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Song for a Whale cover art

Song for a Whale

Written by: Lynne Kelly
Narrated by: Abigail Revasch, Lynne Kelly
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Publisher's Summary

In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species and the journey she takes to help him.

From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, 12-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she's the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she's not very smart. If you've ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be.

When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: She should invent a way to "sing" to him! But he's 3,000 miles away. How will she play her song for him?

Full of heart and poignancy, this affecting story by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly shows how a little determination can make big waves.

This audiobook edition includes an author’s note and a section on deafness and sign language, both read by the author Lynne Kelly 

"Fascinating, brave, and tender...a triumph." (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan)

"Beautifully written and such an important story for kids with big struggles in their lives. I fell into Iris's world from the first chapter. Lynne Kelly does an amazing job telling the story from Iris's perspective." (Millicent Simmonds, actress, Wonderstruck and A Quiet Place)

"Quick-moving, suspenseful...this remains a satisfying, energetic read. Iris' adventures will engross readers." (Kirkus Reviews)

"This finely crafted novel affectingly illuminates issues of loneliness, belonging, and the power of communication." (Publishers Weekly)

©2019 Lynne Kelly (P)2019 Listening Library

What the critics say

Schneider Family Book Award Winner

A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

"At its luminous heart, Song for a Whale is a tale about longing for connection and finding it in the most magical and unexpected of places. Fascinating, brave and tender, this is a story like no other about a song like no other. A triumph." (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan)   

Song for a Whale is beautifully written and is such an important story for kids with big struggles in their lives. I fell into Iris's world from the first chapter.  Lynne Kelly does an amazing job telling the story from Iris's perspective.” (Millicent Simmonds, actress, Wonderstruck and A Quiet Place

"A quick-moving, suspenseful plot takes her from junkyards to a cruise ship as she [Iris] gains the confidence to stand up for herself and take control of her life. Written by a sign-language interpreter, this story incorporates important elements of Deaf culture and the expansiveness and richness of ASL...this remains a satisfying, energetic read. Iris' adventures will engross readers." (Kirkus Reviews

What listeners say about Song for a Whale

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Almost as good as Harry Potter or school for good and evil

This book is so interesting and makes me listen to it a million times. It was almost as good as The School For Good And Evil or Harry Potter. ( AKA my fav books)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent family book

We listened as a family. This book builds empathy, opens minds, and helps kids consider other perspectives. It also made us more curious about whales and have us quiet time on a family drive.

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  • Overall
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  • Amy
  • 2022-12-18

Pretty gude

Overall, pretty good, the speaking had some faults with he and she’s, and grammar. Story made me cry, though, good.

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