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The Lost Whale

by Hannah Gold

Subject
Action & Adventure - Survival Stories
Age
6-8 years
Format
Trade Paperback
Pages
304
Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers
Size
13.0 cm × 19.2 cm
ISBN
9780063041127

A gorgeously written standalone from the acclaimed author of The Last Bear, Hannah Gold’s second novel is a touching story about adventure, recovery, and love—perfect for fans of Pax and A Wolf Called Wander.

When Rio is sent to live with a grandmother he barely knows in California, he feels completely alone. Then he makes a new friend on the foggy beach—a girl named Marina, who teaches him about the massive grey whales that migrate nearby.

As Rio grows to love the whales, he discovers that his mother loved them, too. He’s suddenly sure that if he can somehow find a way to connect her with these gentle giants – and especially with a particular whale named White Beak – she will get better and come to join him in California. But White Beak is missing—and Rio must embark on a desperate journey across the dangerous ocean to find her.

An excellent choice for readers in grades 3 to 7, this fierce celebration of friendship includes information about the struggles facing real gray whales from climate change, pollution, and over-fishing.

About the author

Hannah GoldAuthor

Hannah Gold is the author of The Last Bear and The Lost Whale. She grew up in a family where books, animals, and the beauty of the outside world were ever present, and is passionate about writing stories that share her love of the planet. She now lives in the UK with her tortoise, her cat, and her husband and, when not writing, is busy hunting for her next big animal story as well as practicing her roar.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

"This superb story captures the power and mystery of the ocean as well as delivering bite-size morsels of climate change advocacy. Poignant and empowering."
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"I loved sailing along this quest with Rio, a character with an abundance of determination and empathy. Full of wonder and longing, The Lost Whale is a captivating story about the desperate search for one special whale who offers a connection to home."
Lynne Kelly, author of Song For a Whale
"The Lost Whale is filled with wonder, fascinating facts and a main character with a heart as a big as a whale. You won’t want to miss it."
Annabel Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Praise for The Last Bear: "Fans of Pax will appreciate this endearing story of interspecies friendship."
Publishers Weekly
“For animal lovers, defenders of the environment, and fans of female-powered stories. Touching and poignant.”
Kirkus Reviews
"Gold has an ear for descriptive language, and the close narration of April's story keeps readers intimately engaged. The book's environmental message is clear without being overpowering, and the combination of internal and external conflicts allows the story to be quiet and dramatic at the same time."
Horn Book Magazine
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.