Whalerider

A girl lives the legend. A herd of whales is stranded on the coast of New Zealand. Koro Apirana, the Maori tribal leader, is desperate. He believes in a sign. For thousands of years, his people's relationship with whales has been deep and reverent, for legend has it that the Ancient One once rode ashore on the back of a mighty whale. Who can save the sacred animals and restore strength and pride to Koro's people? No one thinks of Kahu, his granddaughter, who can no longer bear the suffering of the whales ... A magical, wise book about the bond between humans and animals, the life-giving power of tradition, and about a young girl who brings new hope to her world.