Hannah Gold’s The Lost Whale is a beautifully written story that captures the wonders of the natural world and the enduring strength of human connection. It’s a tale of friendship, courage, and the vital importance of protecting our planet’s oceans.
Rio, an eleven-year-old boy from London, is sent to California to stay with his grandmother while his mother undergoes treatment in hospital. Struggling to adapt to his new environment and grappling with fear for his mum, Rio finds solace in the company of Marina, a local girl with a deep love for marine life. Marina introduces him to whale watching, and it’s during one of these trips that Rio encounters White Beak, a magnificent grey whale.
When White Beak goes missing, Rio is determined to find her. What begins as a search for a whale evolves into an emotional journey of discovery. Through his adventures, Rio begins to understand his own strength and how he can play a part in protecting the natural world.
Rio is a thoughtful and relatable protagonist whose journey is both emotional and inspiring. His feelings of isolation and worry for his mother are handled with sensitivity, and his growth as he takes on the challenge of finding White Beak feels authentic and rewarding.
Hannah Gold’s prose is accessible and vivid, immersing readers in the natural beauty of the ocean and the emotional depth of Rio’s story. The novel explores themes of environmental conservation, family, resilience, and the connections between humans and the natural world. The narrative blends these themes seamlessly, creating a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The Lost Whale offers a valuable opportunity to explore topics such as climate change, marine conservation, and the impact of human activity on the environment. It’s also an excellent starting point for discussions about family challenges, emotional resilience, and the importance of hope and action in the face of uncertainty.
For younger readers, the novel provides an accessible way to learn about grey whales and the ecosystems they inhabit, fostering a sense of responsibility for the planet.
See below for ‘The Lost Whale’ words. You can also access an editable list here.
Vocabulary Cards
As well as word lists, we also offer free use of our vocabulary cards, which can be downloaded as a PDF for use in class. Complete a short form and we will email you the cards straight away.
Vocabulary cards include:
- Definition;
- Word type;
- Synonyms and antonyms;
- Example sentence;
- Image.
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The Vocab Module - How it Works
Find out more about our Vocab module. It's simple, online, and each learner has their own username and password. You (the teacher) allocate the word list you'd like your class to work on... and away they go!
