Sea Otter Heroes

The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

A Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book
A Green Earth Book Award Winner
This up-close look at a fascinating scientific discovery highlights the critical role predators such as sea otters play in keeping ecosystems healthy.

In Elkhorn Slough, an inlet on the California coast, seagrass grows healthy and strong in the shallow water. This healthy seagrass baffled marine biologist Brent Hughes. The scientist expected this estuary to be overrun with algae, causing the seagrass to die. Why was the seagrass thriving?
As Brent investigated, signs pointed to an unexpected player helping to keep the seagrass healthy: sea otters! What do these top predators have to do with an aquatic grass at the opposite end of the food chain? Brent’s amazing discovery gave scientists insight into the delicate balance of ecosystems. Follow science in action as Brent conducts the research that led to this major discovery.

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Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 8
Reading Level Grade 5
Genre Science
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Animals, STEM, STEM: Life Science/Animals
Copyright 2017
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 56
Publication Date 2017-01-01
Reading Counts! Level 8.5
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF003150, JNF051150, JNF051100
Dewey 599.769/5
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 10.625 x 8.875
Lexile 1060
Guided Reading Level Y
ATOS Reading Level 6.9
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 187289
Accelerated Reader® Points 1.0
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Index, Maps, Photo captions, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Table of contents, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Patricia Newman

Patricia Newman wants us all to know we are part of nature. As a Robert F. Sibert Honor recipient, she shows us how our actions ripple around the world, empowers us to find our own connections to nature, and encourages us to use our imaginations to act on behalf of our communities. Her nonfiction titles have received multiple starred reviews, Orbis Pictus Recommended Awards (NCTE), Green Earth Book Awards, and several Eureka! Awards. She is based in California.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Sea Otter Heroes

A Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book A Green Earth Book Award Winner This up-close look at a fascinating scientific discovery highlights the critical role predators such as sea otters play in keeping ecosystems healthy. In Elkhorn Slough, an… View available downloads →

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Awards

  • Green Earth Book Award, Winner, 2018
  • ALA Notable Children's Books, Winner, 2018
  • Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Honor Book, Commended, 2018
  • Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award Notable, Commended, 2017
  • AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Longlist, Long-listed, 2017

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“A thoughtfully organized and attractively presented example of science in the field.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

Booklist

“Not just an exploration of one particular discovery in marine biology, this is a comprehensive explanation of the scientific process as well.”—Booklist

School Library Journal

“The step-by-step process of ascertaining that the sea otter was responsible for the thriving ecosystem provides a strong example of the value and excitement of primary research. . . . A very informative selection for environmental studies.”—School Library Journal