Laurence Anthony’s heartwarming story of learning from and caring for a rogue herd of animals. Readers will be inspired to environmental action by this informational text. Includes Map, Glossary, Prologue, Afterword, Postscript.

Literary Merit: Very Good
Characterization: Very Good
Recommended: Recommended
Level: Upper Middle School/High School

This charming YA adaptation of Lawrence's adult memoir is a dive into the culture and intelligence of elephants in the African bush. When Lawrence took in a troublesome herd of African elephants in his wildlife refuge in South Africa, he took on more than he thought possible. While humans are generally discouraged from interacting with wild animals on the reserve, this particular herd's past trauma necessitated Lawrence interacting with them on a very personal level. What unfolds is an illuminating and arresting story as Lawrence comes to respect the herd's strength, culture, intelligence, and loyalty - including instances in which the elephants disable an electric fence by destroying its generator (!) and guide the humans on the reserve to safety during a wildfire. An early subplot involving poachers adds an interesting mystery to the initial, elephant-less chapters. The herd's slow path to healing is told alongside Lawrence's personal triumphs and tragedies in an accessible, clear language for teens and tweens. Get ready to cry (a lot) and stand in awe of Earth's largest land mammal. ( )