The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

Really enjoyed this adventurous story with a strong female protagonist.

AmyE11

I enjoyed reading this book and was glad there was a happy ending! I really enjoyed reading about their escape through the jungle.

JacquiBoyce

This is a very exciting story involving a prison break, using an elephant as a getaway vehicle, being on the run through the jungle and meeting a group of bandits. I liked the character of Chaya, although she was very quick to judge others and leap to conclusions. I especially liked Neelan who tried to protect his friends by taking the blame for them. I would recommend this book: as well as being a very enjoyable read, it challenges ideas about right and wrong and also gender stereotypes.

AnnaReads

That is the first book I have read that is set in Sri Lanka! Chaya is like a Sri Lankan Robin Hood - she steals from the rich to help the poor and needy. However, when she steals some of the Queen's jewels, things go horribly wrong and she ends up on the run in the jungle with a death sentence hanging over her. Aimed at confident yr4+

Hutch2

A fun adventure story with lots of very tense action scenes. Chaya is a great character, a brave, smart but sometimes reckless girl with a strong sense of morality. This book touches on inequality and social injustice in interesting ways but the payoff is slightly underwhelming.

norathurkle

This story feels like a retelling of Robin Hood but set on an exotic island. Chaya steals from the rich to help the poor villagers of her island which is ruled over by a tyrannical King. She usually manages to get away without being noticed but when she steals the Queen’s jewels it sets off a series of events that lead her and her best friend Neel into danger and a plot to overthrow the King. I didn’t find this book very satisfying as the plot and resolution are extremely implausible. Additionally, the dialogue in parts feels inauthentic i.e., with adults addressing the children as “guys”. The lush landscape is well described. This story will probably be enjoyed by younger primary aged readers who have progressed through the shorter free-readers but who have not yet moved on to more complex well developed adventure stories.

KatieLoo2

An incredible story about a modern day Robin Hood! A girl steals to save those she cares about.

MizzyFry

A Robin Hood type story, this book was exciting. The main characters Chaya, Neel and Nour were likeable and I wanted them to succeed in their quest to free their community. I would definitely recommend this book if you like suspense, adventure and a story about friendship.

Melarny13

A great adventure about friendship and bravery.

ClareH

An enjoyable fiction book set in Sri Lanka that tells a story of friendship, fighting for rights of all. Changa the Jewel thief is like Robin Hood, steals from the rich to help the poor. Lovely cultural differences explored and the jungle, animals and tribes all add to this exciting story

sean23_e

A great book with a girl as the hero.

MrsMcMurdo

Great opening, had children hooked. Plot was a great pace so kept moving along well. Characters are strong and sense of justice throughout

CMS1975

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant – a real page turner which is guaranteed to have even the most reluctant reader hooked from the start! The main character, Chaya, is a courageous young heroine who makes so many awful decisions, yet all for the right reasons. She can be likened to a modern day Robin Hood: stealing from the rich to provide for the poor. Throughout the story, Chaya’s antics cause her lots of trouble! Will she successfully escape the realm of the palace after daring to steal the queen’s jewels? Will she be able to rescue her best friend from prison? With the help of the king’s elephant, Chaya embarks on an exciting expedition through Sri Lanka’s jungle – a heart-warming journey filled with culture, trickery, blossoming friendship and of course, adventure! The author, Nizrana Farook, was born and raised in Sri Lanka herself. The beautiful landscape she calls home is intertwined so effortlessly – powerful imagery oozes from every page which really brings the story alive!

SLONGNEY

An exciting and fast-paced adventure that starts with thrilling action from the first page. The tropical rainforest setting really comes to life within this tale of fighting for what is right.

philc1987

I loved the setting and well developed characters. The jungle adventure captured my imagination, tense from beginning to end.

FraserReadingTeach

I enjoyed this story of a thief who steals to help the people in her village. I liked Chaya's fierceness, Neel's loyalty and Noor's determination to overcome her fears. I would recommend this to children who like an adventure story with a group of friends.

KirstenF

I really enjoyed this beautifully captivating story about a girl who goes on an adventure with her friends. I initially found Chaya's Robin Hood-like mindset irritating, but my opinion changed as the story gradually developed. Her outspokenness, bold and brave characteristics make her an appealing character to young girls.

Soojungiee

I loved this book. Full of excitement and you get attached to the characters.

MissRussell21

A wonderful adventure that excites throughout through the friendships that exist and form, the challenges faced and the family bonds that push the characters to the very edge. A wonderful insight into the landscape of Sri Lanka through the adventure that ensues.

lpwoolner

Very similar style to the firework makers daughter but still a good read. Empowering female roles.

Bex72