A girl lives the legend. A pod of whales strands on the shores of New Zealand. Koro Apirana, the tribal leader of the Maori, is desperate. He believes it is a sign. For millennia, the relationship between his people and the whales has been deep and reverent, as legend has it that their ancestor once rode ashore on the back of a mighty whale. Who can save the sacred animals and restore strength and pride to Koro's people? No one thinks of Kahu, his granddaughter, who can no longer bear the suffering of the whales. A magical, wise book about the connection between humans and animals, the life-giving power of tradition, and a young girl who brings new hope to her world.