English Projecct Based Learning
Small as an Elephant
A conversation with Jennifer Richard Jacobson
About the Book
A Story of Courage, Resilience, and Hope
When Jack wakes up at an Acadia National Park campground to find his mother gone, he knows he can't tell anyone. His mom, who struggles with bipolar disorder, has always been unpredictable—but she's never left him completely alone before. Armed with only a small toy elephant and his wits, Jack must find his way from the backwoods of Maine to his home in Boston before social services catches on.
As Jack navigates his journey south, he learns that survival isn't just about being self-reliant—it's about recognizing when you're part of a larger herd. This poignant middle-grade novel explores mental illness, resilience, and the realization that family can come in unexpected forms.
2013
Middle Grade Fiction
288
Meet the Author
Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Jennifer Richard Jacobson is an award-winning author whose novels explore resilience, family, and finding your place in the world. A former teacher and graduate of Harvard Graduate School of Education, she brings deep understanding of young readers to her work.
Small as an Elephant won the Parents' Choice Gold Award and numerous state book awards, touching readers with its honest portrayal of a boy navigating difficult circumstances with courage and hope.
Jennifer lives in Maine—the setting that inspired Jack's journey through Acadia National Park.
Exclusive
The Interview
A conversation about inspiration, writing, and the heart behind Small as an Elephant.
Q: Who would you recommend this book to?
"I would recommend SMALL AS AN ELEPHANT to anyone who likes adventure stories, but also to any child who carries a sadness."
Q: Which characters would you be friends with and why?
"I was going to say that I would be a friend to Jack because he needs one, but he actually has Nina and Sylvie and Big Jack! (I guess I gave him friend because I couldn't be there.) I would also be friends with his grandma because she, like Jack, doesn't give up on love."
Q: What is your favorite part about writing and reading the novel?
"I loved figuring out how Jack was going to eat and sleep each day. I kept asking myself, what would I do in his situation?"
Q: What did you learn as an author and as a human writing and reading the novel? How did this book change your perspective? Did it change your way of thinking or teach you something new?
"I've realized that most of my books are about the same thing: that none of us are wholly good or bad—how we behave often depends on the circumstances. Jack's mom is a good mom—except when she doesn't take her medicine. Jack is a good kid and would never think of stealing something—until he's abandoned far from home."
Q: I did some research and I found out that Lydia was a real elephant at York's zoo, but I googled it and saw that this book takes place in early 2010s, but Lydia had to move back to Florida because in the late 2000s a law in Maine prevented traveling elephants like Lydia. So I was just wondering if you had some personal experiences with Lydia?
"Yes! Before Lydia was moved, I visited her at the York Wild Animal Kingdom. It was tricky. The owners were afraid that I was going to write an article about animal rights. I had to convince them that I was writing a story for kids. I finally built their trust and they let me meet her. What a beautiful animal she was! Then they graciously asked me if I would like to ride her. I was SO CONFLICTED! I didn't believe in riding her (like Jack's mom) but I didn't want them to think that I had deceived them. I rode her and I will admit that it was a wonderful experience."
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."— A.A. Milne