Swimming with Spies

Gr 4-6–Sofiya dreams of being a marine biologist, helping her father at the dolphinarium in their home city of Sevastopol, Ukraine. The 12-year-old is devoted to the Beluga whale, sea lions, and dolphins in their care. But it’s 2014, and Sofiya’s world is rocked by Russia’s sudden annexation of Crimea. The invasion threatens her home, friends, school, and the animals she loves. Sofiya is shocked to learn that her favorite dolphin, Colin, had been trained by Russian military as a marine asset, and the new government plans to return him to wartime missions. Determined to save Colin and all the dolphins from danger, Sofiya and her friends devise a plan to move the dolphins to a safe aquarium in Odesa. The novel’s title may be a bit misleading for young readers expecting a “spy” story: there’s no espionage in the plot other than references to the marine animals’ prior military training. The novel’s main focus is on the political unrest in Crimea that divides the population and Sofiya’s concern for her animals. However, the dialogue among Sofiya’s friends, family, and teachers regarding the annexation of Crimea provides valuable context on issues leading to the current Russia-Ukraine war. Back matter includes maps as well as glossaries of Ukrainian words and dolphin terminology. An afterword details Lucyk-Berger’s research notes and sources. ­