Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's Publishing for letting me read and review this wonderful and uplifting book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's my favorite kind of story, uplifting, feel-good and a great story that touches on some difficult things and addresses the transitioning as you're growing up and learning things for yourself. This story reminds me of other stories I love and enjoy like Because of Winn Dixie and quite a bit about Bridge of Terabithia especially similar with the dynamics/friendship between the kids - Lex and Fisher and as Lex branches out and learns to put herself out there and get new friends also.
This story is about Lex and her journey of self-discovery and learning about herself, her past and her background. She was found alone with an elephant protecting her and then one of the Zoo employees - the Zoo train conductor, Roger, took her in to care for and raise her. During this summer, Lex and Fisher - best friends go on an adventure together to solve the mystery connected to Lex and her origins, where she came from, what happened when she was left, what her connection to Nyah, the elephant in the Zoo is, who protected her from the tornado she was in as a baby/small child.
As they go along on their adventure during the summer, both Lex and Fisher grow, learn and change each in different ways and also similar ways. They grow together and individually as Fisher goes off by himself to do his own thing with baseball for the summer that he wants to do and Lex does her own thing with the Zoo and figuring out more about herself.
They meet, find out and learn things about Lex and everything through ghosts, clues, the elephant, Nyah and lots of other things as well. This is really a story about individual growth and growing up while also having a fun, memorable summer and about figuring out who you are and what you want, which Lex and Fisher do finally find the answers about Lex, her origins, her past and Lex realizes and decides what she wants and who she is and who her family is too.
This is an extremely heartwarming and loving story that gave me all kinds of warm fuzzies and I love it! It also has some interesting info in the back of the book about elephants if you want to learn more about them too.
If you like books like Bridge of Terabithia or stories with mysteries, adventure and such, then you'll love this story. Make sure to put this one on your list, pre-order and get it because you're not going to want to miss out on this new favorite wonderful story to add to your collection! ( )

A heartwarming story about a 12-year old girl named Lexington Willow, who lives at the Omaha Zoo since being found there under the protection of an … elephant named Nyah, following a terrible tornado. Lex has no memories of her life before the storm, and becomes the ward of Roger Marsh, a train engineer, who works at the zoo. Her best friend (Fisher) also lives at the zoo, and like his idol, Johnny Damon, is the product of a mixed marriage and a Thai mother. Lex is homeschooled by Fisher's mom, after being ridiculed at school. With a sweet touch of magical realism, Nyah is able to share memories with Lex, leading to an adventure in the bordering woods outside. Lex meets a friendly ghost, who insists she is a misplaced spirit, who encourages her to look for a hidden treasure. A story of love, friendship, legacy, and belonging, that once again makes the important point that one's family is not always by lineage. 4.5 stars. Recommended. ( )

"The Elephant's Girl" combines elements of family relationships, nature, and magical realism to create a story about an adolescent girl's search for her family roots. Lexington has grown up living at a zoo with her guardian who works there as the train engineer. She arrived at the zoo following a tornado, and has never been able to find her parents. With the help of her friends (human and nonhuman), Lexington finds clues to her heritage. Elephants and how they communicate with other living things play an important role in this book.

The characters are realistic and likeable. The plot moves along quickly and contains enough excitement, magic, and mystery, as well as animal love, to satisfy middle grade students. As an adult, I loved this book and learned a lot about elephants and zoos.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )