Elephant Run

Roland Smith’s Elephant Run (2007) is a middle grade adventure novel that takes place during World War II. Narrator Nick Freestone tries to escape the war and moves from the deadly bombings in London to his father's teak plantation in Burma. Unfortunately for Nick, the war follows him to Burma, and Japanese soldiers soon imprison him and his childhood friend Mya at his family home. Aided by the ancient monk Hilltop, Mya and Nick set off on a quest to rescue Nick's father—Jackson Freestone—and Mya's brother—Indaw—from a prisoner of war camp deep in the Burman jungle. Along the way, Nick learns the secrets of Burman mahouts, or elephant-keepers, and uncovers his inner strength.

The novel begins in England, where Nick is living with his mother. After a particularly brutal bombing by the Germans, Nick is sent to Burma to live with his father on a teak plantation that has been in the family for generations. Nick is excited to return to his childhood home at Hawk's Nest; upon his arrival, he meets up with Nang, the manager of the mahouts; Nang’s daughter, Mya; and Hilltop. Trouble arises soon after Nick arrives on the plantation.