The Music Of Dolphins by Karen Hesse is praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Reviewers commend the unique narrative voice and compelling exploration of identity and belonging. Critics note some predictability in the plot and a wish for deeper secondary character development. Overall, it’s celebrated for its heartwarming story and introspective themes.

Fans of poetic, emotionally resonant narratives like those found in Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will enjoy The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse. Middle grade readers who appreciate lyrical prose and stories about human connection with nature will be captivated.

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse follows Mila, a teenager raised by dolphins after surviving a plane crash, who is captured and taken to a Boston research facility. There, she learns to speak English, discovers a love for music, and makes new friends but struggles with the realization that the researchers do not have her best interests at heart. Mila ultimately seeks to return to her true home, the ocean. This book contains depictions of child abuse.

Emotional / Contemplative / Inspirational / Heartwarming

- The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse received a starred review from Booklist, highlighting its distinctive format and compelling narrative style.
- Karen Hesse wrote The Music of Dolphins in a unique format that visually represents the protagonist's adaptation to the human world through the changing appearance of the text on the page.

**Mila**  
Mila is the protagonist and narrator who transitions from a sea life among dolphins to living with humans, illustrating her struggle to reconcile these two worlds.

**Justin**  
Justin is Dr. Beck’s son, living at the research facility, who befriends Mila and helps her feel connected to both the human and ocean worlds.

**Dr. Elizabeth Beck**  
Dr. Beck is the lead researcher overseeing Mila, focused on studying her but often neglecting Mila's personal well-being.

**Sandy**  
Sandy is the compassionate assistant at the research facility, offering Mila kindness and support throughout her stay.

**Shay**  
Shay is another child at the research facility, initially non-verbal and distant, with whom Mila shares a unique bond.

**Mr. Aradondo**  
Mr. Aradondo is the custodian at the research facility who initially fears Mila but unintentionally helps unlock her memories.

Karen Hesse

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Overview

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Background

The Music Of Dolphins Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Preface-Chapter 7

The Music Of Dolphins Part 1, Preface-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-13

The Music Of Dolphins Part 1, Chapters 8-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-26

The Music Of Dolphins Part 1, Chapters 14-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Preface-Chapter 38

The Music Of Dolphins Part 2, Preface-Chapter 38 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 39-Epilogue

The Music Of Dolphins Part 2, Chapter 39-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Music Of Dolphins Character Analysis

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Themes

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The Music Of Dolphins Symbols & Motifs

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The Music Of Dolphins

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