My second grade students loved this story of Carolina, a sea turtle that was rescued and taken to a Turtle Hospital. I used it for an example of literary or narrative non-fiction. The pictures are large and clear allowing the students to see how Carolina was treated at the hospital and how she lived in the tanks. The book follows her through her release. It is written in easily understood language and clearly communicates the difficulty of rescuing a sea turtle, and includes many facts about sea turtles and the care of sea turtles. I'd highly recommend this for a 2nd grade read-aloud literary or narrative non-fiction or for second graders to read themselves. ( )

From publisher's website:

Follow the photo journal of Carolina, a critically ill loggerhead sea turtle, as she is cared for and nursed back to health at the Sea Turtle Hospital of the South Carolina Aquarium.

Just like hospitalized children, Carolina goes through a variety of emotions and procedures during her care and recovery process. When she first arrives at the hospital, she is too sick, weak, and confused to understand what is happening. She has blood drawn, x-rays taken, gets shots, and is fed through an IV...just as ill children may be! As she gains strength, she begins to interact with her caregivers and to, begrudgingly, understand that they are really trying to help. Join her as she interacts with her many caregivers and her sick or injured roommate turtles.

Celebrate the happy day she is released back into the open arms of the ocean - a healthy and happy sea turtle! The "For Creative Minds" section includes a craft, game ideas and information on sea turtles. The author and photographer donate a portion of their royalties to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program at the South Carolina Aquarium.