Elephant Run by Roland Smith garners mixed feedback. Praised for its engaging plot and rich historical context, it appeals to middle-grade readers with its adventure and cultural immersion. However, some critics note uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. Though not without flaws, it offers a captivating escape into World War II-era Burma.

Readers who enjoy adventure, history, and World War II-era dramas will be captivated by Elephant Run by Roland Smith. Similar to those who appreciate The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, this novel blends emotional depth with an exciting plot, appealing to middle grade and young adult audiences.

In Elephant Run by Roland Smith, Nick Freestone moves from London to his father's teak plantation in Burma to escape World War II bombings, but he and his friend Mya are soon imprisoned by Japanese soldiers. Together with the ancient monk Hilltop, they embark on a quest to rescue Nick's father and Mya's brother from a POW camp, uncovering secrets of Burman mahouts and discovering inner strength along the way. The book contains depictions of wartime violence and imprisonment.

Adventurous / Suspenseful / Emotional / Mysterious / Challenging

**Nick Freestone**  
A teenager originally from Burma, who navigates living in various places, including Kansas and London, before being sent back to Burma to live with his father. He is the narrator of the story, adapting to challenges wherever he goes.

**Mya**  
Daughter of Nang and sister to Indaw, she is known for her love of animals and her skills in animal training. Despite traditional limitations placed on her, she finds a unique role for herself within her community.

**Indaw**  
Nang's son and Mya's brother, skilled in working with elephants as a mahout and supportive of his sister's ambitions. He is known for his joyful personality and storytelling ability.

**Jackson Freestone**  
Nick's father and owner of a teak plantation in Burma, with a long family history on the land. He is portrayed as an intelligent and empathetic man who values his workforce and supports local independence.

**Hilltop/Taung Baw**  
A monk and Mya's great-grandfather, renowned for his legendary connection with elephants and his past as a mahout. He is known for being a protective figure and having extensive knowledge of local customs and wildlife.

**Colonel Nagayoshi**  
Japanese commander overseeing the initial invasion of Hawk's Nest, who has a complex relationship with Nick. He is depicted as both disciplined in his swordsmanship and severe in his leadership.

**Nang**  
Foreman of the teak plantation and Mya and Indaw's father, known for being a kind and fair leader. He plays a key role in the nurturing of the plantation's operations.

**Sergeant Sonji**  
A Japanese soldier characterized by his gentle and artistic nature, with a talent for haiku and gardening. He develops a connection with Nick during their interactions.

**Magwe**  
Senior mahout with a deep family history on the plantation, whose changing loyalties are based on complex feelings toward colonial occupation. He is a significant character influenced by his experiences at Hawk's Nest.

**Bukong**  
A native Burman and brother to Magwe, holding resentment against the Freestones due to a past injury that altered his career. He harbors intentions toward gaining power post-war.

**Captain Moto**  
A brusque and combative subordinate of the new commander, focused on hunting and enforcement. His presence adds tension to the conflicts on the plantation.

**Nick's Mother**  
An employee at the American Embassy in London and later India, concerned with her son's safety amidst global conflicts. Her decisions impact Nick's relocations during the war.

**Bernard Culpepper**  
Nick's stepfather, involved in Army Intelligence with a secretive role. He becomes instrumental in efforts to secure Nick's safety.

**Kya Lei**  
A native Burman known for his clandestine actions akin to those of Robin Hood, helping villagers through acts of rebellion against occupying forces. His work aligns with maintaining local survival and resistance.

Roland Smith

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Before You Read

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Plantation”

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 3

Elephant Run Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Elephant Run Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-9

Elephant Run Part 1, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-12

Elephant Run Part 1, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Hawk's Nest”

Part 2, Prologue-Chapter 15 

Elephant Run Part 2, Prologue-Chapter 15  Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-18

Elephant Run Part 2, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-21

Elephant Run Part 2, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Hannibal's Mahouts”

Part 3, Prologue-Chapter 24

Elephant Run Part 3, Prologue-Chapter 24 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 25-28

Elephant Run Part 3, Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 29-32

Elephant Run Part 3, Chapters 29-32 Summary & Analysis

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Elephant Run

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