95 pages • 3 hours read
Lynne KellySong for a Whale
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Song for a Whale, twelve-year-old Iris, who is Deaf, feels isolated due to communication barriers at her mainstream school and a lack of understanding from her mother. Inspired by Blue 55, a whale who sings at an unusual frequency and is similarly misunderstood, Iris creates a song for him and embarks on a journey with her grandmother to deliver it, forging new connections along the way.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lynne Kelly's Song for a Whale offers an intriguing and heartwarming tale about a deaf girl's connection with a whale, praised for its unique perspective on the deaf community and engaging storytelling. While the book captivates readers with its emotional depth and well-crafted characters, some find the plot slightly predictable. Overall, it's a compelling and educational read.
Who Should Read Song for a Whale?
Readers who would enjoy Lynne Kelly's Song for a Whale are likely fans of heartwarming, middle-grade fiction featuring young, relatable protagonists overcoming personal challenges. Think Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, as this book also emphasizes themes of diversity, communication, and self-acceptance.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
800LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Allegory / Fable / Parable
Children's Literature
Disability
Relationships
Animals
Identity: Disability
Life/Time: Childhood & Youth
Relationships: Friendship