95 pages 3 hours read

Lynne Kelly

Song for a Whale

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

A 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

Roundup icon

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

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

800L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Allegory / Fable / Parable

Children's Literature

Topics

Disability

Relationships

Animals

Themes

Identity: Disability

Life/Time: Childhood & Youth

Relationships: Friendship