Okay, I admit it. These requests haven’t all come in at once. Michael here has been waiting for an answer very patiently. He writes:

You helped me find a book before, so I’m wondering if you can help again? This book I started reading in 1997 was some fantasy adventure book. All I can remember about it was the beginning: There’s a boy who cheats people in three card monty in some alley in New York City. I think he gets chased by the police. Then a talking Killer Whale appears and teleports the kid to a fantasy world in turmoil that needs his help. I think there are three heroes. The kid from New York, a princess, and a third warrior.

Unfortunately, that’s all I remember. Any information you might have would be helpful.

I have to say, the beginning of this story sounds extremely familiar to me. I’m sure I read it. But like Michael, I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the book. The only killer whale I can come up with is the unfortunate one from The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and I know that’s not right- that definitely isn’t children’s or teen fiction. But there can’t be too many sentient killer whales out there.So please, help us out!