Erin and her friend David complete a project about the abuse and bad treatment of circus animals for the talented and gifted program at their school. They vow to never attend another circus that abuses its animals again. When their teacher sets up a reading challenge with a special prize at the end, they’re shocked and disappointed to find out that their class has won a trip to the circus. Erin and David can’t get their teacher to change her mind about the circus. Not only will she not change her mind, but their teacher is taking it personally that they don’t want to attend the circus and makes some severe threats about the consequences of not going on the class trip. Erin and David get most of their classmates on board in the hopes of changing the situation. Then, after witnessing firsthand the terrible treatment of Lilly, a circus elephant, they decide they have to save her. Since Lilly is owned by the local circus the only way to save her is to buy her from them and send her to an animal sanctuary. This means the students need to raise $800 and they only have three weeks. Unfortunately, there are many obstacles in their path. Will they be able to save Lilly or will they be out maneuvered by all of the adults involved?Saving Lilly by Peg Kehret really touched me and made me think about what happens at the circus. It changed my opinion about them because I never knew about the way many of the animals are treated. I would certainly recommend this book to kids in fourth through seventh grade. It had a nice flow to it and it was easy to read. I also think that animal lovers will enjoy this book. I do not think the cover of this book does it justice. I wouldn’t pick the book up based on the cover because it looks boring- but it is one of the best books I have ever read. This is a book that should not be missed and will change you forever!
Has anyone else read Saving Lilly? Or read another book by Peg Kehret?
Happy Reading! ~L
I am incapable of reading animal books...they affect me deeply!!!
ReplyDeleteI have not read anything by Peg Kehret but it is really great that she touches upon this subject matter especially geared for kids. I have read Water for Elephants which is an adult novel about the mistreatment of circus animals. I think my view of the circus has been forever altered! Great review.
ReplyDeleteI have not read anything by Peg Kehret but it is really great that she touches upon this subject matter especially geared for kids. I have read Water for Elephants which is an adult novel about the mistreatment of circus animals. I think my view of the circus has been forever altered! Great review.
ReplyDeleteWow, great review. I haven't heard of this one before. It's a shame when the cover isn't as good as the book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Lizzy- I totally agree about the cover- I'll have to check this one out of the library this week! ~ F
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of the book- it sounds really interesting!
ReplyDeleteThe plot does sound interesting. I love stories about the circus and their animals. But not many people really understand what's going on in the cages. Children deserve to know the truth. Hopefully, treatment of animals could grow kinder ...
ReplyDeleteClaudine
http://www.carryusoffbooks.com/blog.html
I really don’t like the cover – it looks like the children and the elephant are having fun - when clearly they aren’t. I hate animal cruelty of any kind so I know this book will make me cry.
ReplyDeleteand those lobsters they sell in the grocery store..the claws are taped together so they can't fight with each other and they aren't fed anything..ever!
ReplyDeleteWe just watched "Water For Elephants" and the Scribe loved to. I bet she'd enjoy this book :)
ReplyDeletethe premise sounds wonderful...and a good lesson against animal cruelty!
ReplyDeleteI used to go to the circus every year. Once I read this book- last year- I decided never to go to another circus with animals in it again. I wish the book had a different cover though- because this one isn't too appealing. This book is awesome!!!!! I think everyone should read it- it isn't too gory.
ReplyDelete@Patty- I think you might like this book- it does deal with animal cruelty- but it is toned down a bit. If not- you might want to try another book by this author- she is great.
ReplyDelete@Jen- I have read a few of Peg Kehrets books and they are all good. Most have better covers though. My view of the circus is changed FOREVER!
@Kelly, Marcus and Fairday- This book is fantastic- too bad the cover doesn't match up!
@Claudine- I agree- more kids need to know what goes on at the circus. I had no idea and am so glad I know now!
@Barbara,Momto8, and Melissa- You all have big hearts! It is a great book and it will touch you deeply!
@Elisa- I haven't seen Water for Elephants- but it sounds excellent! The Scribe would probably like this book a lot!
@Elaine- I am with you- this book is fantastic. I feel the same way about the circus!
Thanks to everyone for commenting. I have been enjoying these comments! Don't let this cover fool you! :)
I haven't read this one- but i read Earthquake Terror and Stolen Children by this author. Both were really great. Oh- and I read Escaping the Giant Wave. All the other covers are way better than this one. I liked the other books- so I will read this one now that I read your review.
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