Yoshi's Big Swim: One Turtle's Epic Journey Home

By Mary Wagley Copp and Kaja Kajfež

Yoshi’s Big Swim chronicles the impressive true story of Yoshi, a loggerhead turtle who was rescued by fishermen, then rehabilitated and cared for by scientists for many years. The scientists adored her, and Yoshi was happy in her aquarium home. But then, many years later, Yoshi let them know that it was time for her to move on. Would Yoshi be safe? Would she know what to do? After lots of preparation—and plenty of friendly back scratches for Yoshi—the determined loggerhead set off on her journey.

Discover an amazing story celebrating teamwork, science, and an animal hero who swam more than 22,000 miles to her true home—the longest journey of any animal ever tracked. In addition to being awe-inspiring, Yoshi's story underlines the importance of wildlife conservation and the power of one animal to unite people around the world for a common cause.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: Jan 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781684466405

Mary Wagley Copp

Mary Wagley Copp has worked for many years in the refugee-resettlement community. The producer of an Emmy Award-winning documentary on refugee resettlement, she has also taught in Ecuador, organized communities in Appalachia, and served as the executive director of two nonprofit organizations. When not writing, she teaches ESL to newcomers in her community. She currently resides with her husband and their puppy in Westport, Massachusetts.

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Reviews for Yoshi's Big Swim

[montzaleew · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Yoshi's Big Swimby Mary Wagley CoppThis is a true story is a very young loggerhead turtle found with a gash in her shell. She ends up at a large aquarium to rehab although they had never rehabilitated a turtle before. Yoshi is the turtle's name and everyone falls in love with her.She grows up there for 20 years. Then there comes a time when she wants to leave. The people then start training Yoshi to catch food by herself and strength training for long distance swimming. Then they put a tracker on her. When they release Yoshi. She travels for 2 years, 22,000 miles, before she decides she is home.The story is told in a simple but sweet way that is endearing and loving. The artwork, to me, is way too harsh and doesn't match the soft words. A gentler, more watercolor look would have been better in my opinion. The animal pictures were fairly nice but the people pictures were odd. That is why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars.