This was a beautiful story; I loved the ending, it was the perfect ending for everyone. This story made me feel all the emotions and I cannot wait to read more of Holly Goldberg Sloan's work in the future. ( )

The entire time I was reading this book I was living vicariously through Sila. Sila is a young girl who is simply waiting for her mom to come home as she deals with an immigration issue. As fate would have it, Sila meets Gio and her world flips upside down. Gio purchases an elephant, named Veda, from a rundown circus and between him, Sila, and Sila’s friend Mateo, they learn how to take care of Veda. This book was great and I absolutely loved every minute of it. My heart tugged for Sila and how she simply wanted her mom home but she finds solace in her friendships with Gio, Mateo and Veda. ( )

"The Elephant in the Room" was a delightful read for middle-year students. I loved this author's story "Counting By 7s" and this was even better. Readers will fall in love with Sila, Mateo, Geo and, of course, the Indian elephant, Veda. The friendships that developed between the humans and animals in this story were touching and there were some serious issues including racism, sexism and animal welfare.

Filled with compassion and hope, "The Elephant in the Room" will appeal to old and young alike. ( )

Cute middle grade book. Enjoyable even for adults. ( )

A chance meeting through her father’s job, a school mandated friendship, and an elephant, may be just what Sila needs as she struggles with her mom’s lengthy absence due to immigration issues.

The moment I read, “Sila tried to smile, but the corners of her mouth had lost whatever will they once possessed to turn upward,” I knew I would like Sila and her emotional arc (the connection to her former teacher is particularly touching). She’s a great young heroine, thoughtful and curious, and I loved how maturely and respectfully she approached her friendship with Mateo (who is on the autism spectrum).

I wonder whether the younger readers of this book will want as much adult content as is featured here, there were times with Gio’s POV where I itched to get back to Sila and Mateo and I’m an adult. I was drawn to the scenes involving Mateo’s mom, as a parent and her work as an attorney, the immigration/pay equity aspects of the story, I thought all of that was interesting, I just again wonder whether a ten or eleven year old reader would find it compelling.

Gio’s lack of fear around the bear struck me as more than a little unreal and there were moments in the book that did feel quite convenient, but this is one of those stories where I was content to let my heart win out over my head, I was happy to overlook how easily some things fell into place and just enjoy seeing these deserving animals and kids blossom. ( )