Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales

by Mark Leiren-Young

Orcas are found in every ocean on the planet, but can they survive their relationship with humans? Orcas Everywhere looks at how humans around the world (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) related to orcas in the past, how we relate to them now and what we can do to keep cetacean communities alive and thriving. The book deals with science, philosophy, environmentalism and ethics in a kid-friendly and accessible way. Writer, filmmaker and orca activist Mark Leiren-Young takes us back to when killer whales were considered monsters and examines how humans went from using orcas for target practice to nearly loving them to death. If you know a young person who loves Free Willy or Finding Nemo , they will fall in love with these whales.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

160 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2019

About the author

“Mark Leiren-Young is a playwright, author, screenwriter, novelist, journalist, editor, podcaster, producer, director, documentarian, comedy performer, satirist, memoirist, university lecturer, occasional actor and full-time environmentalist.” -David Lennam, Yam Magazine.


Mark has been dubbed "Canada’s greenest writer." Many of his projects feature a green theme, such as his award-winning films, The Green Film (a comedy short about going green), and his feature "The Green Chain," (starring Tricia Helfer and August Schellenberg). And now, his newest book, "Greener Than Thou."

Mark wrote and directed the award-winning documentary, The Hundred-Year-Old Whale, and hosts the Skaana podcast - which features stories about orcas, oceans, eco-ethics and the environment.

As half of the popular comedy duo "Local Anxiety" he released the 2009 CD "Greenpieces," and cuts from the satirical album have been featured on CBC Radio and NPR and are available on Spotify and YouTube.

Leiren-Young's first full-time journalism job was at "The Williams Lake Tribune," a small newspaper in Williams Lake, British Columbia. He turned these experiences into a comic memoir, Never Shoot A Stampede Queen, which won the 2009 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour.

His news and feature writing, humour pieces, reviews and columns have appeared in a host of publications in Canada and the U.S., including Time, Maclean's and The Utne Reader.

Mark also has extensive television writing credits, with over 100 hours of produced work. His love of comic books inspires his work on a number of animated series, including ReBoot and Beast Wars: Transformers. He also has many credits writing for drama series, and credits include PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal and Blood Ties.

Mark's plays have been produced around the world. His latest play, Playing Shylock, starring Saul Rubinek, makes its American debut at the Polonsky Shakespeare Centre in New York in October, 2025.

His most popular play, "Shylock," about the tensions surrounding theatre's most famous Jewish character. Shylock has been produced around the world and is published by Anvil Press.

Reviews

[Vicki Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explored the history of orcas and humans. It was very sad and disheartening. So much damage has been done to these amazing creatures that it may be too late to save them. There were many beautiful photographs and quotes in this book. It may have been written for a younger audience, but the facts are so dark and depressing. There was a list in the last chapter about what we as people can do, but it may be too late and would take generations to see change. This book is a downer, but anyone fascinated by orcas should read this book.

[Carla (Carla's Book Bits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people might already know this about me, but the 2 reasons I requested this book right away when I saw it on Netgalley were:

1) I love orcas. Like, an unhealthy amount. They fascinate me to no end. I've watched countless documentaries on them, and read maybe even more books on them. I'm a bit of an armchair marine biology enthusiast in general, but orcas are spearheading my enthusiasm by leagues.

2) Mark Leiren-Young is an environmentalist. He's done lots of interesting projects - podcasting about orcas & the ocean, among other journalism projects - and he's written for some shows (including Reboot - yeah, that Reboot). So I think he's pretty freaking cool, I don't know about you.

Orcas Everywhere is a children's nonfiction book. But the thing that impresses me the most about it is that it's comprehensive, engaging, and never talks down to the reader. Even adults like myself can learn a lot of tidbits from this book, and it doesn't hurt that Leiren-Young's writing is just easy to engage with.

Really enjoyed this, it makes a worthy addition to even a growing collection of comprehensive orca whale books. And definitely a must-read for mini armchair environmentalists!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orcas Everywhere is a book about the relationship between Orcas and humans. The author does not sugar coat the history between the two species and some parts of the book are quite devastating. This book can be a valuable resource to anyone interested in Orcas. It provides an honest text and includes pictures and "Orca bites" that draw the reader into the book. At the end of the book, the author provides insight on how humans can make positive changes to help orcas, lists other resources to explore and details how some young people are already committing their lives to the environment.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Mark Leiren-Young, and Orca Book Publishers for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales by Mark Leiren-Young is a non fiction book for middle grade readers. Orcas are found in every ocean on the planet. But can they survive their relationship with humans? This book looks at how humans around the world (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) related to orcas in the past, how we relate to them now, and what we can do to keep cetacean communities alive and thriving. The book deals with science, philosophy, environmentalism and ethics in a kid-friendly and accessible way. Mark Leiren-Young takes readers back to when killer whales were considered monsters and examines how humans went from using orcas for target practice to nearly loving them to death.

Orcas Everywhere is a very informative book, but also rather sad. The way people focus on ourselves and treat other living creatures as a general rule makes me sad. Seeing the history, present, and thoughts on the future of the relationships between people and orca is no different. I did learn a great deal about the orcas and how they have been viewed, treated, and now researched.I had no idea that there were such different whales labeled as 'killer whales', and how different they can be from each other. The different orcas that have been captured and/or researched over the years were sad to read about, because so many stories ended badly, but knowing where we have been helps us to understand where we are, and where we want to go in the future. The legends and stories about personal encounters were interesting to read. The pictures did a good job of showing the beauty of sea life- and some of the effects people have had on them- the small holding tanks and equipment used really brought that message home. I liked that there was a glossary and selection of further resources. I always find these tools important to encourage interested and engaged readers to explore further. I also like that the suggestions for changes readers can make to help are doable, and that efforts by other young people to help the whales and the environment are highlighted. It is great to see what research and steps adults are making, but knowing kids just like them are stepping up might encourage rea; change and effort from more people.

Orcas Everywhere is an informative read. Some of the text is heavy and hard to read, because of the subject matter. However, the author does try to keep the tone conversational and accessible to all readers.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I 100% encourage people to listen to the audiobook of this. There are recordings of the whales talking, and clips from old radio and news segments.
It was a very quick read, and a great crash course into some of the history of this magical creature.

Highlights for me were learning more about orca language and their culture. Learning how they take care of their sick and young, and how good leaders care for others over themselves.

The history of how we used to capture them for entertainment was difficult... but necessary, and at least avoided gory details.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review being written for School Library Connection, where it will appear soon.

[Sidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I learned about orcas and their life.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome!! It told alot about orcas all over the world

[Hollie Keogh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking! We have such a complex history with these animals full of abuse and exploitation. This book clearly details our relationship with killer whales in a clear and captivating way.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a sad reminder of what a plague humans are on this earth.

[Wondra Vanian · Rating 3 out of 5]

For kids but still interesting.