Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales by Mark Leiren-Young is a non fiction book for middle grade readers. Orcas are found in every ocean on the planet. But can they survive their relationship with humans? This book looks at how humans around the world (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) related to orcas in the past, how we relate to them now, and what we can do to keep cetacean communities alive and thriving. The book deals with science, philosophy, environmentalism and ethics in a kid-friendly and accessible way. Mark Leiren-Young takes readers back to when killer whales were considered monsters and examines how humans went from using orcas for target practice to nearly loving them to death.

Orcas Everywhere is a very informative book, but also rather sad. The way people focus on ourselves and treat other living creatures as a general rule makes me sad. Seeing the history, present, and thoughts on the future of the relationships between people and orca is no different. I did learn a great deal about the orcas and how they have been viewed, treated, and now researched.I had no idea that there were such different whales labeled as 'killer whales', and how different they can be from each other. The different orcas that have been captured and/or researched over the years were sad to read about, because so many stories ended badly, but knowing where we have been helps us to understand where we are, and where we want to go in the future. The legends and stories about personal encounters were interesting to read. The pictures did a good job of showing the beauty of sea life- and some of the effects people have had on them- the small holding tanks and equipment used really brought that message home. I liked that there was a glossary and selection of further resources. I always find these tools important to encourage interested and engaged readers to explore further. I also like that the suggestions for changes readers can make to help are doable, and that efforts by other young people to help the whales and the environment are highlighted. It is great to see what research and steps adults are making, but knowing kids just like them are stepping up might encourage rea; change and effort from more people.

Orcas Everywhere is an informative read. Some of the text is heavy and hard to read, because of the subject matter. However, the author does try to keep the tone conversational and accessible to all readers.

Orcas Everywhere is a book about the relationship between Orcas and humans. The author does not sugar coat the history between the two species and some parts of the book are quite devastating. This book can be a valuable resource to anyone interested in Orcas. It provides an honest text and includes pictures and "Orca bites" that draw the reader into the book. At the end of the book, the author provides insight on how humans can make positive changes to help orcas, lists other resources to explore and details how some young people are already committing their lives to the environment.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Mark Leiren-Young, and Orca Book Publishers for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book,

This book explored the history of orcas and humans. It was very sad and disheartening. So much damage has been done to these amazing creatures that it may be too late to save them. There were many beautiful photographs and quotes in this book. It may have been written for a younger audience, but the facts are so dark and depressing. There was a list in the last chapter about what we as people can do, but it may be too late and would take generations to see change. This book is a downer, but anyone fascinated by orcas should read this book.