By Jennifer Richard Jacobson

When eleven-year-old Jack wakes up at the campground and discovers that his mom has left, he knows he has to find her and fast. But he doesn’t want to draw attention to himself. Since Jack’s mom doesn’t always act like other moms, Jack knows that bad things could happen if someone discovers that she’s left him. . .again. Jack’s search for his mother turns into a journey toward home, while Jack learns some painful and some joyous lessons along the way.

Jacobson brilliantly weaves Jack’s obsession with elephants into the tale, allowing his knowledge of elephants to illuminate aspects of his character, as well as those of his mother and grandmother. The challenges Jack faces are realistic and the choices he makes are not always the best, but Jack is not as alone as he feels. Like elephants, humans can band together to help someone in need.

Reviewed by Melendra