A WHALE OF THE WILD

Hope Newhouse narrates this captivating adventure of an orca family's journey for survival. She employs a unique timbre and tone to distinguish each character: Vega, a young female destined to become the pod's Wayfinder; younger brother Deneb, who will follow Vega anywhere; and their relatives, particularly elders, who embody a timeless shared wisdom. The connection with these whales is almost immediate as listeners are immersed in the drama, thanks to Newhouse's rendering of the story through their eyes. The dialogue includes educational references to the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and fascinating orca idiosyncrasies. Written for middle graders, this audiobook will appeal to anyone who cares about conservation, ecology, and the value of family and diversity in the survival of Planet Earth. S.A.A. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2020]