This book is about Orca whales and how they are studied. This would be a fantastic boon for 2nd or 3rd graders learning about animals on land and in the sea. It also touches on the concerns that Orca's face out in the wild such as boats, lack of food supply, and trash. This book could pair well with a science lesson on animals and caring for the environment. This book could also do well in a lesson on cause and effects.

Primary; Intermediate; Realistic Fiction; Informational; This tells the story of a young girl on the San Juan Islands at an Orca Sing. She waits to see Granny and her three families. Throughout the story, the author incorporates many facts about whales and Granny specifically in a subtle and engaging way. This is a great book for a whale unit, read aloud, or class library. Children who love animals or the sea would love this story. ( )

Primary-Int. Mia waits patiently on the beach of San Juan Island to see Granny, the 100-year-old Orca whale to appear with her pod. While she waits she remembers all she has learned about Orcas. I would definitely use this book to teach about Orcas but also Washington history. I live fairly close to this area and it would be awesome to share with my students.

Outstanding Science Trade Book - NSTA Award (2019) ( )

This amazing children's book is a moving homage to one of the world's oldest known orcas named Granny, and a young girl Mia who is on a whale watching excursion in the San Juan islands. Granny lived to be approximately 105 years old, born in 1911 as researchers believe. She watches over her three families that were named by scientists, known as the J, K, and L pods. Mia and her family watch the family of orcas play and splash their fins. I love how easily this book could be incorporated into just about any lesson plan. It is full of interesting facts, all while having incredible illustrations. ( )