This fall, former elementary school teacher Susan Greenway delivers a story that is sure to inspire the next generation of wildlife conservationists. Elephant Touch (She Writes Press, September 17) is the middle-grade read tweens will appreciate because of its poignant portrayal of journeying through grief and the empowering messages of courage, resilience, and community support.
Heartbroken over the sudden loss of her mother, twelve-year-old Quinn and her aunt volunteer at a Thai elephant sanctuary, hoping to ease her pain. While assisting in the care of abused elephants, Quinn experiences an astonishing encounter which gives her hope and forges an unexpected friendship. But can she find the courage to channel her grief into action and help save this baby elephant in need?
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
What inspired you to write this book?
I was visiting friends in Thailand when we went to see some elephants. While there, my sister in CA called to tell me that my mother had died. When I began crying, three elephants in a corral behind me approached me. One put her trunk on my shoulder. It was a profound moment of compassion through an elephant.
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Why is it important for middle grade readers to have books that deal with tough topics?
Middle grade readers experience hard things, including grief and loss. They need stories that show them they’re not alone and provide examples of ways through their challenges.
Why did you decide to incorporate protecting endangered species?
My later experience at an elephant sanctuary opened my eyes to the need to protect elephants by educating others. Kids are the next generation and should be aware that all is not well in the world of elephants so they can actively choose to help change that situation.
Susan R. Greenway is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist. She is a longtime member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) and a graduate of the University of Washington Writing for Children Program. Elephant Touch is her debut novel, inspired by an extraordinary experience she had with an elephant in Thailand.
Susan is an outdoor and dog enthusiast and lives with her husband and their sweet dog, Willow, in Washington.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
What inspired you to write this book?
I was visiting friends in Thailand when we went to see some elephants. While there, my sister in CA called to tell me that my mother had died. When I began crying, three elephants in a corral behind me approached me. One put her trunk on my shoulder. It was a profound moment of compassion through an elephant.
.png)
Middle grade readers experience hard things, including grief and loss. They need stories that show them they’re not alone and provide examples of ways through their challenges.
Why did you decide to incorporate protecting endangered species?
My later experience at an elephant sanctuary opened my eyes to the need to protect elephants by educating others. Kids are the next generation and should be aware that all is not well in the world of elephants so they can actively choose to help change that situation.
Susan R. Greenway is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist. She is a longtime member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) and a graduate of the University of Washington Writing for Children Program. Elephant Touch is her debut novel, inspired by an extraordinary experience she had with an elephant in Thailand.
Susan is an outdoor and dog enthusiast and lives with her husband and their sweet dog, Willow, in Washington.
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