18 Oct Book Review of Singing with Elephants
Review of Singing with Elephants by Margarita Engle
When I first stumbled upon Singing with Elephants, I was immediately drawn in by the title and the promise of poetry intertwined with a profound narrative. Knowing that Margarita Engle, the Young People’s Poet Laureate, was the genius behind the story only heightened my excitement. I’ve long admired her knack for weaving complex themes into beautifully crafted verse, and this latest work is no exception.
The journey of Oriol, an 11-year-old Cuban-American girl navigating the challenges of identity and belonging, unfolds as a poetic dance filled with heart, hope, and resilience. Oriol’s life in Santa Barbara is punctuated by her longing for connection and acceptance amidst the cruel taunts of her peers. She experiences the bittersweet sting of xenophobia and isolation, feelings all too relatable for many young readers today. Engle captures Oriol’s struggles wonderfully: “the girls at school make fun of me for being small…with curly black hair barely tamed,” echoing the feelings of many young children trying to find their place in a world that often feels unwelcoming.
What truly captured me, however, was Oriol’s budding friendship with the renowned poet Gabriela Mistral. Their shared love for poetry becomes a means of expression and healing. When Gabriela says, “Poetry, she said, can be whatever you want it to be,” it immediately resonated with me. It’s a reminder that poetry is a personal journey, a way to articulate our inner thoughts, emotions, and, in Oriol’s case, a fight for justice.
As the plot unfolds, we learn that the birth of an elephant on a movie star’s ranch leads to heartbreaking injustice when one of the twins is taken away. Oriol, with the support of her family and friends, embarks on a mission to reunite the baby elephant with her mother. This subplot not only introduces readers to significant issues like animal rights but also connects them with themes of courage and empathy, encapsulated in the poignant line, “courage is a dance of words on paper as graceful as an elephant the size of love.” Such imagery lingers long after the book is closed.
Engle’s writing is both lyrical and accessible, making it perfect for readers aged 8 to 80. The pacing is swift, allowing the reader to glide through the chapters while savoring every carefully chosen word. Each poem feels like a stepping stone leading us through Oriol’s journey and emphasizes the importance of finding one’s voice.
I read Singing with Elephants in one cozy afternoon, captivated by its heartfelt storytelling and rich themes. I can confidently say it’s one of Engle’s finest works. This book serves not only as a delightful read for children in grades 3-8 but also as a critical tool in classrooms discussing social justice, empathy, and the power of words.
Ultimately, Singing with Elephants left a lasting impact on me, reminding me of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of using one’s voice for change. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully written, meaningful journey that inspires action and compassion. Trust me; it may just encourage you to find your own words and dance along the page.
Discover more about Singing with Elephants on GoodReads >>
