On Saturday, August 27th at 2:00 PM, Long Island author Jerry Mikorenda will give a talk on his twice- nominated 2022 Kids Book Choice Award novel, The Whaler’s Daughter.
Set in 1910, The Whaler’s Daughter tells the story of twelve-year-old Savannah lives with her widowed father on a whaling station in New South Wales, Australia. For generations, the Dawson family has carried on a very unusual way of life there. They use orcas to help them hunt whales. But Savannah believes the orcas hunted something else: Her older brothers, who died mysteriously while fishing. Haunted by their deaths, Savannah wants to become a whaler to prove to her father that she’s good enough to carry on the family legacy - and avenge her slain brothers. However, an encounter with an aboriginal boy, Figgie, alters her plans in very unexpected ways.
Included in the talk will be a multimedia presentation called “The Orca-Human Bond: The True Story behind The Whaler’s Daughter,” that explores the real-life places, history, and stories (such as the “Legend of Old Tom”) that inspired The Whaler’s Daughter. The audience will learn about Australia, its aboriginal people, orcas, and whaling stations. This presentation also features the sights and sounds of the mythical New South Wales town of Paradise, designed to enhance reading the novel.
In addition, the author will have giveaways such as handouts, bookmarks, stickers, and books for the audience.
Author Biography
Jerry Mikorenda’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Herald, The Gotham Center History Blog, and the 2010 Encyclopedia of New York City. His biography America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights was published in 2020. His short stories have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, BULL, Cowboy Jamboree, and Gravel Magazine as well as other journals.
His historical novel, The Whaler’s Daughter, was published by Regal House in 2021 and was nominated by the Children’s Book Council for two awards – one in the Favorite Character Crush category for the indigenous boy Figgie, and the other for himself, as Best Stellar Storyteller.
The Museum is open Thursdays through Mondays 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ample parking is available in the rear of the building, off Garden Street. Check the website for the latest information: www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org
