The Orca Scientists

Gr 4–8—In this new addition to the series, Valice takes readers on a journey to the Pacific Northwest to explore the work of biologists studying orca whales. The prologue provides background information about the early days of tracking the marine mammals. Dr. Mike Bigg started counting and classifying them in the early 1970s out of concern for the number in captivity, and readers learn about developments and advancements since then. Scientists use photography and drones to identify orcas, examine their scat, and deploy hydrophones or underwater microphones to assess the impact of nearby boats. The images enhance readers' understanding of the text, and throughout there are sidebars that provide a deeper dive into topics, such as the Samish Indian Nation's naming ceremony for orcas and the typical diet for the whales. The book ends with information on how to get involved to help orcas through the Center for Whale Research and in everyday life. The back matter also makes this title a useful choice for research.