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Cover of Odder by Katherine Applegate

Book · Middle Grade

Odder

written by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles Santoso

288 pages · 2026

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About the book

Over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list!

From #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wishtree and The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate, a touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter, perfect for summer reading!

Meet Odder, the Queen of Play:

Nobody has her moves. She doesn’t just swim to the bottom, she dive-bombs. She doesn’t just somersault, she triple-doughnuts. She doesn’t just ride the waves, she makes them.

Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she’s known. She’s a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself―and about the humans who hope to save her.

Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.

Odder: An Otter's Story is also available in a new picture book format with stunning illustrations by Charles Santoso.

For parents

No age or grade range recorded.

Grade ranges are editorial guidance. Every reader is different.

No content notes recorded.

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