SONG FOR A WHALE

SONG FOR A WHALE by Lynne Kelly

This moving story is one of my TOP PICKS FOR 2025.

Iris is a 12-year-old girl who is deaf. Because of this, she really struggles with connecting with her classmates. She lives in isolation despite being surrounded by people. One day, while at school, her teacher introduces the class to a whale that is being left behind by its pod. For some reason, the whale sings at a different pitch than the rest of the whales around it and is rejected because of it. Scientists are trying to figure out what's going on with the whale they have named "Blue 55." Iris wonders if possibly the whale is partially deaf and unable to sing with its pod mates. Understanding the isolation the whale must be feeling, Iris sets out with a plan on how to let the whale know it is heard.

This beautiful story is another marvelous accomplishment in literature form of seeing and interacting with individuals with special needs. Just because someone has special needs does not mean that they can't accomplish big feats and make the best of friends. Song for a Whale showcases this brilliantly. Be sure to see the Author's Notes at the end.

HEADS UP- Spoiler Alert Iris travels with her grandmother to Alaska to see Blue 55 without her parents knowing. There is some family struggle that is overcome in the course of the story.

ALONGSIDE ACTIVITIES- Learn about whales! Choose a species and listen to their songs. Learn about what a "Hertz" is. At what frequency do the whales that you chose sing? Learn about sign language. Consider learning a few basic signs.