Release: March 1st, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Source: Publisher
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.
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An action-packed, instant best seller in the UK. Hitch a ride on this global adventure from Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook.
Chaya, a nobleman’s rebellious, outspoken, no-nonsense daughter, can’t resist the shiny temptations the king’s palace has to offer. But playing Robin Hood for her impoverished community doesn’t come without risks. And when Chaya steals the queen’s jewels from a bedside table, a messy getaway jeopardizes the life of a close friend. After an equally haphazard prison break, Chaya barely escapes on the king’s prized elephant. With leeches and revolution lurking in the jungle, Chaya leads her companions on a thrilling adventure. But, after leaving her village as a thief, can she return as a hero? Or will Chaya’s sticky fingers be the beginning of the end of everything for the intrepid gang?
Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins an exciting, page-turning tale in a lush, vibrant, fictional Sri Lankan setting and featuring themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism. Hence, a great middle-grade escapist novel and read-aloud!
About the Author:
Nirzana Farook was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the beautiful landscapes of her home country find their way into the stories she writes. Moreover, she has a master’s degree in writing for young people and lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two daughters.
Her debut, The Girl Who Stole An Elephant, was Waterstones Children’s book of the month for January 2020. The book was shortlisted for the Inaugural Joan Aiken Future Classics Prize.
The Girl Who Stole An Elephant Review:
The very first thing I loved about the story is the adventure. The author writes the tale in a fast-paced, compelling manner. You get sucked into the story from page 1 as Chaya steals the jewels! A few twists and turns appear towards the end, which I did not expect, and added nicely to the story. Also, some moments were thrilling, like when the group experiences the leeches and leopard. Furthermore, the author also describes the setting of the gorgeous landscape of Sri Lanka in a breath-taking manner. I felt like I was with Chaya, Nour, and Neel as they ventured into the woods on their adventure with Ananda.
Similarly, the characters are distinctive and unique. The author writes the friendship angle between the three realistically and fluidly. Chaya was a complex character. At times, I adored her for her bravery and how she would go to any lengths to help Neel. But, on the other hand, I wouldn’t say I liked the way Chaya treated Nour. Surprisingly, I also found her funny when she narrates the letter she wrote to her father. At the same time, Nour, Neel, and Ananda are adorable as they try to find a way to survive. On a side note, I would love a backstory of Princess Leela.
However, I felt the author ending the story too fast by quickly resolving everything. It would have been nice if the author detailed the climax and gave the reader time to adjust. Apart from that, this was a fun tale!
Overall, “The Girl Who Stole An Elephant” is an adorable middle-grade adventure that I enjoyed reading!
