You Can't See the Elephants

by Elizabeth Gaffney and Susan Kreller

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Book cover for You Can't See the Elephants

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When thirteen-year-old Mascha is sent to her grandparents' for the summer, she spends her days bored and lonely at a nearby playground. There she meets Julia and Max, two young siblings who are incredibly shy and withdrawn.


When thirteen-year-old Mascha is sent to her grandparents' for the summer, she spends her days bored and lonely at a nearby playground. There she meets Julia and Max, two young siblings who are incredibly shy and withdrawn. Mascha soon begins to suspect that they are being physically abused by their father, a prominent member of their small community. She tells her grandparents and the authorities, but they all refuse to believe her.
Mascha can't let the abuse go on, so she takes matters into her own hands. Already an international award winner, this beautifully written novel is a haunting and timely tale.
Praise forYou Can't See the Elephants-

'An affecting story about a universal problem that will resonate with a widespread audience... this important book-seamlessly translated by Elizabeth Gaffney-deserves an expansive readership.'Booklist, starred review

'A debut novel so real it hurts . . . eloquently translated by Gaffney, captures the desperation and helplessness of a girl who just wants to do the right thing.' Publishers Weekly,starred review

'Kreller delivers a powerful tale . . . Disturbingly plausible, definitely thought- and discussion-provoking.'Kirkus Reviews

'A compelling read for preteens and teens.'School Library Journal

' A thoughtful, atmospheric, and resonant novel, understated yet powerful in its depiction of abuse and subtle but effective in its revealing of Mascha as a complex person with her own pain to confront.'BCCB
  • ISBN13 9780399172090
  • Publish Date 13 October 2015
  • Publish Status Remaindered
  • Out of Print 9 August 2023
  • Publish Country US
  • Imprint Putnam Adult
  • Format Hardcover
  • Pages 192
  • Language English