The Hostage

by Theodore Taylor

When a small pod of killer whales surfaces just offshore of Lumber Landing - a small British Columbia fishing community - it’s more than just the fish who don’t know what to do. The whales’ arrival coincides with a fishing magazine ad offering $100,000 for a killer whale in good condition for an American theme park. Jamie Tidd, a 14-year-old boy, and his father, Perry, thought it would be nearly impossible to capture a whale. However, it’s after they easily trap one on Wilwilli Cove that difficulties arise. Do they release the whale to take part in salmon season - the most financially rewarding season of the year - or do they keep it and hope to cash in?

Newbery Award-winning author Theodore Taylor has written more than 30 books for young people. His book The Cay won 11 literary awards, including the Lewis Carrol Shelf Award.

Genres: Animals, Young Adult

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, published in 1987, was well ahead of its time. If this book was rereleased today, I think it would do well in the current culture of orca sensitivity. Fans of the documentary Blackfish are sure to enjoy this quick, easy read.

[♡ella grey♡︎ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This whole book gave me the ick.

[Beatrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked it but i didn't really like it.
i learned a lot about killer whales.

[Charlie Ewalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the great waters just off of Canada, the killer whale (Orcinus Orca) dominates the sea. It has no enemies only prey, so when Jamie Tidd and his father capture the biggest Orca the world has ever seen, it creates a commotion. A word that I would associate with this book is conscientious, I chose that word because throughout this book Jamie is faced with many challenges and he often has to choose between what he wants, and what is right. For example when Angie suggests that Jamie release the Orca: ""Why don't you let that thing loose?" were her first startling words when she got close to me" (Taylor, 75) I think that when Angie first said that it put a thought in Jamie's head that he might be doing the wrong thing, and he definitely agrees with Angie after the news twists and portrays them as poachers Jamie decides to do what is the right thing and let the Orca go. I believe that this is a great representation of realistic fiction, often times in the real world people trap endangered animals for a large amount of money. And like in the book, the media and environmentalists make a huge impact on the situation and force the trapper into making a decision. I definitely recommend this book to readers who like a good story and struggle with making the right decision or making a decision based on what they want.

[Ovard J. 7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dad and his son who go around seas, they make a living off of catching fish they find out that if they catch a big big blackfish they get a huge reward find out what they get if they catch this big blackfish. my theme for this book is Accomplishing goals. first is they accomplish catching the twenty five feet blackfish 2nd is they were able to get teh seaworld to come and see if the blackfish was worth buying.
Lastly is that they were able to make a living on just fish. I really really like this book because i like to fish and this talks about fishing alot and they fish in the book so for me i liked it alot.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never seen "Free Willy," but I imagine it must make the adults a lot more money-hungry than the honest, hardworking father in this book, because I loved the writing but honestly couldn't sympathize with the Greenpeace crowd.

[MK Mons · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with a good message for younger readers about the controversial world of cetacean captivity. It's well written but definitely geared more towards younger and less-experienced readers. Adults can enjoy this book as well, if the simple language and style aren't off putting to you.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look into theme parks involving aquatic animals.