Hostage

Fishing off the coast of British Columbia is a difficult and often dangerous way to earn a living. When Jamie Tidd and his father capture a giant killer whale, they can't believe their good lucka marine park in California has offered $100,000 for just such a whale. Jamie's family could really use the money; this may be their only chance to leave the isolated settlement of Lumber Landing and start a new, easier life somewhere else. But Jamie grows to admire the whale and he can't help wondering if it is right to keep the big mammal in captivityeven if his family needs the money. Then various environmental groups use the media to make the Tidd family look greedy and cruel. Peopled with believable characters, this fast-paced novel will leave readers with much to ponder; it's a fascinating depiction of an unusual way of life. Ages 12-up. (December)