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Patricia NewmanPatricia Newman
Sibert Honor Children's Book Author & Environmentalist
  • Home
  • Books
    • A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn
    • Planet Ocean
    • Eavesdropping on Elephants
    • Neema’s Reason To Smile
    • Zoo Scientists to the Rescue
    • Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem
    • Plastic, Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
    • Ebola: Fears and Facts
    • Jingle the Brass
    • Nugget on the Flight Deck
    • Surviving Animal Attacks
    • Elite Operations series
    • Energy Lab series
    • QuickReads Fluency Library
    • Books for English language-learners
    • Writers write all kinds of things
  • Author Visit Programs
    • FAQs
    • Calendar
  • Blog
  • Educator Resources
    • STEM + Literacy Activities
    • LitLinks
    • Teacher Guides
    • KidLit creators who make kids want to read
  • Writer Resources
    • Manuscript or Proposal Critiques
  • Who is Patricia Newman?
  • Contact
    • Stay In Touch

Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem

by Patricia Newman
Millbrook Press, 2017

Marine biologist Brent Hughes didn’t think a fuzzy-faced sea otter and seagrass had much in common. Yet his research at Elkhorn Slough, an estuary on Monterey Bay in northern California, revealed a new and surprising connection between the two. Brent expected the estuary to be overrun with algae due to the fertilizer runoff from surrounding fields. But the opposite was true. Why?

Join Brent on the trail of a mystery. A mystery that defined his career, but most of all, led him to appreciate the sea otter. A predator that saved an ecosystem.

A shout-out to Jim Bentley’s students at Foulks Ranch Elementary School in Elk Grove, CA. The 5th and 6th graders produced the dynamite trailer.

Buy now

Bookshop.org
Lerner
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Awards for Sea Otter Heroes

Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

Green Earth Book Award

ALA Notable Children’s Book

Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award Notable Book

AAAS/Subaru Science Books and Films Award Longlist

Junior Library Guild Selection

“A thoughtfully organized and attractively presented example of science in the field.” –Kirkus [starred]

What the critics say about Sea Otter Heroes

“A terrific book for use in elementary and middle school science classes, this is a book that “otter” be added to collections everywhere.” —Booklist Reader

“Fascinating.” –Rated OUTSTANDING by the Association of Children’s Librarians

“Not just an exploration of one particular discovery in marine biology, this is a comprehensive explanation of the scientific process as well.”  —Booklist

“The step-by-step process of ascertaining that the sea otter was responsible for the thriving ecosystem provides a strong example of the value and excitement of primary research … A very informative selection for environmental studies.” —School Library Journal

“This is a fascinating book that presents the story of a scientist who is attempting to answer a question through scientific research and experimentation…We see the clues unfold as the researcher discovers them. The reader feels as if he or she is experiencing them in real time, and it is very difficult to resist trying to piece together the evidence and come up with a possible solution as the story progresses.” —NSTA Recommends

“I will put this right out there – Sea Otter Heroes is a first purchase! The adorable sea otter who appears to be looking directly at the camera will lure your patrons/students and the author’s storytelling skills will keep them interested. Newman delivers another cogent, superb and influential book … Now, more than ever, we need to nurture young readers’ fascination with animals and nature. There is so much at stake.”  —proseandkahn

“Verdict: This is a great read on its own, but I can also see so many applications for it; it fits in well with our new curriculum requirements in the school district, would make a great book club choice, and also fit in with a science program or some of the garden programs we’re planning for the future. Highly recommended.” –Jennifer Wharton, Librarian at Jean Little Library and SLJ Nonfiction Notions columnist

“A superb example of the scientific process in action.” —Kiss the Book

“A terrific book for use in elementary and middle school science classes, this is a book that “otter” be added to collections everywhere.” —Israel Book Review

Planning an author visit?

I speak at many different venues, including schools, libraries, festivals, and conferences. Click to learn more about my programs or to schedule a visit.

Teacher Guide

A CCSS-aligned teacher guide is available for your use either independently or in conjunction with my visit to your school. Sea Otter Heroes covers a number of curriculum themes. Science. Current events. Food chains and food webs. Trophic cascades. Conservation. Climate change. Environmental responsibility. Earth Day (April 22). World Ocean’s Day (June 8).

Authors for Earth Day

Consider an Authors for Earth Day visit in conjunction with Sea Otter Heroes. Students research a list of five conservation nominees selected by Patricia Newman and then vote for their favorite. Newman writes a check to the winning organization. The mission? To empower young readers to shape the world around them!

Pinterest

Research, reading, and writing activities for the classroom in conjunction with Sea Otter Heroes.

Watch THE CALL from the Sibert Committee

The 2018 Sibert Committee filmed themselves calling Patricia Newman with the good news!

Find out what Patricia Newman was doing when the Sibert Committee called

The Sibert Honor Award was a huge surprise. Find out what it means to Patricia Newman.

Meet the Author

TeachingBooks.net recorded a 3-minute chat with Patricia Newman. Learn about the story behind the story for Sea Otter Heroes and hear Patricia read a few pages.

Adorable sea otter book mark

You really “otter” download this book mark so you never lose your place when you’re reading.

Advice for young writers

If you like to write, read my Sea Otter Heroes interview with the Society of Young Inklings, where every student has a unique story to tell.

For future scientists

Check out this Sea Otter Heroes interview with the Society of Conservation Biology, a group of scientists dedication to the environment. The interview stresses the importance of communication–something all writers need!

CRA 2015, Riverside

Appearance Calendar – Conferences

Great Valley Bookfest

Festivals

I learned...

Appearance Calendar – Writing Workshops

Interactive visits

Appearace calendar – Interactive visits

Research

Research

Signing

Appearance Calendar – Signing

Presentation

Q & A

Assemblies

Feedback on my presentations

  • “Words cannot express my gratitude for the energy and passion you brought to our campus. We will forever be changed by your books. Thank you so much for the work you have done and will continue to do in our community.”

    Tiffany Harris, M.Ed.
    MYP Instructional Coach, Gateway International School
  • Thank you, Patrcia, for your awesome work in bringing awareness to others over the importance of taking care of our world. I really enjoyed your presentation it was very informative and engaging. Our students had fun while they learned and took home some awareness! I look forwards to reading more of your work and creating another PBL based on your books.

    Jose Gonzalez
    21st Century learning Specialist/ VILs Coac, Davis Middle School, Compton, CA
  • The pleasure was all ours!  You’re so talented.  Thanks so much for helping us learn how to use our STEM eyes! Your presentation has inspired [CCRA] to start connecting STEM concepts with quality fictional books!

    Contra Costa Reading Association
    a chapter of the Califoria Reading Association
  • Patricia Newman’s presentations are engaging, interactive and highly informative. Kids are encouraged to ask questions and make connections as they think about their world and their impact on it. They will gain insight into both the career of a scientist and the career of a writer.

    Jessica Lee
    Teacher Librarian, Berkeley Unified School District
  • Teachers were very grateful that Patricia Newman shared her engrossing books with eager learners. Through TeachingBooks. net they heard her voice introduce her science books, and they were intrigued by the ecological topics. Patricia knew her audience. The enthused third and fourth grade students of Washington asked intelligent questions and made plans for their future world, choosing animals over plastic.

    Suzy Mead
    Library Tech, Washington Elementary School
  • We look forward to more author visits with Patricia Newman! Her interactive presentations had students actively analyzing data, re-enacting food chains and oceanic pollution, and considering their roles as stewards of our planet. Days later, the kids are still talking about it!

    ~Becca Todd
    District Library Coordinator, Berkeley Unified School District
  • Your presentations were so wonderful to see – the kids were very engaged, and you made the science come alive for them.  In fact, that night my own 4th grader asked if we could return to the Elkhorn Slough, to see the otters. It’s always a pleasure to host an author that knows how to hold an audience, and is truly interested in hearing what the students think – AND you helped them understand some pretty complex science.  Well done.

    Eric Silverberg
    Teacher Librarian on Special Assignment, Berkeley Unified School District
  • Not only did Patricia Newman teach our students a life lesson about the importance of being persistent and following their dreams, she also kept them thoroughly entertained and involved throughout her whole presentation! Thank you for showing our students that dreams really can come true!

    Claudia Curatolo
    PS 110Q Upper Grade Literacy Coach
  • “Patricia captivated all of our elementary students with the stories and the experiences that she shared. Students enjoyed participating during the assembly, writer’s workshop, and during the question and answer session. Our students have a lifelong memory of the time that they spent with this special author.”

    Lynne Mayer
    Principal, Arlene Hein Elementary
  • “Patricia Newman’s books and assemblies gave our students a global awareness that we had not experienced before. By participating in her “Authors for Earth Day” program, students were given the opportunity to vote for the research organization they wanted Patricia to donate part of her honorarium toward. We had reviewed her nonfiction books, watched her informative book trailers (she has an awesome website!) and talked about how she needed information from the different research organizations to write her books. Our students felt like they were making a difference for planet Earth! Thank you Patricia for your passion to make the world a better place and to empower the next generation that it’s possible!”

    Lynn Baker
    Librarian, Cambridge Heights Elementary
  • We are so grateful to you for your flexibility and enthusiasm during yesterday’s school visit.  I’ve never seen someone make such a dramatic pivot between presentations–what a sensitive, accommodating read of your audience!

    With you chain of rejection letters, your writing workshop emphasized perseverance, and I loved your point that science is just as much a function of your failures as it is your successes.  Writing, editing, and research come into play across the curriculum, and we especially appreciated how you worked to connect the students’ creative musings to their current classroom work!

    You had the second two cohorts puzzling through college-level science concepts with smiles and laughter as they problem-solved an environmental mystery, complete with props that would’ve made a theatre department proud!  We appreciated the students’ thoughtful questions and engaged connection to your presentation, and that you made the information accessible to a range of learning styles by offering auditory and visual elements from elephant recordings to yankable zip-ties. This is not to mention the opportunity to stage a physical reenactment of trophic cascade by re-ordering their classmates as a food chain!

    We are so grateful to you for volunteering your time and sharing your knowledge, and for your support of local readers through An Open Book.  We know those readers will enjoy their copies of Sea Otter Heroes, and we hope last night’s Green Earth Award ceremony was a smashing success!

    An Open Book Foundation
  • “I would strongly recommend Patricia as a speaker and to lead a writers’ workshop. Her message was perfectly customized for each group of students (K-2nd and 3rd-5th), and was thought provoking, spirited, engaging, entertaining, and motivational. Teachers and students alike let me know how much they enjoyed her books and the thoughtful things she had to say as a speaker.”

    Nicole Martin
    Library ICT, Mariemont Elementary
  • “The children were totally engaged as you presented your wonderful book, Plastic, Ahoy! Saturday morning. The two hundred people who attended were mesmerized, and so were we!”

    Mary Weyand
    Ventura County Reading Association
  • “Pioneer School had a wonderful author visit with Patricia Newman! Her assemblies were innovative, interacting, and fun for the students! Her small group lesson was informative and challenged the students to be creative in new ways! Thank you Patricia!”

    Danyel Dahlen, Special Education Teacher & Author Visit Coordinator
    Pioneer School
  • Patricia Newman presented a passionate, educational, and inspirational Author Day for our students in grades TK-6.  Through her innovative hands-on demonstration of the affect of population growth and accompanying pollutants on our ocean’s health, to her use of a microphone ball to encourage student participation, she taught us all about the importance of learning about our environment, how everything is inter-connected and how each person can make a positive change.  Her message of tenacity and always moving forward and believing in oneself was very inspiring.  We were very lucky to have been able to spend the day with her.

    Marisa Alcaly, Librarian
    Del Dayo Elementary
  • Our students loved hearing about Patricia Newman’s books and experiences as an author.  She tailored each assembly to the grade levels so the content was engaging and appropriate.  Our middle school students truly enjoyed their question and answer session with her which fueled their enthusiasm for writing.

    Sandra Hanson, Title 1 Academic Coach
    Lichen K-8
  • Before we leave for the summer I wanted to send along another thank you for your wonderful presentations.

    The presentations aligned perfectly with both the goals and the curriculum of our Ocean Guardian school, and were very engaging for the students. They loved the audience participation, and I’m sure they’ll also remember the overall theme of your message: to give up single-use plastic in order to preserve the ocean for their future!

    Thanks again for your visit,

    Abbi and Annie

    Annie Jasper and Abbi Strawser
    Librarians, Carmel River School, Carmel, CA
  • It was a great honor having Patricia Newman at our very first Standiford Literacy Night. Her presentation captured our audience of grandparents, parents, and students. Our students were especially excited to be able to talk to Patricia following her presentation, have her sign copies of her books, and have their pictures taken with her. Patricia even took the time to read the work of two of our students, something which they are still talking about. Patricia’s presence certainly insured that our first Standiford Literacy Night was a success.

    Lynda Griblin
    4th grade teacher, Standiford Elementary School, Modesto, CA
  • Thank you so much for taking the time to make a difference in the students’ lives at RSF School. I appreciate your dedication to writing nonfiction, especially about the plastic problem! Students are still talking about you and refer to the words you spoke. You are an amazing presenter! I appreciate you!

    Stacey Halboth
    Librarian, R. Roger Rowe Elementary, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
  • Everyone at Desert Knolls really enjoyed your presentation and many of the students were encouraged to put their thoughts down on paper. Your writing workshop got their imaginations flowing.

    Cheryl Culbertson
    Teacher, Desert Knolls Elementary, Apple Valley, CA
  • Thank you for your lively, informative presentations.  The primary  kids loved being participants, while learning about trains and some of their history.   In keeping with science standards, the older kids enjoyed learning a lot about pollutants through your interactive presentation. It made the subject more concrete as wells as emphasizing the magnitude of the problem.

    Janda Rangle
    PTA volunteer, William Brooks Elementary, El Dorado Hills
  • Ms. Newman’s visit to Lakeview Elementary was a real hit with students and teachers alike.  Her presentations were both captivating and informative.  She adapted to each group according to their ages and interests and engaged students with demonstrations, acting and Q & A.  I highly recommend her for any school author visit.

    Cynthia McKinney
    Library Media Coordinator, Lakeview Elementary School, El Dorado Hills, CA
  • We loved Patricia! She did a seminar for our K-2nd graders and a different seminar for our 3rd-5th graders. They were both very interesting and grade appropriate. She also taught several writing workshops and a writing Q & A session. The words teachers used to describe her workshops were, “phenomenal” and “fantastic.” We had a wonderful day and Patricia was delightful to work with. I would enthusiastically recommend her to any school searching to host an Author Day.

    Shauna Okusako
    D. H. White Elementary School
  • Wonderful books to use for teaching students literary devices. Also ideas for helping students’ expository writing.

    Nevada Reading Week participant
  • A great reminder to use some pizzazz in our information writing.

    Nevada Reading Week participant
  • Excellent list of nonfiction books to use to teach and make expository writing more interesting and engaging.

    Nevada Reading Week Participant
  • Patricia Newman was wonderful as our featured author for the Placer Area Reading Council’s Young Writers Celebration – 2015.  Her educational presentation taught students all about the process authors go through as they write a book.  She was diverse enough in her program to include something for everyone, from kindergarten to adults.  She even stayed after to autograph books for the students! We highly recommend her!

    Beth Furdek
    Reading Specialist, Excelsior Elementary
  • “Dear Patricia Newman, I LOVED the assembly with you. You’re so much fun. You taught us so much like how the train gets steam from the water. My favorite part of the book was when the bull  kicked a man off the train and into the river. I do not like to write that much, but I do appreciate your writing thoughts. I look forward to your next book. Sincerely, Jack”

    Jack, an elementary student
  • I enjoyed listening to her interact with the students and seeing her excitement (and theirs!) about her books. I thought her presentation was fabulous…and so on target to our writing program such as adding detail, voice, revising…that I think the students were able to make meaningful connections to her, her books and her message.

    -Nancy Tavares
    Reading Specialist, South Burlington, Vermont
  • The staff and students had an incredible time last Friday, and I am so happy that I was able to meet you. The principal was impressed, and students were left with a sense of “never giving up” when it comes to writing. On Monday, I was also amazed at how much my class had remembered from the assembly.

    Nancy Beck
    Teacher, Citrus Heights, California
  • Our staff was very, very impressed.

    Cheryl King
    Teacher, Milton, VT
  • Thank you so much for your wonderful lesson with the class. You put a great deal of thought into your presentation. I know the class (including me) learned a LOT from your expert perspective. I already see the results in their writing—more feelings, more action, reworking the beginning of the story.

    Stella Prudhomme
    Teacher, Carmichael, California
  • “Dear Patricia Newman, Thank you for coming to Ottomon so we could learn about trains and you. I was glad to see you when I walked in the door. My favorite part of the book was when the guy was kicking hobos off the train. When you called people to be your helpers, I was one of them. I was a passenger train with my friend. I hope I can make a book just like you. Thank you once more for coming.”

    Cameron in grade 4
    Ottomon School, Orangevale, California
  • “Newman’s rapport and style puts kids at ease. They can see immediately this is an adult who sees a kid’s perspective.”

    Terry Minton
    Teacher, Carmichael, California
  • “Patricia Newman connected warmly with my students. She. . .encouraged them to share her love of language and writing.”

    Sue Davis
    Teacher, Carmichael, California
  • Thank you again for a wonderful visit! The kids are still talking about it and I’ve already received three books that my students have made and would like me to pass on to you.

    Andrea Korven
    Teacher, Elverta Elementary School
  • “Thank you for coming to our school Bridgeway Island. I loved your story Mrs. Newman it was funny and it was the best time of my life and thank you for telling me about trains.”

    Eric in grade 2
    Bridgeway Island Elementary, West Sacramento, CA
  • Just wanted to drop you a quick thank you for all the time you spent with our kids. It was such an enthusiastic presentation. What a great model for all South Burlington students! You have a gift for sure! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Diane Farnham
    Teacher, South Burlington, VT
  • Kids are attracted to [Patricia Newman’s] warm likable manner; she makes it easy for others to latch on to her enthusiasm for reading.

    Jeanne Lazar
    Principal, Fair Oaks, CA
  • Thank you for your wonderful one-of-a-kind multimedia story time presentation at Northridge Elementary School on behalf of their fundraiser with us. Everyone–the principal, PTA, parents, and children raved about your dual story time, “how-to-write” approach, and of course your delightful book, Jingle the Brass. I look forward to promoting more story time visits with you to all the other schools I work with.

    Michael Troyan
    Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Citrus Heights, CA
  • A fun, enthusiastic, kid-friendly person, Patti gave two fantastic assemblies, specially designed for our different age levels. Her interactive presentations got the kids excited about her books and the writing process. She was a pleasure to work with, helpful, kind and friendly, and the kids loved her! Thank you, Patricia Newman, for making our Author Day a rousing success!

    Sharon Biegel
    parent volunteer, Carl Sundahl Elementary School, Folsom, CA
  • During the planning for our author visit, we found Patricia to be everything we needed: professional, friendly, responsive, full of good ideas. And the event itself was even better. Since then I’ve heard nothing but positive comments from students, teachers and staff, and parents. Even yesterday, nearly a month afterward, I got reports that people are still talking about it at meetings. You can’t go wrong with this author. Great personality, wonderful website, fantastic books, and presentations that rock. Brava!

    Patricia Heinicke
    Parent Coordinator, Leonardo da Vinci Elementary, Sacramento, CA
Empowering young readers to act

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© 2023 — Patricia Newman

  • Home
  • Books
    • A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn
    • Planet Ocean
    • Eavesdropping on Elephants
    • Neema’s Reason To Smile
    • Zoo Scientists to the Rescue
    • Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem
    • Plastic, Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
    • Ebola: Fears and Facts
    • Jingle the Brass
    • Nugget on the Flight Deck
    • Surviving Animal Attacks
    • Elite Operations series
    • Energy Lab series
    • QuickReads Fluency Library
    • Books for English language-learners
    • Writers write all kinds of things
  • Author Visit Programs
    • FAQs
    • Calendar
  • Blog
  • Educator Resources
    • STEM + Literacy Activities
    • LitLinks
    • Teacher Guides
    • KidLit creators who make kids want to read
  • Writer Resources
    • Manuscript or Proposal Critiques
  • Who is Patricia Newman?
  • Contact
    • Stay In Touch