One Amazing Elephant

A poignant middle grade animal story from talented author Linda Oatman High that will appeal to fans of Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan. In this heartwarming novel, a girl and an elephant face the same devastating loss—and slowly realize that they share the same powerful love.

Twelve-year-old Lily Pruitt loves her grandparents, but she doesn’t love the circus—and the circus is their life. She’s perfectly happy to stay with her father, away from her neglectful mother and her grandfather’s beloved elephant, Queenie Grace.

Then Grandpa Bill dies, and both Lily and Queenie Grace are devastated. When Lily travels to Florida for the funeral, she keeps her distance from the elephant. But the two are mourning the same man—and form a bond born of loss. And when Queenie Grace faces danger, Lily must come up with a plan to help save her friend.

An Unlikely Friendship: Lily has always been afraid of Queenie Grace. But after her grandpa’s death, she discovers the grieving elephant might be the only one who truly understands her heart. Overcoming Fear: To protect Queenie Grace from a terrible fate, Lily must find a courage she never knew she had and stand up for her enormous new friend. A Story of Found Family: Set against the backdrop of the circus, this novel shows that sometimes the family you choose—even if it includes an elephant—is the one that saves you. Mother Daughter Relationship: While dealing with her grief, Lily must also navigate the complicated feelings she has for her mother, a trapeze artist who flew away years ago.