Book Review — White Dolphin

In this middle-grade, ecological fiction book, Young Kara faces quite a few challenges. The reef is threatened by an imminent lift to a dredging ban. The town’s whole way of life is threatened as it relies on the reef. Her very family is also on shaky ground. She and her father live with her aunt and family, without a place of their own. Her father’s livelihood is undergoing a massive change and her mother disappeared a year ago …

Despite these challenges, Kara sees the white dolphin and holds on to hope. She feels the enchanting dolphin calf is a message from her mum. Kara’s love of the sea and its ‘angels’ is infectious and her passion for all life, including a bullying classmate, helps her ‘save the day’ in many ways.

This heartfelt tale evokes a UK seaside town so vividly, I felt I was eating chips in the rain by the waves. I love the ocean and love being in this story’s world, despite the threat to the reef which is heart-tearing. But so real.

Kara is a wonderful character, full of heart and strength. Though tears fell as I read this book, as the challenges to the reef felt very real and raw, the end draws together beautifully. It’s a wonderful story of hope when there seems to be no hope, friendship and how things can grow and change for the better.