Did you know that scientists believe that whales were once land creatures? I didn't either!!! This book is amazing and great for a research project or if you're just interested in learning about the history of whales.

The information is factual, my only concern is that it was published in 2007 and it is possible that some information may no longer be true.
The book mentions many different nations and countries and would work well in a geography class or history class as well science.

Good book! ( )

The Whale Scientists: Solving the Mystery of Whale Strandings presents an overview of the evolution of whales as they transitioned from land to ocean mammals and then goes on to discuss the research scientists are conducting in order to better understand whale strandings. The story is organized in an enumerative or topical structure and is divided into four chapters, or topics which are then further divided into more specific subtopics. In the first chapter, the author begins by introducing the evolution of whale species as they became better suited for life in the ocean. She then goes on to discuss the evolution of the relationship between whales and humans. The author discusses humans first encounters with whales as well as our species' dependence on whales over the years, including the overexploitation of whaling for profit to the current conservation movement to protect endangered whale species. The author uses historical photographs that illustrate the interdependent relationship between humans and whales over the years. She then goes on to discuss the possible reasons for whale strandings in the following chapter, and the next chapter discusses the research that scientists are able to conduct on whales that have been found stranded. The final chapter is organized in a slightly different manner than the other chapters. It is presented in more of a narrative structure and tells the story of a pilot whale strandings and the successful rehabilitation of two pilot whales that were stranded, taken to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut where they were able to recover, and were eventually released back into the wild. Although the author, Fran Hodgkins, is a children's book author and not an expert in marine biology, her bibliography shows the extensive research that she conducted in order to write this story. ( )

The scientists in the field series showcases scientist and other people trying to solve problems. It is an informative series telling how scientists work. The series is targeting young readers from ages 8-12. This book starts with a description of how whales evolved from land based animals. "Whales underwent the most dramatic and complete transformation of any mammals". There is an excellent chart showing their classification. The book then goes on to discuss how in the early days the whales were filled for profit, until humans starting understanding these creatures. "Seeing (in Marine studios), reading about and hearing whales helped people understand these creatures". Organizations like Greenpeace drew public attention to the plight of these mammals. However the main puzzle that the author is trying to solve is "Why do whales strand?" there are multiple reasons for this strange phenomenon like hearing damage that whales might have due to human activities, Earth's magnetic field, weather, illness or injury or toxins in the water. The book also discusses ways in which scientists are trying to find an answer to this mystery. They do necropsy on dead and stranded whales, study their DNA and even examine their ear and head in search of an answer.
The book was filled with information that can be used in middle school to introduce the concept of evolution or endangered animals. The pictures and narration is fascinating and keeps the reader involved in the storyline. The expansive glossary at the end is also helpful. ( )

This story is about whales who come ashore from different climate change or natural causes. The book starts off by talking about the first whale who ever came ashore. We learn how and why whales are dying. Also we learn how we can prevent this from happening. The pictures were great. I think this story was very informative and gave plenty of information on whales that I never knew. I would present this story to a middle school science class. ( )

This book was about solving the mystery of why whales become stranded. The scientists observe the whales and try to come up with conclusions. There are so many possiblities about why these whales become stranded. I thought this was an interesting book to read. I learned things about whales that I did not know. I think this would be a good book to read in a science class. ( )