Superpod: Saving the Endangered Orcas of the Pacific Northwest

Description

Meet the playful and beloved Southern Resident orcas and the people working to save them from extinction using tactics that vary from medicine and laws to drones and dogs The endangered Southern Resident orcas whistle and click their way around the waters of the Pacific Northwest in three small family groups while facing boat noise, pollution, and scarce food. Superpod introduces young readers to the experts who are training scat-sniffing dogs, inventing ways to treat sick orcas, quieting the waters, studying whales from the air, and speaking out. Author Nora Nickum also discusses her own work on laws to protect the orcas, tackles the dark history of orca capture for marine parks, and shares moments of wonder. Readers can dive in to help save these majestic orcas with diverse action ideas and to find inspiration for a wide range of future careers.

Nora Nickum is the senior ocean policy manager at the Seattle Aquarium, where she leads orca recovery and other ocean conservation policy efforts. Nora writes nonfiction and fiction books for children, many of which celebrate biodiversity and STEM topics and explore today's wildlife conservation challenges and innovative solutions. She lives in Washington State.

"A riveting read! Every sentence shimmers with the author's love and concern for these magnificent animals. Nora Nickum presents the challenges these magnificent animals face with unflinching honesty, yet her message is ultimately uplifting and hopeful. The book encourages and empowers kids to become community scientists, and to be part of the solution to save the orcas." --Sarah Albee, author of Accidental Archaeologists "Superpod is a collection of incredible ways scientists and activists are exploring the biology, behavior, and plight of Southern Resident orcas. Perfect for readers curious about a career in marine biology or conservation, there are passages that put the reader face-to-face with the whales of the Salish Sea as the author writes about her own experiences in the field. By incorporating the work of other scientists and activists, Nickum's text will expand the reader's understanding of what it means to study whales, the new tools that are in use, and how many questions we still have left to answer." --Lindsay Moore, author of Yoshi and the Ocean "Nora Nickum weaves the perfect blend of science and emotion to connect her readers to the Southern Resident orcas and to share a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing effort to save these remarkable animals. A stellar combination of awe-inspiring nature and activism." --Patricia Newman, Sibert Honor author of Sea Otter Heroes "Superpod is a thoroughly researched and lyrically written ode to the orcas. Whether you're a longtime fan or encountering orcas for the first time, you will come away with a deeper appreciation of the magnificence of these animals and the dedication of all those who work to ensure their survival." --Dr. Lisa Graumlich, dean emeritus, University of Washington College of the Environment "The orcas of the Salish Sea are the most well-known and among the most endangered whales in the world. Superpod illuminates the lives of these beloved cetaceans with abundant facts and photos and heart and hope. A must read for orca fans of all ages." --Rosanne Parry, author of A Whale of the Wild "[Superpod] gives human superpods fresh impetus to learn more about these appealing apex predators." -- Kirkus Reviews "Not just another whale tale, Nickum weaves together a story of fascinating animals and dedicated people working to save them! Superpod is inspirational." --Dr. Joseph K. Gaydos, author of Explore the Salish Sea "You will love diving into the watery world of the orcas! You'll feel like you are there through Nora's book as you meet orca individuals and their families and learn how they 'talk' to each other, hunt, play, and try to survive in a place they've called home for thousands of years. What you'll find is that these super-smart creatures are a lot like us in so many ways! Fascinating!" --Chris Morgan, ecologist, filmmaker, and host of THE WILD with Chris Morgan