Anyone know the title of this book?

[joorla]

I remember reading a book at school in the mid 80's, for the life of me I can't remember the title or author but would love to read it again.

It's about a young girl (maybe eskimo?) who I think lived with her father who died and then lived alone with just whales(!).

Sounds very strange and very vauge but if anyone knows of it I would love to re-read it.

Don't know, but here's a bump for you.

wasn't The Whale Rider, was it? By Witi Ihimaera.

no not the whale rider, thanks though.