Orcas Everywhere

November 8, 2019

Gr 4-7-Leiren-Young, an activist and filmmaker in British Columbia, outlines the history of human interaction with killer whales, dating back to ancient Rome. He also explains recent changes in human understanding of the mammals and the treatment of whales in captivity. Coverage of orca behavior in families and groups is especially illuminating. The plentiful photos and illustrations spotlight orcas in the wild. The final chapter contains a list of what can be done to ensure species conservation, such as reducing plastic usage and becoming politically active. Testimonies from four young activists provide a human connection. While it keeps a conversational, occasionally snarky tone that middle graders might appreciate, the narrative is too often laced with vague statements such as "most people now admit," "some people believe," and "almost everyone thought." The two-page list of resources includes books, websites, videos, and audio programs. While photos are credited, there are no source notes. Clear citations of scientific research are lacking. VERDICT While the subject is important and the text is engaging and appealing, with illustrations and helpful sidebars throughout, the lack of rigorous documentation makes this title an additional purchase.-Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church, VA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2019
Leiren-Young explores basic facts about orcas as well as the sobering history of continued human maltreatment of these whales. The documentary filmmaker (The Hundred-Year-Old Whale) shares his extensive knowledge of orca culture and history with plentiful photographs. The book is approachable, the design maintaining a nice balance of text to sidebar to photograph. It is visually consistent: All callouts are called "Orca Bites," photographs are labeled clearly, and chapters are designed similarly. The biggest struggle for readers is making sense of the order in which information is presented. A very helpful section about the different types of orcas with an illustrated guide doesn't appear until Chapter 15, for example, even though several of those different ecotypes (classification of orcas into different species has proven difficult, hence the term) are referred to prior. Some of the "Orca Bites" are not aligned with their relevant photographs or are otherwise distracting. The narrative dips in and out of first person, which makes for an unbalanced tone. Disappointingly, Leiren-Young takes liberties by explaining what historical figures thought and felt without any direct citations or quotations. Readers should be prepared for the (rightfully included) gruesome and upsetting history of human treatment of whales. It's a call to action for animal rights even if, as nonfiction, it's uneven. A fascinating subject related with passion--but also with poor organization. (glossary, resources, acknowledgements, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

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September 1, 2019
Grades 5-8 For centuries, orca whales were called killer whales with little actual proof that they seek and kill humans. Many erroneous perceptions were based on their size and teeth, and those perceptions still persist today. Writer, documentarian, and orca activist Leiren-Young turns to young readers here, providing them with the history, current status, and the future of orcas. He explains how, for centuries, orcas have been sought, captured, and held in small display tanks or forced to perform for crowds, and he profiles some of these hunters and organizations, as well as their famous captives. Readers are also introduced to orcas' intelligence and the matriarchal nature of their pods, which fascinatingly display their own dialects, feeding patterns, territories, and markings. Activism is highlighted as well, including the roles movies and individuals (some of them young people) have played in bringing attention to the plight of these beautiful mammals, causing many amusement parks to cease either holding or breeding orcas. Pages filled with photographs, impassioned narrative, Orca Bites (facts), and further-research resources make this title one for all libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)