★ 08/01/2022
Writing in exquisitely descriptive free verse, Applegate (Willodeen) delivers an uplifting tale of an inquisitive sea otter pup raised by scientists after being separated from her mother. Released back to the ocean, curious Odder spends her days reveling in her ability to “twist/ and pretzel and weave.” Despite warnings to “be afraid of the world,” the otter’s adventurous nature lures her and a cautious friend, Kairi, into deeper waters, where they encounter an adolescent great white that lands Odder back with the people who raised her. Brief chapters that mimic the feel of each creature’s movements capture both the meal-focused musings of the hungry shark—a “soundless ocean ghost” stalking prey—and the playful naivete of Odder (named because of “the way/ the little pup never settled,/... the way/ her eyes were always/ full of questions”). Though humans make cameo appearances in this edifying novel about otter life, the focus remains rightfully on its enigmatic star: a lovable otter who not only survives against the odds but thrives. Occasional art by Santoso (Wombat Underground) highlights the adorable protagonists. An author’s note details the story’s roots at California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (Sept.)
A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
A Publishers Weekly bestseller
A #1 Indie Bestseller!
A 2023 Notable Verse Novel, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
An Amazon Best Book of 2022
Parents Magazine Best Book of 2022
A 2022 Blue Ribbon List selection
2022-2023 Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Master List
Evanston Public Library 2022 Blueberry Fiction Honor Title
Winner, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Maryland Association of School Librarians
"Applegate’s Odder will win your heart." —The New York Times
"Applegate uses strands of nonfiction detail to anchor and give stability to Odder’s fictional story, much as sea otters use lengths of kelp to hold themselves in place while they sleep. Charles Santoso’s endearing black-and-white illustrations, meanwhile, add to the buoyancy of this accessible and informative story." —The Wall Street Journal
"Writing in exquisitely descriptive free verse, Applegate delivers an uplifting tale of an inquisitive sea otter pup raised by scientists after being separated from her mother. ...Though humans make cameo appearances...the focus remains rightfully on its enigmatic star: a lovable otter who not only survives against the odds but thrives." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Based on the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its otter rescue and fostering program, this gorgeous story is told in flowing free verse that slips by as silkily as an otter in water. ... Told almost entirely from Odder’s perspective, imparting dreamy observations of the natural and human worlds from an animal’s point of view. Handsome black-and-white illustrations...punctuate the verses... A stunning study of a remarkable and resilient sea creature." —Booklist, starred review
"Soft, black-and-white illustrations dot Odder’s story, enhancing readers’ emotional connections to a captivating tale about life’s existential balance between survival and play." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB), starred review
"The free verse effortlessly weaves in scientific information, giving Odder a voice without overly anthropomorphizing any of the animals. The natural appeal of sea otters will draw readers in, but the book doesn’t shy away from real-world threats such as predators, disease, and pollution.... Charming black-and-white spot art captures the world and life of the sea." —Kirkus Reviews
"This book will appeal to animal lovers and anyone who feels a little stifled by convention. Hand this to middle grade fans of marine biology, authors like Sharon Creech and Eliot Schrefer, and Applegate’s Newbery-winning The One and Only Ivan." —School Library Journal
"Applegate's text is absorbing, her spotlight on the animals' nature and emotions powerful....Charles Santoso sensitively details his realistic, curvilinear black-and-white illustrations. Santoso's superb spot art and the extensive author's note add much to this stellar presentation." —Shelf Awareness, starred review
"[V]ery accessible and appealing to young animal lovers." —The Horn Book Magazine
10/01/2022
Gr 3–7—From the details of the real-life otter rescue program at Monterey Bay Aquarium, Applegate imagines a backstory for the sea otter #156, named Odder. Odder is a bit of a misfit, feeling an inexorable need to push the boundaries of her local habitat. Interacting with humans and exploring amid dangerous predators, her adventurous spirit eventually gets her in trouble. The dark yet humorous tone of the free verse paints a very human set of motivations for risk-taking and living life on one's own terms. Odder's origin story comes to life through her eyes as she convalesces following a shark attack that risked her friend's life and made Odder feel responsible, even while revealing her courage and loyalty by coming to the rescue. Santoso's grayscale illustrations complement the factual underpinnings of the narrative, encompassing the wild ocean world where predators rule and others struggle for survival. This book will appeal to animal lovers and anyone who feels a little stifled by convention. VERDICT Hand this book to middle grade fans of marine biology, authors like Sharon Creech and Eliot Schrefer, and Applegate's Newbery-winning The One and Only Ivan.—Tara Kron
2022-08-31
A Monterey Bay sea otter comes of age.
Odder’s mom told her to stay away from sharks, humans, and anything else she didn’t understand, but after saving her friend Kairi from a shark attack, she encounters all three. Injured herself during the rescue, Odder ends up recuperating at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or Highwater as the otters call it, where she once lived as a young orphaned pup. Last time, the humans helped her reintegrate into the wild, but because of her injuries this time the outcome might be different. Soon Kairi is there too, stricken with “the shaking sickness” and having lost her newborn pup. Now Kairi is fostering a new pup, and soon one is introduced to an initially reluctant Odder in hopes that she will help raise it so it can return to the wild. The free verse effortlessly weaves in scientific information, giving Odder a voice without overly anthropomorphizing any of the animals. The natural appeal of sea otters will draw readers in, but the book doesn’t shy away from real-world threats such as predators, disease, and pollution. Loosely based on the stories of real sea otters rehabilitated at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this novel will give readers lots to talk about, but uneven pacing and a rushed ending may leave some unsatisfied. Charming black-and-white spot art captures the world and life of the sea.
Rich, naturalistic details will delight lovers of marine life. (glossary, author’s note, bibliography, resources) (Verse novel. 8-12)
