"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)
“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
“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
"[Superpod] gives human superpods fresh impetus to learn more about these appealing apex predators." — Kirkus Reviews
“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
“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 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
“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
2022-12-24
An ocean policy expert for the Seattle Aquarium introduces orcas and the people who study and protect them.
Focusing on an orca population of three pods collectively dubbed the Southern Residents, Nickum highlights their much-studied family behaviors and relations—adding a large family tree to the backmatter and noting, for instance, how younglings abandoned by one pod will often be adopted by another, how widely ranging groups enjoy occasional “superpod” reunions, and, poignantly, chronicling a mother’s refusal to stop trying to care for a newly born calf for weeks after its death. Kim Perez Valice’s The Orca Scientists (2018) profiles the same group of orcas and has better photographs (taken by Andy Comins), but along with lively personal reactions to watching orcas from shore and riding out with researchers who employ drones, hydrophones, and even dogs trained to sniff out orca poop, Nickum interviews experts, among them members of the Lummi Nation, and adds observations about “transient” orcas from other lineages who exhibit differences, such as preying on seals rather than salmon. She also makes a strong plea for readers “to join the human superpod” working to preserve and support these social sea mammals against multiple threats ranging from capture for sale to marine parks to noise pollution and loss of salmon spawning grounds.
Gives human superpods fresh impetus to learn more about these appealing apex predators. (maps, resource lists, source notes) (Nonfiction. 10-12)
