Summer is only a month away, but things aren’t going according to plan for fifteen-year-old Nick Bannerman. Nick dreams of making it big in music, and summer means scoring a deal for his band, mega parties, surfing in Tofino—and not much else. His best friend, Trevor, wants him to spend the summer with him in Africa building a school with a changemaker organization, but Nick isn’t at all interested. Unlike Trevor, Nick has no interest in global activism, volunteering, or physical labour. So how does a teen like Nick, intent on being a famous rock star, end up in Thailand volunteering at an elephant refuge?
Meanwhile, in glimpses from Africa, Trevor learns about Kenyan culture and language from twelve-year-old local boy Kito, and encounters child soldiers who threaten the young boy’s family. Back at the refuge, Nick meets sixteen-year-old Camila, an intimidating and self-assured local girl who wants to be a mahout, even though local tradition won’t allow it. When Nick encounters an extreme animal rights activist, drugged tigers, and rampaging elephants, will he have the courage to act and care about more than just himself? Themes: changemaker, elephants, global activism, diversity, feminism and female empowerment, multiculturalism, animal rights and welfare, social activism, volunteering, coming of age, and the complex & controversial topic of elephant captivity. |
ISBN: 978-1-9992416-8-1 Price:$13.95
Release Date March 15, 2021 Pre-sales available Oct 15, 2020 This book is book one of the
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All about the Author
LS Stone has loved animals since childhood and is passionate about animal rights and welfare, and social justice. She also loves exciting adventure travel and has trekked the Himalayas in Nepal, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and volunteered at an elephant refuge in Thailand. She received a BA in Creative Writing at Vancouver Island University and previous publications include Breaking Boundaries: LGBTQ2 Writers on Coming Out and into Canada. This is her first novel. LS Stone lives in Canada on Vancouver Island with her partner and three dogs, and is planning her next big adventure. https://lsstone.weebly.com/ |
"What’s In It For Me will be a hit with animal lovers and those who love adventures. This fascinating glimpse into the world of elephant sanctuaries and international volunteering is also a delightful tale about the unexpected friendships that can happen when we are doing good things in the world. LS Stone’s debut novel is a treat."-Susan Juby Author of The Woefield Poultry Collective and The Truth Commission "A fascinating story that will entrance young readers from the first page to the last. I couldn’t put it down. From a glimpse into the disturbing world of Kenyan’s child soldiers to the heart-warming workings of a Thai elephant rescue centre, Stone weaves a coming-of-age-story like no other." -Julie Burtinshaw, award-winning author, Saying Goodbye to London "I felt transported with Nick and Camila to beautiful Thailand for this fun and exciting elephant adventure that had me grinning in delight or transfixed on the edge of my seat. LS Stone’s writing is full of humour, but doesn’t shy away from shining a light on complicated topics like elephant captivity and tourism, and female rights and empowerment. A mesmerizing first novel for LS Stone." - Chantal Hughes, award-nominated author, Breaking Boundaries |