Trang Nguyen

In this graphic novel translated from Vietnamese and based on conservationist Nguyễn's own experiences, a creature subjected to a lifetime of abuse finds relief and restoration.

Chang, a young Vietnamese animal lover who volunteers at Yok Dôn, a national park in Tây Nguyên, encounters H’non, an elderly elephant who has suffered in captivity for 56 years. Beaten by her owner and forced to give rides to tourists, H’non has endured injuries to her spine and legs. Chang and her boss are determined to rescue the elephant and bring her to the park’s animal rescue center—but it will take time for H’non to learn to find food on her own and live among her own kind. The connections H’non eventually forges with the other elephants at the sanctuary are playful and tender, each a healing spectacle brought to life by brilliant use of color and perspective. Meanwhile, Chang also works to educate children, locals, and tourists on proper interactions with wildlife. The manga-esque illustrations—including Chang’s notes about the flora and fauna of Yok Dôn—are lush and informative, rewarding close examination. Fans of Saving Sorya (2021) will be gratified to see Chang continue to fight for the animals she loves. The empathy and perseverance on display make this as beautiful an animal rights book as readers will ever see.

Stirs the mind and heart the way an elephant quakes the earth. (words of thanks from Jeet Zdũng) (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

-Kirkus Review… (meer)

A gorgeously illustrated, detailed story of wildlife conservation in Vietnam. Heartbreaking but, in H'non's case at least, hopeful.

See also: The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

Quotes/notes

Our goal was the give these rescued elephants back their 5 freedoms
--freedom to express normal behaviors
--freedom from hunger and thirst
--freedom from fear and distress
--freedom from pain, injury, or disease
--freedom from discomfort (54)

Elephant-friendly tours encourage tourists to observe elephants from a safe distance and appreciate them for what they are: magnificent wild animals. (55)… (meer)