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librarylandlisa's review against another edition
5.0
Great book, very real and sad but important look into life for children.
onceuponacarm's review against another edition
4.0
Haskin leaves home to help earn money to pay for his sick sister's hospital treatment and to help his mother escape the abusive man she works for. He finds work with Timir, a former circus owner is is trying to get back in the business with an elephant act. Haskin's job is to help catch an elephant and then care for her, while she is trained to perform tricks. Keeping an eye on the elephant trap, he comes to love the herd of elephants that passes by each day and is heartbroken when one is finally caught. He loves this young elephant, whom he names Nandita, but doesn't know how to protect her from her trainer and "owner." How will he escape and can he save Nandita from a cruel fate?
This novel exposes the kinds of methods generally used to train elephants to perform tricks, obey trainers, give rides on their backs, etc.: fear, intimidation, and pain (often inflicted with the use of a bullhook). Elephants are social, emotional, and intelligent, all which Haskin discovers as he observes and takes care of Nandita. Unfortunately, the author only mentions what's happened with elephants and laws in India (India no longer allows elephants to be captured or to perform in circuses, though people do still trap them illegally), but does not mention anything about what's happening elsewhere in the world, such as the U.S. where elephant performances are still legal (though a few cities have banned them!). It's easy to point fingers at other places, but how many "animal loving" kids go see circuses and performances in zoos, aquariums, etc. and don't realize what's going on behind the scenes to make these animals perform in ways that are not natural to them? (Often in the name of "education"--that word so many adults use to justify keeping animals in captivity.)
Recommended for 2nd or 3rd grade and up, especially for readers who love animals!
This novel exposes the kinds of methods generally used to train elephants to perform tricks, obey trainers, give rides on their backs, etc.: fear, intimidation, and pain (often inflicted with the use of a bullhook). Elephants are social, emotional, and intelligent, all which Haskin discovers as he observes and takes care of Nandita. Unfortunately, the author only mentions what's happened with elephants and laws in India (India no longer allows elephants to be captured or to perform in circuses, though people do still trap them illegally), but does not mention anything about what's happening elsewhere in the world, such as the U.S. where elephant performances are still legal (though a few cities have banned them!). It's easy to point fingers at other places, but how many "animal loving" kids go see circuses and performances in zoos, aquariums, etc. and don't realize what's going on behind the scenes to make these animals perform in ways that are not natural to them? (Often in the name of "education"--that word so many adults use to justify keeping animals in captivity.)
Recommended for 2nd or 3rd grade and up, especially for readers who love animals!
msmillar's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
tsundokued's review against another edition
3.0
This was an exciting read, and I kept waiting to see if Hastin and Nandita would break free. At the end however, there were many loose ends and I had hoped for them to be tied up somehow. A heartwarming story in any case, Chained is a book full of love, companionship, and the struggle to defy all odds and come out safe in the end.
kfalasca's review against another edition
5.0
While reading this book, I connected deeply with the main character Hastin. Every tough question he faced, I had to ask myself how I would have handled it. I felt the pain he felt and the joy he felt. Despite never being an elephant person, this book will tug at the heart strings of any animal lover.
readingthroughtheages's review
4.0
2015 Bluestem nominee
This book took me a little while to get into and then once I did, it was amazing! I love that this book takes place in India with Indian names and food - great exposure to another culture. The author even included Ganesh, which is a famous Indian fairy tale character.
Your heartstrings will be pulled. This book lets you see flawed human characters and when you are at the lowest point of the book, brings you back up. Fans of Ivan will enjoy this book.
This book took me a little while to get into and then once I did, it was amazing! I love that this book takes place in India with Indian names and food - great exposure to another culture. The author even included Ganesh, which is a famous Indian fairy tale character.
Your heartstrings will be pulled. This book lets you see flawed human characters and when you are at the lowest point of the book, brings you back up. Fans of Ivan will enjoy this book.
stitchandwitch's review
5.0
Can't think of a single reason to give this book less than 5 stars. Fabulous writing, great message for young readers, beautiful story.
hopiescopie's review
4.0
Great read, especially if you're a fan of books like "The One and Only Ivan."
tcbueti's review
5.0
Very solid and moving story of Hastin, a 10-yr-old boy trapped, by first his family's medical debt and then by his concern/love for the baby elephant he helps trap for a circus. He's miles away from his family, and doesn't even know whether his sister survived. The circus owner keeps tacking time onto his "term". Only the circus camp cook, Ne Min, seems to care about him and the elephant; luckily (and mysteriously) Ne Min knows a lot about elephants. His steady presence and advice add depth and suspense (and tears).
Although this was Kelly's first book, she's done a great of of creating complex characters that we grow to care for deeply. We even care about the cruel trainer--once we know his story, his behavior becomes more understandable.
Kelly has done her research into elephant behavior, the culture of India, as well as the elephant preservation and child labor situation there, spelled out in an afterword. Although I usually prefer reading about other cultures through the eyes of someone from that culture, I think Kelly has done a credible job here, citing several Indian sources for her work.
The relationship between Nandita and Hastin is complex and touching; he feels guilty for having helped trap her, and he understands and wants to protect her. The picture of elephant character and social structure is very detailed and, in this case, moving. I could see kids really caring about these characters and their situation.
Although this was Kelly's first book, she's done a great of of creating complex characters that we grow to care for deeply. We even care about the cruel trainer--once we know his story, his behavior becomes more understandable.
Kelly has done her research into elephant behavior, the culture of India, as well as the elephant preservation and child labor situation there, spelled out in an afterword. Although I usually prefer reading about other cultures through the eyes of someone from that culture, I think Kelly has done a credible job here, citing several Indian sources for her work.
The relationship between Nandita and Hastin is complex and touching; he feels guilty for having helped trap her, and he understands and wants to protect her. The picture of elephant character and social structure is very detailed and, in this case, moving. I could see kids really caring about these characters and their situation.
madhu5's review
5.0
It is hard to describe how I feel about this book- the author handles some very deep and challenging topics like poverty and injustice in a gentle and compassionate way. I found the book incredibly moving and inspirational. I am encouraging my 11 year old to read it. I hope he will!