Return from Extinction is a good news Orca Wild conservation story about wild coincidences and narrow misses, from prehistoric times to the present. Richards explores the curious nature of northern elephant seals, their near extinction, and their dramatic recovery. A century ago northern elephant seals were slaughtered for their valuable oil, until 1922 when the Mexican government started coastal preserves; now their population has recovered to 250,000. Classified as pinnipeds, they can outswim, outhunt, and outdive all other marine mammals due to “sleep-dropping.” Fascinating facts about their remarkable adaptations and resilience, environmental threats like how mercury gets into fish, and concepts of bioaccumulation, embryonic diapause, and genetic bottleneck engage readers. Colour photos, charts, and graphs are interspersed with catchy headings. Perfect for inquiry-based research projects.

96 pp., 7.5 × 9", colour photographs and illustrations • Index

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Linda L. Richards is a journalist and award-winning author. She is the founding editor of January Magazine, one of the Web’s most respected voices about books. She is also the author of six novels and several works of nonfiction and is on the faculty of the Simon Fraser University Summer Publishing Workshops. In 2010, Richards’ novel Death Was in the Picture won the Panik Award for Best Los Angeles-Based Noir. Linda can be found at lindalrichards.com and @lindalrichards.

Linda L. Richards' profile page

• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award
• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Books
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“A great addition to the literature on marine mammals of North America while also introducing some of the people and methods used in the study of these top predators. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Richards creates a compelling journey. Her style could be described as Mary Roach for children…An ecological success story with humor and heart that earns its place in any middle grade library.”

School Library Journal

“Plenty of facts...A nice mix of photographs enliven the pages…Natural-history nonfiction [that] endearingly reflects the author’s enthusiasm.”

Kirkus Reviews