Singing with Elephants
on Goodreads (561)
What’s inside...
A novel in verse about the friendship between a young girl named Oriol and the poet Gabriela Mistral, set in Santa Barbara, California. Cuban-born Oriol, an eleven-year-old aspiring writer, struggles to belong but finds solace in helping her parents at their veterinary clinic. When Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral moves to town, Oriol opens up to her, finding both healing and hope through their shared love of words. As Oriol creates her own world of words, she learns the importance of courage and staying true to herself, even when it means keeping secrets to save a baby elephant in need. A powerful story of friendship and self-discovery by Newbery and Pura Belpré Award-winning author Margarita Engle.
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Oriol
Dr. Ana Morales
Gabriela Mistral
Discussion points
What do you think the elephants were feeling when they were singing? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
Why do you think singing together was important for the elephants?
How do you think the story would change if the elephants couldn't sing together?
What did you learn about friendship from this book?
If you could sing a song with the elephants, what song would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the elephants as they sing. This helps the child connect emotionally with the characters.
Pause after significant moments in the story to ask your child how they think the character is feeling, promoting empathy and understanding.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, such as discussing times when singing or music has made them happy or helped them bond with others.
Encourage your child to imagine additional adventures for the elephants, fostering creativity and narrative skills.
After reading, sing a favorite song together to connect the theme of the book to a fun, real-life activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story illustrates empathy and compassion through the protagonist's interactions with elephants, who are portrayed with emotional depth and individual personalities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by understanding and respecting the feelings of their peers and animals, fostering a nurturing and caring environment.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The protagonist learns about the value of forming bonds and supporting friends, even those who are different from oneself.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to their own lives by being open to making new friends and helping others in need, which builds strong community connections.
Example Lesson: Courage and Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Challenges faced by the characters in the book teach the reader about bravery and the importance of facing fears with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle their own fears, such as trying new activities or standing up for what is right, with courage and optimism.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The narrative promotes awareness and respect for wildlife and natural habitats, emphasizing conservation efforts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate nature, understand the impact of their actions on the environment, and participate in activities that promote ecological sustainability.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: Through adventures and interactions, the protagonist's journey highlights the excitement and fulfillment that comes from learning new things.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to pursue their interests and hobbies with enthusiasm, enhancing their educational experiences and personal growth.