Orca rescue! The true story of an orphaned orca named Springer

Gr 3--6--Sandstrom weaves fact and story into this page-turning true narrative of Springer, an orphaned orca. The story unfolds through the discovery of the young orca in Puget Sound, the quest to learn her identity, and the discussion about what should be done to help her. Sandstrom shares her first-person experience as one of those involved in Springer's eventual reunification. The role of First Nations and other Native American groups in Springer's journey is also featured. The book alternates narrative and factual material seamlessly, incorporating informational chapters about orcas where they fit in the story. Readers learn where different types of orcas live, what they eat, how their family groups work, and how scientists identify and name them. The history of humans' poor treatment of orcas in captivity is also addressed. The watercolor illustrations portray the animals accurately, with clear markings and details, yet with an endearing softness. The end matter includes photographs of Springer and some of her family members, as well as a family tree (called a matriline), ways readers can help whales and dolphins, as well as a list for further reading. The book is brief, but it has a strong impact. The choice to use illustrations rather than photographs gives it a storybook feel, and its happy ending gives the reader hope that nature can be healed and that we can learn from our mistakes. VERDICT A strong addition to youth collections.--Kelly Jahng, South Park Elem. Sch., IL

Orca activist Sandstrom details the 2002 rescue of an orphaned juvenile separated from her northern resident pod in British Columbia. After she's sighted in Washington's Puget Sound, regional experts work at identification. Orcas live in tightly bonded pods; individuals' unique dorsal fin shapes, saddle patches, and calls are well documented by researchers. A hydrophone records this orca's call, keying it to the A4 pod. Photos corroborate her identity as Springer, born in 2000. She and her mother had failed to return to Johnstone Strait with their pod in 2001. Springer's reappearance sets off an extraordinary rescue and pod reunion involving citizen and professional scientists, nonprofits, U.S. and Canadian governmental agencies, and First Nations and Native American tribal members. Sandstrom is key in organizing financial and in-kind support for the complex rescue, helping to build the Orphan Orca Fund, a coalition of seven nonprofits. Combining eyewitness experiences with solid research, her narrative delivers a clear, month-by-month account of Springer's rescue, imparting an exciting immediacy. Burwash's appealing illustrations provide valuable detail. Between first sighting and ultimate reunion, Springer is assessed, monitored, weighed, dewormed, and twice transported to holding net pens. Fascinatingly quickly, experts detect A4 pod's calls--and Springer's response. Within 24 hours of Springer's Canadian homecoming, A4 pod arrives, and Springer is released. Sandstrom recounts subsequent reunions--human and cetacean--and the marvelous news of Springer's two calves. Cogent topical interludes provide historical and scientific background. Impressive. (maps, matriline, human-made threats, photos, how to help, glossary, bibliography, websites, team participants, author's note) (Nonfiction. 6-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.