“Orca Rescue! The true story of an orphaned orca named Springer.”
Illustrated by Sig Burwash
Published by Kids Can Press
Now an audiobook, featuring Springer’s calls!
Available on Audible, iTunes, Libro.fm & all audio platforms
Awards & Nominations
2025 Sasquatch Award Nominee
Washington Library Association (WLA)
Winner, 2021-22 Best Book for Children and Young Readers
Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC)
Finalist, 2022 Washington State Book Awards
Washington Center for the Book and Seattle Public Library
Stepping Stones Honor Award
Stepping Stones Magazine
Honor Award, Best Intermediate Nonfiction 2022
International Literary Association
Honorable Mention, Best Children’s Nonfiction Book 2022
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
Reviews
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“Whale Trail founder Donna Sandstrom has scripted a well-researched, feel-happy story for all ages --- a story for the ages. Her involvement in Springer's rescue makes it personal and resonant. Discover how a charismatic young orca and engaged scientists can inspire brave management decisions and get humans to work together. The wild orca families take care of the rest. Inspiring.”
— Erich Hoyt, Author, “Orca, the Whale Called Killer”
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“Combining eyewitness experiences with solid research, her narrative delivers a clear, month-by-month account of Springer’s rescue, imparting an exciting immediacy. Burwash’s appealing illustrations provide valuable detail. Cogent topical interludes provide historical and scientific background. Impressive.”
— Kirkus Review, October 2021
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“Sandstrom weaves fact and story into this page-turning true narrative of Springer, an orphaned orca. Readers learn where different types of orcas live, what they eat, how their family groups work, and how scientists identify and name them. The book is brief, but it has a strong impact. A strong addition to youth collections.”
— School Library Journal
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“Orca Rescue! is an inspiring story with memorable lessons about overcoming adversity, the power of teamwork, and the enduring strength of family ties.”
— Hakai Magazine November 2021
When the little whale showed up, no one knew who she was…”
In 2002 a young orca was discovered near Seattle, lost, alone and 300 miles way from home.
(Photo by Mark Sears)
Six months later she was rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to her pod on the north end of Vancouver Island.
(Photo by NOAA Fisheries)
Today Springer is thriving, with two calves of her own. It’s the only successful orca reunion in history!
(Photo of Springer, Spirit and Storm by Oceanwise 2021)
Where to Buy
Orca Rescue is widely available in stores and online. Here are links to some of my favorite places.
If you don’t see Orca Rescue on the shelf of your local bookstore, ask the bookseller to order it for you. Whale-sized thanks!
Booksellers: Order from Hatchette: 1-800-759-0190 or orderdesk@hbusa.com
Do you want your book signed?
Kids Can Press has designed a beautiful bookplate for the inside front cover.
Email me the name(s) of who to sign the book for, and your mailing address.
I’ll send the signed bookplate(s) to you within a week.
Send your request to donna@donnasandstrom.com.
Learn More
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Media Links
Presentations, interviews and stories, about Orca Rescue, and Springer!
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FAQs
Click here to see commonly asked questions about the book, or me, or Springer!
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Springer's Team
Where are they now? Watch this space.
