Seeing the Elephant

Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the romanticized version of history or heroes they have seen in movies. It is perfect for a preteen who is beginning to understand that courage often exists alongside fear and that war is more complex than a simple game of good versus evil. Seeing the Elephant follows ten year old Izard Nobell as he travels to a Civil War battlefield to find his older brother. Through Izard's eyes, readers witness the stark contrast between the glorious adventure he imagined and the somber, dusty reality of soldiers in the field. This historical novel is an excellent bridge for 9 to 13 year olds transitioning from action-based stories to more nuanced, character-driven narratives. Parents will appreciate how it gently deconstructs the 'glory of war' myth while reinforcing the importance of family loyalty and personal integrity.