this to my 5th grade classroom library.
If you love books from the Ivan series or the novel Pax, this will likely resonate.
Thank you to @susanrgreenway and @booksparks for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC, which comes out September 17, 2024.
Six months ago Quinn’s mom, Lizzy’s sister, died tragically in a skiing accident. And Quinn hasn’t been ok since, withdrawn and quiet, she won’t let anything out or anyone in.
Despite her initial anger and despondency, her confusion and sadness to see these elephants who were mistreated prior to their arrival, when Quinn interacts with the elephants, she begins to feel again.
And then a baby elephant arrives after losing her mother, refusing to eat, slowly dying in her enclosure. Quinn comes up with a plan to save her - but will the adults give her plan a chance?
This was a sweet, touching middle grade book about loss, grief, and healing set against a backdrop of nature and animals.
Although Quinn is a middle schooler, the writing style for this one skews younger, more simplistic in identifying emotions, and I could see this being excellent as a read aloud in a 3rd grade classroom. I look forward to adding this to my 5th grade classroom library.
If you love books from the Ivan series or the novel Pax, this will likely resonate.
Thank you to @susanrgreenway and @booksparks for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC, which comes out September 17, 2024.
August 17, 2024
Thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy as a part of SRC2024. All opinions below are my own.
This is a sweet, emotional story aimed at young people to help them cope with grief and moving on after loss. In it, a young girl, Quinn, has lost her mother and is visiting an elephant sanctuary with her aunt. She has been lost in grief and is not able to see the end of the sadness. She is overwhelmed and her aunt hopes working with the elephants will help break up the routines of grief and get her mind on moving forward. There she finds a friend her age who helps her open up and a pair of elephants who give her a sense of purpose and open the door to the future.
This was a quick, accessible read that had sad themes but was filled with such hope. It dips into grief helping the reader relate to Quinn but it does not tarry there. The loss that Quinn has had is mirrored in the world she is interacting with offering her distraction, consolation and hope. This is a beautiful little story.
This is a sweet, emotional story aimed at young people to help them cope with grief and moving on after loss. In it, a young girl, Quinn, has lost her mother and is visiting an elephant sanctuary with her aunt. She has been lost in grief and is not able to see the end of the sadness. She is overwhelmed and her aunt hopes working with the elephants will help break up the routines of grief and get her mind on moving forward. There she finds a friend her age who helps her open up and a pair of elephants who give her a sense of purpose and open the door to the future.
This was a quick, accessible read that had sad themes but was filled with such hope. It dips into grief helping the reader relate to Quinn but it does not tarry there. The loss that Quinn has had is mirrored in the world she is interacting with offering her distraction, consolation and hope. This is a beautiful little story.
October 15, 2024
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own *
This was a book that touched me a lot, it moved me, I feel like it's one of those children's books that if you're an adult it speaks much more to you than to children.
It's a book that talks about pain, mourning, suffering and healing in a simple but real way, I recommend it if you like beautiful and deep stories.
This was a book that touched me a lot, it moved me, I feel like it's one of those children's books that if you're an adult it speaks much more to you than to children.
It's a book that talks about pain, mourning, suffering and healing in a simple but real way, I recommend it if you like beautiful and deep stories.
September 13, 2024
“One of the miracles of elephants is that they can read your soul.”
After the accidental death of her mother, twelve-year-old Quinn is left reeling. Her devoted aunt, Lizzie, decides that a two-week volunteer trip to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand is exactly what the two of them need to overcome their grief. Though Quinn is initially reluctant to dedicate herself to the physical and emotional labor of caring for these elephants, many of which have suffered abuse and trauma, she quickly begins to see the elephants as a mirror for her own struggles. After a touching encounter with the twenty-year-old elephant Sumana, Quinn starts to understand the beauty of making heartfelt connections. When a young, motherless elephant named Lee Lawa Dee enters the sanctuary, Quinn immediately feels compelled to do everything she can to help her, even if it means breaking a few rules. In helping Lee Lawa Dee rediscover the joy of living, perhaps Quinn can find some happiness of her own.
The middle grade market currently seems to be flooded with books that revolve around dealing with grief. While Elephant Touch is not necessarily unique in its themes, it effectively teaches kids about balancing empathy with their own struggles, simultaneously acknowledging their own pain and the pain of other people (and animals). However, I found it a little irritating that the protagonist constantly wants to be applauded for experiencing basic empathy. She acts like no one else cares about the elephants, even though there are characters who have dedicated their lives to this sanctuary. Despite Quinn’s pick-me attitude, she was a relatively accurate representation of the constant drama and anxiety of being a preteen. Oddly, the book feels aimed towards younger readers rather than preteens, mostly because the author writes as if children are incapable of understanding or looking up longer words. As a result, the prose frequently read like the author was telling the audience information rather than showing them. That is not to say that this book did not have some appealing characteristics, though. Quinn’s interactions with the elephants are by far the strongest, most natural part of the text. It is easy to picture them playing together and forming bonds. Greenway’s descriptions of the activities at the sanctuary also effectively demonstrate how conservation and sustainability efforts work hand in hand. Children who are curious about elephants and enjoy books about coping with difficult feelings will gravitate toward Elephant Touch.
Elephant Touch releases on September 17th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley, SparkPoint Studio, and She Writes Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
After the accidental death of her mother, twelve-year-old Quinn is left reeling. Her devoted aunt, Lizzie, decides that a two-week volunteer trip to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand is exactly what the two of them need to overcome their grief. Though Quinn is initially reluctant to dedicate herself to the physical and emotional labor of caring for these elephants, many of which have suffered abuse and trauma, she quickly begins to see the elephants as a mirror for her own struggles. After a touching encounter with the twenty-year-old elephant Sumana, Quinn starts to understand the beauty of making heartfelt connections. When a young, motherless elephant named Lee Lawa Dee enters the sanctuary, Quinn immediately feels compelled to do everything she can to help her, even if it means breaking a few rules. In helping Lee Lawa Dee rediscover the joy of living, perhaps Quinn can find some happiness of her own.
The middle grade market currently seems to be flooded with books that revolve around dealing with grief. While Elephant Touch is not necessarily unique in its themes, it effectively teaches kids about balancing empathy with their own struggles, simultaneously acknowledging their own pain and the pain of other people (and animals). However, I found it a little irritating that the protagonist constantly wants to be applauded for experiencing basic empathy. She acts like no one else cares about the elephants, even though there are characters who have dedicated their lives to this sanctuary. Despite Quinn’s pick-me attitude, she was a relatively accurate representation of the constant drama and anxiety of being a preteen. Oddly, the book feels aimed towards younger readers rather than preteens, mostly because the author writes as if children are incapable of understanding or looking up longer words. As a result, the prose frequently read like the author was telling the audience information rather than showing them. That is not to say that this book did not have some appealing characteristics, though. Quinn’s interactions with the elephants are by far the strongest, most natural part of the text. It is easy to picture them playing together and forming bonds. Greenway’s descriptions of the activities at the sanctuary also effectively demonstrate how conservation and sustainability efforts work hand in hand. Children who are curious about elephants and enjoy books about coping with difficult feelings will gravitate toward Elephant Touch.
Elephant Touch releases on September 17th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley, SparkPoint Studio, and She Writes Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
August 8, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Sparkpress for an advanced copy of this book! Elephant Touch by Susan Greenway is incredibly moving. It's a reminder that even in the depths of sorrow, there can be moments of beauty and hope. The story follows a young girl grappling with the traumatic loss of her mother in a skiing accident. Her journey of grief takes her to Thailand, where she volunteers at an elephant sanctuary with her aunt. This book beautifully illustrates how pain, joy, grief, and hope can coexist, creating a narrative that is both touching, insightful, and accessible to all readers.
Quinn’s connection with the elephants is a highlight of the story. Elephants, known for their intelligence and emotional depth, intuitively understand her pain, creating a poignant bond that helps her navigate her grief. As she learns about the elephants, many of whom have faced abuse or lost their families, she draws parallels to her own life, finding solace and understanding in their shared experiences.
I had tears running down my face by the end of this book. The story is sweet, tender, loving, sad, hopeful, and even funny at times. This book is a must-read for anyone, not just middle graders, and it’s a testament to the power of stories in helping us heal and find hope.
Quinn’s connection with the elephants is a highlight of the story. Elephants, known for their intelligence and emotional depth, intuitively understand her pain, creating a poignant bond that helps her navigate her grief. As she learns about the elephants, many of whom have faced abuse or lost their families, she draws parallels to her own life, finding solace and understanding in their shared experiences.
I had tears running down my face by the end of this book. The story is sweet, tender, loving, sad, hopeful, and even funny at times. This book is a must-read for anyone, not just middle graders, and it’s a testament to the power of stories in helping us heal and find hope.
August 20, 2024
I really didn't expect that a middle grade novel would break my heart and easily become one of my favorite books of 2024 but here we are. I absolutely loved Elephant Touch. The story of Quinn coming to terms with her mother unexpected death after a freak skiing accident was so moving. It broke my heart that she blamed herself for her mother's death even though it wasn't her fault at all. Instead of letting her family in she wallowed in her shame. That is until she met Sumana the elephant at a Thai elephant sanctuary. I found it so touching that while her family and friends couldn't break through her grief a hurt elephant was able to speak to her soul and bring her back to her old self.
My favorite part of the story was when a small orphaned elephant named Lee Lawa Dee, LeeLa. Quinn was able to use her newfound strength to help bring Sumana and LeeLa. It took her self-refection on overcoming her mother's death to see what LeeLa needed in order to survive the grief of seeing her mother murder by a farmer.
It has been a long time since I have read such a touching and heartfelt story. I can't recommend Elephant Touch enough. It is an absolutely beautiful story.
Thank you so much to @BookSparks and @susanrgreenway for this amazing book. All thoughts are my own.
My favorite part of the story was when a small orphaned elephant named Lee Lawa Dee, LeeLa. Quinn was able to use her newfound strength to help bring Sumana and LeeLa. It took her self-refection on overcoming her mother's death to see what LeeLa needed in order to survive the grief of seeing her mother murder by a farmer.
It has been a long time since I have read such a touching and heartfelt story. I can't recommend Elephant Touch enough. It is an absolutely beautiful story.
Thank you so much to @BookSparks and @susanrgreenway for this amazing book. All thoughts are my own.
September 23, 2024
Elephant Touch
Susan R. Greenway
Sparkbooks I Booksparks
September 17, 2024
Ages 10-12 I 4th and 5th Grade
Quinn has recently lost her mother in a skiing accident. Quinn is not dealing with her feeling well at all. Lizzie, Quinn’s Aunt and Lizzie’s sister, takes her to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand hoping to give her a chance to heal from this tragedy. Quinn is angry and withdrawn, but upon her arrival and her interaction with the elephants, she starts to open-up.
Quinn finds a friend her age at the sanctuary and while there a baby elephant has lost it’s mother and the baby stops eating due to its mourning and it will not and cannot survive like this. Quinn and her friend come up with a plan to save the baby elephant.
This story is about overcoming death and loss, anger and tragedy. It is about growth and expressing your emotions. Being set against a natural, animal filled backdrop helps to ease this story into the hands of younger readers. This story also covers topics like conservation and sustainability and that works well in this setting and with young readers. This is sweet, tender, loving story that goes full circle. Thank you so much to @BookSparks and @susanrgreenway for this amazing book
Susan R. Greenway
Sparkbooks I Booksparks
September 17, 2024
Ages 10-12 I 4th and 5th Grade
Quinn has recently lost her mother in a skiing accident. Quinn is not dealing with her feeling well at all. Lizzie, Quinn’s Aunt and Lizzie’s sister, takes her to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand hoping to give her a chance to heal from this tragedy. Quinn is angry and withdrawn, but upon her arrival and her interaction with the elephants, she starts to open-up.
Quinn finds a friend her age at the sanctuary and while there a baby elephant has lost it’s mother and the baby stops eating due to its mourning and it will not and cannot survive like this. Quinn and her friend come up with a plan to save the baby elephant.
This story is about overcoming death and loss, anger and tragedy. It is about growth and expressing your emotions. Being set against a natural, animal filled backdrop helps to ease this story into the hands of younger readers. This story also covers topics like conservation and sustainability and that works well in this setting and with young readers. This is sweet, tender, loving story that goes full circle. Thank you so much to @BookSparks and @susanrgreenway for this amazing book
August 4, 2026
Elephants have always been mysterious animals that symbolize strength, wisdom, memory, gentleness, hope, and forgiveness. Elephant Touch beautifully captures all of those qualities while telling a heartfelt story about grief and healing.
Nearly no notes.
What I loved most is that the elephants were never just elephants. They became both a mirror and a window for Quinn. As she learned about them, she slowly came to understand herself. Every question she asked about the elephants became a question about her own grief, her own healing, and whether joy was possible again.
The novel never treats healing like a straight line. Grief comes in waves. Some memories hurt while others eventually become comforting. Watching Quinn go from looking inward to finally seeing everyone else's pain was one of the most rewarding parts of the story.
The ending was earned. Sumana, LeeLa, and Quinn all help each other heal, reminding us that healing doesn't happen alone. This wasn't just a story about elephants. It was a story about learning to live after loss, and it handled that message with so much heart.
Highly recommend.
Nearly no notes.
What I loved most is that the elephants were never just elephants. They became both a mirror and a window for Quinn. As she learned about them, she slowly came to understand herself. Every question she asked about the elephants became a question about her own grief, her own healing, and whether joy was possible again.
The novel never treats healing like a straight line. Grief comes in waves. Some memories hurt while others eventually become comforting. Watching Quinn go from looking inward to finally seeing everyone else's pain was one of the most rewarding parts of the story.
The ending was earned. Sumana, LeeLa, and Quinn all help each other heal, reminding us that healing doesn't happen alone. This wasn't just a story about elephants. It was a story about learning to live after loss, and it handled that message with so much heart.
Highly recommend.
September 15, 2024
I am honored to be participating in the BookSparks Fall Pop Up to feature Elephant Touch.
This is a beautiful, short novel about hope and reintegration into life after significant loss. Quinn, the young main character, loses her mother in an accident, and experiences deep depression after, until her Aunt Lizzie takes her on a trip to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. There, Quinn’s hope and gratitude grows in many beautiful ways.
The writing was simple (and it is geared toward the YA audience) but it’s from the POV of a 12 year old girl, so it felt authentic. Seeing Quinn’s mental and emotional improvement was wonderful, and the book contained so many great messages.
I LOVE elephants, so I especially loved the information about elephants and that the book showed their emotional intelligence and beauty.
Thank you BookSparks for the copy!
This is a beautiful, short novel about hope and reintegration into life after significant loss. Quinn, the young main character, loses her mother in an accident, and experiences deep depression after, until her Aunt Lizzie takes her on a trip to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. There, Quinn’s hope and gratitude grows in many beautiful ways.
The writing was simple (and it is geared toward the YA audience) but it’s from the POV of a 12 year old girl, so it felt authentic. Seeing Quinn’s mental and emotional improvement was wonderful, and the book contained so many great messages.
I LOVE elephants, so I especially loved the information about elephants and that the book showed their emotional intelligence and beauty.
Thank you BookSparks for the copy!
August 13, 2024
This was a very touching story about a young girl named Quinn, who recently lost her mother and is in Thailand with her aunt to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary. A book about loss, courage, hope, and love. How the elephant Sumana touched Quinn's life, how they bonded, and how their bond eventually saved the young elephant LeeLaw's life. The book showed how elephants are highly sensitive to humans and what a beautiful bond can be created once they trust you, in spite of their previous traumas from unkind humans. I enjoyed reading about the activities volunteers do in the sanctuary and the description of the delicious Thai food served to the volunteers. This was a very beautiful debut novel, and you can tell that parts of the story are based on experience.
August 16, 2024
This is such a moving story. While this book is geared towards middle grade readers, all ages will surely enjoy it as it is truly engaging and captivating. I was so engrossed in this short novella that I didn’t want it to end. It invoked so many feelings and emotions. The way that grief was dealt with was amazing. I could just feel the emotions seeping off the pages and I felt it in my core. I loved the way the author wrote so vividly and eloquently. I don’t normally have so many emotions running through me when I read, but this book sure did it for me. I loved every minute of it. It is just so sweet. I only wish that the story was longer I heard more of Quinn’s story.
Thank you so much to @BookSparks and @susanrgreenway for this amazing book. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you so much to @BookSparks and @susanrgreenway for this amazing book. All thoughts are my own.
September 2, 2024
I’ve always found elephants to be magical animals, and after reading Jodi Picoult’s Leaving Time years ago, thought it would be amazing to go to a sanctuary and help care for these wondrous animals.
In Greenway’s middle grade debut novel that’s exactly what Quinn gets to do. Six months after losing her mother in an accident, her Aunt takes her to Thailand to focus on healing and lessening her grief. But the stories of the wounded and abused creatures break Quinn’s spirit and it will take some new friends and chance encounters to set her on a path towards healing.
This uplifting story will touch your heart and I was thrilled to have received the arc for Bookspark’s Fall Popup tour. Pub date is 9/17 so be on the lookout soon!
In Greenway’s middle grade debut novel that’s exactly what Quinn gets to do. Six months after losing her mother in an accident, her Aunt takes her to Thailand to focus on healing and lessening her grief. But the stories of the wounded and abused creatures break Quinn’s spirit and it will take some new friends and chance encounters to set her on a path towards healing.
This uplifting story will touch your heart and I was thrilled to have received the arc for Bookspark’s Fall Popup tour. Pub date is 9/17 so be on the lookout soon!
September 11, 2024
👧🏻Reviews: this is such an amazing and emotionally packed book about Quinn dealing with depression and overcoming emotional trauma. While reading, I was thinking of Thailand and the Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket. This book’s storyline showed how to restore healing through Quinn’s sharing her grief and love with the elephants. It is so inspiring and powerful while reading this easy-read book. I went through this quickly and I know the story will stay with me for a long time. I really hope everyone gets the opportunity to read this one at least once.
Thank you Booksparks for this gifted book!
Thank you Booksparks for this gifted book!
September 1, 2024
I absolutely adored this story!
What a beautiful tribute to elephants- their amazing sensitivity, their intelligence, and their family orientated behaviours.
I loved this exploration of grief, through Quinn & the loss of her mother. It shows the ebbs and flows of grieving, and how there’s no direct line to healing. I really liked Quinn’s relationship with her new friend Hunter, who could empathize in his own way. And the healing path she takes with her auntie, while in Thailand together.
Wonderful story, highly recommend for middle-grade and YA readers.
What a beautiful tribute to elephants- their amazing sensitivity, their intelligence, and their family orientated behaviours.
I loved this exploration of grief, through Quinn & the loss of her mother. It shows the ebbs and flows of grieving, and how there’s no direct line to healing. I really liked Quinn’s relationship with her new friend Hunter, who could empathize in his own way. And the healing path she takes with her auntie, while in Thailand together.
Wonderful story, highly recommend for middle-grade and YA readers.
September 24, 2024
This is a beautifully written story about grief, strength and friendship! This is definitely a story that sticks with you and is hard to forget! It's for middle grade readers but honestly everyone can learn from this book. Seeing Quinn open up and finding her courage and much more was an emotional and inspirational journey! Truly a beautiful story! Thank you Book Sparks, Susan R. Greenway and SparkPress for sharing this book with me!
October 25, 2024
My daughter loves elephants and she lost her dad. I asked her if she’d be okay reading this with me even if it would make me cry and she was up for it. She has a hard time putting her grief into words so hearing her read about Quinn’s feelings was moving for me. I loved the lesson the author taught that our loss can give us empathy to help others find their way. Thank you so much, Book Sparks, for the gifted copy!
December 1, 2024
Quinn is not sure she is going to like being at the elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Ever since her mom died the world has been gray. As Quinn works with the elephants, she develops a special bond with two of them. Through this bond, Quinn begins to see a way of navigating through her grief over her mother. A wonderful story, the descriptions of Thailand, its people and culture make the reader want to visit.
December 21, 2024
It is a wonderful story about loss, grieving and all that those who survive such loss go through. It also deals with how despite all the weight that holds us down, we do indeed pull up our socks and be courageous. It does seem like something an adult would have a tough time enduring. Ms Greenway has done a wonderful job of writing this book. Although heartwarmingly sombre, this book remains with the reader and is quite a life lesson.
July 8, 2024
Elephant Touch is the story of Quinn, her journey of grief and healing, and the Thai elephant sanctuary where everything begins to change. This story is great for readers who love elephants, animals, or are walking through their own healing journeys.
Congratulations to Susan R. Greenway on this lovely debut!
Congratulations to Susan R. Greenway on this lovely debut!
August 26, 2024
This book resonated with my 6 and 7 year old daughters. The book offers a wealth of information about elephants and their sanctuaries, making it both educational and engaging. Additionally, it addresses the difficult topic of losing a parent in a way that is accessible and understandable for young readers.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
Read
September 18, 2024A book to touch your heart and stay with you beyond the last page. I adore how the author coupled elephant sanctuaries and losing a parent (or someone close to you). Great for anyone who has a heartbeat - everyone from middle-grade students to full-blown adults will fall in love with Quinn, the elephants, and this touching story. Well done.
October 16, 2024
Absolutely loved it! I've recommended it to 5-6 students already, and they've all come back saying they LOVED it and would totally read a sequel to follow along more with these elephants & the main characters.
Such a great storyline to explore grief and healing, while also learning a lot about elephants and Thai culture/food along the way.
Beautiful story, highly recommend.
Such a great storyline to explore grief and healing, while also learning a lot about elephants and Thai culture/food along the way.
Beautiful story, highly recommend.
December 13, 2024
This book was a great exploration of grief and loss of a parent for middle grade readers. I feel like there have been a lot of middle grade novels about elephants lately but this one set itself apart. I didn’t feel attached to the characters because it didn’t deeply dive into them but I still found myself almost crying, probably because it reminded me of my own mother’s sudden death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
I am someone who often watches the nature channel, and I adore a everything about elephants. So reading this, even though it was sad at times, it overall warmed my heart. I’m glad I got to read such a wonderful book.
August 30, 2024
full review coming soon on pinereadsreview.com!
October 26, 2024
Such a great read! Wonderful story about healing.
November 25, 2025
My daughter read this in school and wanted me to read it. For being a middle school read, it was cute with a good message. Nothing complex, kind of predictable.
September 15, 2024
The elephant sanctuary setting of this book was just beautiful! I loved all the details about the elephants and Quinn’s story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Her connection to the elephants was a true highlight of the story. The emotional depth of elephants is a thing of wonder and watching Quinn connect with them and the other volunteers helped her find herself again after her mother’s tragic accident was a beautiful trajectory. My only issue was the dialogue seemed a bit young for a middle grade fiction, it may be better suited for a younger elementary school audience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews