47 pages 1 hour read

Michael Morpurgo

An Elephant in the Garden

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo follows the story of Lizzie, who recounts her family's experience during WWII in Dresden, Germany. Lizzie's mother, Mutti, brings home an elephant named Marlene from the zoo to protect her from being killed. The family becomes refugees during the firebombing of Dresden and encounters a Canadian airman, Peter, who helps them. Lizzie and Peter eventually fall in love. As they flee westward, Marlene becomes a crucial part of their journey. Years later, Lizzie, now in a nursing home in Canada, recounts her tale to a young boy named Karl, ultimately proving her story's truth to him. The book contains references to wartime violence and persecution.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Michael Morpurgo's An Elephant in the Garden is praised for its engaging storytelling and emotional depth. Reviewers appreciate the blend of historical context with a touching tale of an unexpected bond between humans and an elephant. Some find the pacing uneven and believe younger readers may need guidance to fully grasp the historical nuances. Overall, it’s a heartwarming read for a wide audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read An Elephant in the Garden?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with heartwarming animal stories, such as War Horse by Michael Morpurgo or fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, will likely appreciate An Elephant in the Garden. Ideal for middle-grade to young adult readers who are drawn to World War II narratives and emotional, character-driven plots focusing on resilience and compassion.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

890L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Action / Adventure

Topics

Animals

Military / War

History: World

Period

WWII / World War II

Themes

Relationships: Family

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Society: War