The Rescue
Dolphin Song by Lauren St John is a powerful contemporary YA novel. It is the third book in the White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for character progression and development.
I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as we rejoin eleven-year-old Martine and her classmates as they are going on a sea trip around the African coast to see the sardine’s swarm. It is to be a trip of a lifetime – it will be memorable in more ways than one!
Martine has been given the gift of healing animals. This will prove to be vital. She has also learnt about the healing properties of plants from wise Grace, who practices the old ways.
Friendships will be tested. “Friends made you brave. Friends made things fun.” We all need good friends. Classmates have been cruel until they need help, and then rivalries are put aside for the greater good. Working together is far better than being alone. Together we will accomplish far more.
There is nothing like a near-tragedy to put things into perspective. “I’m not happy because we nearly died last night, I’m happy because we’re alive this morning.” A positive attitude will help in our journey through life.
We see that money is important if you use it for good. The love of money is the root of all evil. Greed will surely bring about a fall. “Money can’t always buy what matters in this life” – and what matters in life is people.
The White Giraffe series is about conservation and looking after our planet. Each book in the series has a different focus. It is the turn of dolphins in this book, as the title suggests. We learn about what the dolphins need and also what will harm them. “Sometimes it’s important to stand up for what you believe in.” The children do not give up on the dolphins, and the dolphins do not give up on them.
Lauren St John teaches the next generation about conservation of animals. You will be educated as you read. I am thoroughly enjoying the White Giraffe series and am very much looking forward to the final three books.
JULIA WILSON
