Whales in the City

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For fans of If Sharks Disappeared, this kid-friendly picture book is a true story about how community action saved the whales of New York Harbor and reversed the effects of climate change.

Spanning from pre-colonization to today, learn how the industrial revolution, overfishing, and pollution drove whales away from New York Harbor and the Hudson River by the early 20th century.

Passionate citizens were able to join together and clean up the harbor through activism and legislation. the first whales were spotted in the Hudson after over 100 years in 2019!

This uplifting environmental success story full of towering skyscrapers and underwater dramatics highlights the power of community and how we can coexist with wildlife!

Honors and Awards:

 

 

 

Behind the Book:

I’m a Hudson River Valley girl excited to share  this positive environmental story focusing on my local river. The spark for this book was lit while I was telling two visiting writer friends about the whales during a train ride north along the river. They encouraged me to write the story. I took their advice!

I hope WHALES IN THE CITY readers will be inspired to protect their own local rivers. We can all make a difference!

“Citizen activism takes on industrial pollution in the Hudson River and makes way for whales to return to New York Harbor in this historical picture book. ” Publisher’s Weekly

“A sincere record of an environmental success story.” Kirkus

“Evocative illustrations and easy-to-understand text bring this story of whales living in the Hudson River in New York to life. VERDICT: A fascinating and accessible story about whales and the water they live in. Great for a read-aloud, especially for Earth Day.” School Library Journal

★”As well as a history lesson here, the next – emphasizing the BIG creatures, problems, protests, and ideas that make this story – shows the importance for standing up for nature and that change is possible….Environmental studies classrooms and school and public libraries will welcome this uplifting work.”  ~Booklist  STARRED review

“Castaldo’s text, accompanied by Groenink’s detailed and expansive gouache and graphite illustrations, offers hope for aspiring citizen activists and makes a compelling case for taking the long view and not giving up the fight.” ~ The Horn Book

“Here is a kid-friendly environmental success story chockfull of towering skyscrapers and underwater dramatics that highlights the power of activism and how each of us can make a difference.” ~Junior Library Guild

“A heartening tale of how group change for the better can make the world a better place…All told it’s a skillful, hopeful tale with some killer backmatter.” 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Blueberry Award Contenders (Celebrating the Environment)

“The return of whales to the rivers and waterways around New York City after decades of
pollution is at the center of this book’s narrative about the impact of the Clean Water Act
of 1972 and the rise of the environmental movement. The text and visuals work in tandem
to show how whales and other aquatic creatures around New York City thrived before
the arrival of Europeans by boat, and how the eventual urban development drastically
changed the water quality over time. A sickening scene of fish and whales coming to the
surface to try to get a breath of fresh air expounds on the impact of human activity and
contamination. Information about whales, the Hudson River, and environmental advocacy
completes this impactful picture book. (Ages 8-12)”  ~ CBC Best Books 2026