A Whale of the Wild

My two children and I love this book. I am reading it aloud to them. The story is written in the first person, with the narrator alternating between Vega, a young female Orca, and her little brother Deneb. My kids are completely absorbed and interested in the story and have been playing orcas almost every day since we began reading this. They had their stuffed animals lined up in a "sleep line" like the whales described in the story, a big blue sheet as the sea, and a long piece of fabric as a nearby tributary where the salmon run.Because my children are still quite young, I vacillated on whether to read it to them now or wait until they are a bit older. There are some events in the book that are quite troubling and sad; however, the book also contains many acts of kindness and love and inspires in the reader a certain reverence and awe. This all makes the story feel very balanced and whole. I personally feel the book is a work of brilliance on the part of the author, teaching the reader all about orcas -- and positive qualities such as sharing, working together, supporting one another, and thinking of others and the big picture -- through a warm and inspiring story. I am happy (to say the least!) that I chose to read it now. And maybe we will read it again in another year or two!

For Vega, a young Orca whale living in the waters near the Seattle, WA area, finding food means surviving. For some reason, the salmon have failed to return to the area on time, and her family faces starvation. Always inquisitive and playful, Vega struggles to make the right choices as each day without food leaves the pod bewildered and weaker. Her greatmother trusts that one day, Vega will lead their pod as an experienced Wayfinder. But her cousin doubts Vega’s abilities.Her younger brother, Deneb, staunchly supports his sister, even when her decisions separate the two of them from the pod and launch them on a journey far from home in search of safety and food.Vega and Deneb narrate this gripping story that takes readers through the lives of an Orca pod living in the Pacific Northwest. The author’s descriptions of humans from Vega’s perspective made me laugh. Her understanding of the importance of family, friendships, and diversity to the fragile ecosystem of our lives made me weep.Why You’ll Love This BookWhile written for middle-grade students, this book would make a perfect read-aloud for younger students. The author includes facts and research about Orca whales at the end of the book—enough to satisfy all the questions that arise while reading. For example, while Vega refers to herself as a youngster, the reader discovers she has lived through 40 seasons.The magical illustrations help draw young readers into the story—a must for readers who have just started reading longer chapter books. Even if you don’t fit into the intended category of reader, buy the book and read it anyway. You won’t regret it, even if you’re 99!

What a beautiful book. I bought it for my 9 year old but I couldn't put it down. What a great way to develop awareness and empathy for the environment 'indirectly '. I'll be buying more of her books. I hope my daughter loves it as much as I did!

Such a wonderful book... my 11 yo son read it twice

We are headed to the San Juan Islands on vacation and this book was a great mix of fact and fiction for my nine year old before we go on vacation. She is excited to potentially get to see an Orca.