High and Dry

High and Dry opens with an urgent question: what do you do when you discover a stranded orca calf, and the clock is ticking? 

Dylan lives on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest with his parents, but when they have to go to the mainland, his grandfather weathers a storm to come spend time with him. Grandpa brings Dylan several gifts, and one comes in handy the next day as they explore the coast. In fact, this gift leads the duo to a dangerous discovery: a young orca stuck on the rocks during the storm. Racing against the sun and the heat, Dylan and Grandpa need to work together to figure out how to save the calf while his pod circles nearby. 

Dylan’s life revolves around family, exploring nature, and watching the animals that live nearby. He is kind, curious, and willing to work hard, which makes him a likable protagonist. When he discovers a young orca in need of help, Dylan immediately springs into action — and even in the face of an exhausting, difficult challenge, he never loses focus or complains. What makes Dylan especially compelling, though, is not just his determination but his capacity for empathy, which is at the heart of the story’s most memorable moments. 

The most endearing part of the story is Dylan’s growing connection with the orca, whom he names Oreo. To keep the stranded calf alive, Dylan drapes sheets over Oreo and keeps them wet to prevent his skin from burning in the sun. Throughout the long day, Dylan talks to the orca, and a quiet but powerful bond forms between them. This moment of connection is captured beautifully in one of the book’s most moving passages: “He could see that the whale was thinking. Maybe about Dylan or about the situation or about his pod. But he was thinking. . . The fear was gone, and Dylan thought he saw hope in the eye looking back at him.” It is a small, still moment in an otherwise tense story, and it lingers long after the chapter ends. 

Equally warm is the relationship between Dylan and his grandfather. Rather than taking over, Grandpa offers gentle guidance and encouragement, trusting Dylan to rise to the challenge. Their partnership models the kind of intergenerational respect and teamwork that gives the story much of its emotional grounding, and it mirrors the book’s broader message: that people and orcas are more alike than different — both are intelligent, family-oriented, and stronger when they work together. 

The story is told in nine short chapters, with black-and-white illustrations approximately every three pages. The illustrations help readers visualize the story’s events, and the frequent animal pictures will delight young nature lovers. As part of the Orca Echoes Series — designed for readers ages 7-9 — the book features accessible text and focuses on social responsibility, character-building, and relatable everyday adventures. 

High and Dry will appeal to a wide variety of early chapter-book readers, especially those who love animals and the outdoors. With its fast-moving plot, heartfelt relationships, and an unforgettable orca named Oreo, this is an ideal choice for classrooms and home libraries alike — and a gentle, meaningful introduction to themes of wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship. Readers who enjoy survival stories should also read the Bear Grylls Adventures and Girls Survive. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• The orca is injured. When Dylan covers his tail with a sheet, “he’d seen blood from one of the cuts being absorbed by the sheet.” The orca fully recovers.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None