We’ve begun our next whole-class novel, Elephant Run, by building background knowledge about the setting and character as well the traditions of the Burmese culture. The novel explores the Pacific Theater in WWII, allowing us to learn more about this time in history and to realize the depth of good in so many people.  

The class and I shared a few laughs about the title of this novel, wondering what it was going to be about.  As we continue deeper into the novel, we will discover through reading nonfiction articles that elephants really did serve a valuable role for both the Axis and Allied Powers during WWII and the reality of a good mahout, an elephant driver.  The readings this week will have us walk in the shoes of the people who have been denied independence as well as understand the depth of betrayal.