Odder by Katherine Applegate – Book Review

Title: Odder Author: Katherine Applegate Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Release Date: September 6, 2022

Odder is different from her other otter friends. She’s at times too curious, too fearless, and too playful. One day, when she is out searching for food with her friend, a great white shark changes the course of her life. The shark attacks, and the attack changes the way she views the world, the creatures in it, and her very own sense of self.

Inspired by true events of the Monterey Bay Aquarium program, Odder is a touching tale about the fragility of nature and humans’ role as both destructor and conservator. This novel-in-verse incorporates just the right balance of facts, history, and literary elements to intrigue readers that love nature-based fiction. It will spark curiosity and endear a new generation to one of the most lovable creatures in the wild. Odder is yet another triumph in author Katherine Applegate’s long list of successes.

Odder serves as a great springboard for teachers to explore ecosystems, keystone species, sea otters, and conservation efforts. The engaging narrative will easily intrigue students and generate curiosity for further exploration, making the novel another solid selection for a cross-curricular study. Although the literary depth is not as robust as other Applegate narratives, the novel’s length allows more space for Science applications. Many Applegate novels focus on animals, and Odder offers yet another opportunity for robust literature circles anchored on the similar nonfiction topics. It will also be well-loved in the hands of students that love nature or marine life, providing another option for students when choosing texts that align with their interests.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher, Feiwel & Friends, for an eARC of this book.

Classroom Applications

• Cross-Curricular Study – Teach the novel in conjunction with a nonfiction study of ecosystems, sea otter conservation efforts, and humans’ impact on nature.
• Literature Circles – Use novel for small groups or choice reading with a variety of books that focus on nature, nature-human relationship, or animals.
• Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading nature-based fiction.

Nonfiction Connections

The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.

• Ecosystems
• Conservation Efforts
• Natural World & Balance
• Sea Otter History & Conservation Efforts

Book Companions

The following are great books to pair with Odder. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.

• Willodeen by Katherine Applegate (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)
• The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)
• Everywhere Blue by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)

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