Georgina watches me. She doesnât try to poke me or pull my tail. She doesnât push her face into mine, and she speaks very softly. âWelcome,â she says.
Most shelter animals dream of going home with a forever family. But for Elvis, being chosen by Mrs. Pemberton is a nightmare. Heâs been taken away from his sister, Etta, and is determined to get back to the shelter to find her.
In spite of himself, Elvis becomes curious about ten-year-old Georgina Pemberton, who builds LEGO skyscrapers in her bedroom while navigating her parentsâ divorce. The longer heâs in his new home, the more he starts recognizing new feelings: admiration for Georginaâs
creations, affection for the other pets, and even empathy for the Pembertonsâdespite his longing for Etta.
As Georgina sets out to build her most impressive skyscrapers yet, the Twin Towers, Elvis realizes that maybe both humans and animals have felt the pain of loss, but with some resilience and hope, we all possess the strength to rebuild.
âElvisâs journey is sweet and funny and profound.ââEliot Schrefer, National Book Award finalist