A review by sunnydale
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I read this book exactly when I needed to. Grief is explored in a meaningful way, but is never gratuitous or burdensome, so I found it restorative as I processed the loss of a family member. The narrative voice is warm and inviting, and I felt genuine affection for the characters.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Death, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent

Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Police brutality, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Alcohol, and War

Ellie has experienced racism, but she does not describe previous experiences in detail. Subjects like violence and danger are appropriate to a middle grade novel. Death and grief are discussed at length.