Superpod - by Nora Nickum (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

*Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
* Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA) Bestseller - Early & Middle Reader
* 2024 Skipping Stones Honors Book in Nature and Ecology

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.

Review Quotes

"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

"Superpod is a fun, informative look at the orca whales in Northern Washington state, called the Southern Residents." --Skipping Stones Book Awards/Skipping Stones Literary Magazine

"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

"We particularly like this book for its combination of awe-inspiring nature and activism." -- Teen Librarian Toolbox (School Library Journal)

"Exceptionally well written, organized and presented." -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Nora Nickum is the senior ocean policy manager at the Seattle Aquarium. She also writes nonfiction and fiction books for children, many of which celebrate biodiversity and explore today's wildlife conservation challenges and innovative solutions. She lives with her family on an island in Washington State, where they are sometimes lucky enough to spot whales from shore. Visit her online at www.noranickum.com