Orca in Open Water

When an orca is rescued from an Oceanarium, a less reputable aquarium, and brought to Seaside Sanctuary, the seaside marine biology facility where her parents work, Elsa Roth is excited to help with the animal’s care and rehabilitation. It’s a crucial step before it can be released into the wild. But the whale has been in captivity for a long time. It’s up to Elsa and the rest of the sanctuary staff to teach the animal how to live on its own — the whale’s survival depends on it. 

Elsa and Olivia are excited to join a month-long expedition aboard a ship to research orcas near the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest. On their first day out, they find a baby orca who has been separated from his pod. The two girls immediately jump in to help capture the starving orca. The girls are admirable because they both care deeply about animals and are willing to help in any capacity, including handling slimy, live fish. In this installment of the Seaside Sanctuary, the girls spend much of their time learning about orcas. 

The story’s conflict centers on a dispute over what is best for August, a baby orca who has become separated from his pod. The sanctuary staff believes the orca should be returned to his pod. On the other hand, Oceanarium wants August to live in their facility and eventually be showcased in live performances. From the beginning, Oceanarium is villainized. For instance, Oceanarium is compared to a prison, where the animals are “thrust into a cell with a total stranger.” The book goes on to explain, “Oceanarium is a company whose goal is to make money. They capture young mammals, like bottlenose dolphins and orcas, plus other animals like seals, and train them to do tricks in shows. It’s not natural for the animals, and it’s cruel.” In its effort to show the importance of rehabilitating animals and returning them to the wild, Orca in Open Water’s portrayal of Oceanarium is one-sided.  

Anyone who has been to SeaWorld will make the connection between the two marine mammal parks, which may upset younger readers. Despite this, Orca in Open Water will appeal to animal-loving readers. The story is told in ten short chapters, and each begins with a black-and-white illustration. The end of the book includes a glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, and additional information about orcas. The books in the Seaside Sanctuary Series can be read in any order because each tells a new adventure.   

Overall, Orca in Open Water is a fast-paced, entertaining story that gives readers an in-depth look at orca culture. Like the other installments in the series, the book highlights the importance of humans keeping away from wild animals so they can be returned to their natural habitat. The main characters, Elsa and Olivia, act like typical middle graders just learning how to fight for a cause. Their adventure shows the importance of advocating for those without a voice, like August. Plus, the beautiful ending depicts August being reunited with his family, one very similar to a human family. 

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• While visiting Oceanarium, Elsa learns that the orcas “attack each other and fight, which they never do in the wild. Some orcas have even killed others because they’re just tossed in a tank together. They even attacked the trainers and hurt them.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None

Spiritual Content  

• None