Keiko's Story: A Killer Whale Goes Home [Library Binding]

Linda Moore Kurth (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-In his living conditions and in the efforts of people preparing him for his reintroduction to the wild, Keiko's life parallels that of the fictional whale he played in the movie Free Willy. Without being judgmental, Kurth describes the marine mammal's cramped and unhealthy environment at Reino Aventura in Mexico City, and discusses the work of scientists and children all over the world to find him another home. She recounts the efforts required to move Keiko from Mexico to Oregon, and then to Iceland. In a lively and clear narrative, facts about killer whales are introduced and illustrated by full-color photographs on almost every page. Drawings and diagrams depict whale anatomy and activities such as breaching, lobtailing, slapping, and spyhopping. Potentially unfamiliar terms are highlighted in bold and included in the brief glossary and two-page index. An informative and enjoyable read.
Frances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 72 pages
• Publisher: 21st Century (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761315004
• ISBN-13: 978-0761315001
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,365,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm primarily a children's book writer. I write both fiction and non-fiction. My book, KEIKO'S STORY: Killer Whale Goes Home, can be found in many school libraries. I love writing about the natural world. I learn so much when I'm researching a topic!

My husband and I have recently moved to beautiful Mount Vernon, Washington. When I'm not at my computer writing, I can usually be found working in the yard, creating a fun, outdoor envirinment for our grandchildren. I hope this coming summer we'll be building a treehouse!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keiko's Story: A Killer Whale Goes Home, April 11, 2000

By 

Dr. Janet Lazar (Plattsburgh, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keiko's Story: A Killer Whale Goes Home (Library Binding)

This is a whale of a story!

Although written for juveniles, "Keiko's Story" will appeal to readers of all ages. Author Linda Moore Kurth not only tells the story of Keiko's journey from a small pool in Mexico City to his current home in Iceland, but also provides a wealth of information about both Keiko and his orca roots.

"Keiko's Story" begins with crowds of Mexican children waving good-bye on January 6, 1996, as he begins his trip to the airport for the flight to his new interim home in Newport, Oregon.

Linda Moore Kurth spent three years researching this story, and she herself followed Keiko on his final flight to his current home in Iceland. As a consequence, we meet people like Karla Corral and Renata Fernandez Karla who came to love Keiko during the five years they worked with him in Mexico City and Trainers Jeff Foster, Peter Noah, and Brian O'Neal who were waiting for him to arrive at his newest home in Klettsvik Bay, Iceland, on September 10, 1998.

Sandwiched between the story of Keiko's journeys is a myriad of fascinating detail about orcas and the logistics involved in ecological enterprises of this magnitude. Included are photographs, diagrams, and statistics describing Keiko and his homes in Mexico, Oregon, and Iceland.

Keiko's story is a continuing saga which will go on into the forseeable future. This invaluable book will continue to provide a reference and compass point to all who have been and continue to be enchanted after first seeing Keiko as he leapt across the big screen in Free Willy. It also contains a Glossary, Suggested Reading, Videos, and Web Sites of interest to Keiko fans everywhere.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, July 4, 2003

By 

C. LeClaire "orcahorsefreak17" (White Bear Lake, Minnesota United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keiko's Story: A Killer Whale Goes Home (Library Binding)

This book is a wonderful source about Keiko and other orcas!