|
A Whale of the Wild
Last updated Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Author: Rosanne Parry
Illustrator: Lindsay Moore
Date of Publication: 2020
ISBN: 0062995928
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2024
Synopsis:
For Vega, a young orca whale, and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family's matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she's destined to be?
This book includes information about orcas and their habitats.
| Note to readers: |
| • |
This is a book about survival skills. Once both Vega and her brother are separated, they must use their survival skills to try and find their family. It will be a difficult journey with many obstacles but a beautiful story. Start off by showing the illustrations, read the introduction and try and get through Chapters 1 (KINSHIP) and 2 (NOISE).
|
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
| • |
Can anyone remember what their family did when the city locked down in 2020?
|
| • |
Has anyone been to Sea World in San Diego, CA or been on a ship to see a whale?
|
| • |
Has anyone been camping and had to search for food to eat?
|
| • |
Has anyone got lost from a group, like traveling at the mall or an amusement park? How did they get back to the group or their family?
Vocabulary
|
| • |
Kinship: (noun) the state of being kin: relationships
|
| • |
GreatMother: (noun) like a grandmother…your mother’s mother.
|
| • |
Flukes: (noun) one of the lobes of a whale’s tail
|
| • |
Flutter: (verb) to move with quick wavering or flapping motions
|
| • |
Salmon: (noun) a type of fish that are related to trout that have reddish or pinkish flesh.
|
| • |
Wayfinders: (noun) navigates the open ocean without a compass, clock, radio or satellites report.
|
| • |
Shiver: (verb) to tremble in the wind as it strikes first one and then the other side
|
| • |
Chinooks: Type of salmon that are a primary food source for whales.
|
| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
| • |
(Chapter 1) Who is narrating the story? What can you tell us about the kinship of this story?
|
| • |
Can you tell us Vega’s kinship?
|
| • |
What can you tell us about Vega’s kinship/family relationship?
|
| • |
What is a click-stream?
|
| • |
What was the problem that Vega faced? What do you think Vega’s future is with her kinship?
|
| • |
(Chapter 2) Who is narrating the story? What do you think the “noise” is as described in the title?
|
| • |
Where does Vega lead her family that makes Deneb afraid?
|
| Craft ideas: |
| • |
November is also reading to Kids College Spirit month! Have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo you volunteer(s) share on something you are wearing. They can even create their own imaginary college logo!
|
| Special activities: |
| • |
Go to the back of the book to learn more Orcas: Life, Cooperation, Size, Speed, Hunt……
|
| • |
Do the word search
|
*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
|
