Song for a Whale
on Goodreads (13,362)
What’s inside...
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, twelve-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 three thousand 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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Iris felt being the only deaf person at her school, and how can we relate to her need to belong?
Why do you think Iris was so determined to help Blue-55, and what does that tell us about her character?
How do the themes of communication and connection manifest in both Iris's life and in her efforts with the whale?
In what ways do Iris's inventions show her creativity and resilience?
What can we learn from the way different characters in the book approach their problems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Iris's shoes to better understand her emotions and decisions.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how Iris's story can inspire us to tackle challenges.
Highlight the significance of communication, asking your child about times they felt misunderstood and how they resolved it.
Praise the creative problem-solving in the book, prompting your child to think of times they had to come up with unique solutions.
Use the book’s settings and scenarios to discuss broader topics like empathy, friendship, and the impact of technology on communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Song for a Whale', the protagonist, Iris, feels a deep connection with a whale who cannot communicate with its own species. This narrative beautifully illustrates the importance and challenges of empathy by depicting Iris’s efforts to understand and help the whale.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the feelings and difficulties of others, whether they are peers or creatures from different environments, fostering a kinder and more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of communication through Iris’s journey as a deaf girl trying to reach out to a whale. It showcases how communication barriers affect relationships and the lengths one might go to overcome them.
Real-World Application: This lesson nudges children to explore various ways of expressing themselves and stresses the importance of persisting in communication despite obstacles.
Example Lesson: Innovation and problem-solving
Explanation: Iris uses her technical skills to create a way to communicate with the whale. This aspect of the story highlights how thinking outside the box and using one’s skills creatively can solve seemingly insurmountable problems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative thinking and apply their knowledge and skills to real-life challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience and determination
Explanation: Throughout the book, Iris shows immense determination in her quest to reach the whale, reflecting resilience in the face of emotional and physical challenges.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere in their own goals and aspirations despite difficulties, learning from setbacks rather than being discouraged by them.
Example Lesson: Interpersonal relationships and teamwork
Explanation: Iris’s relationship with her grandmother and the collaborative efforts to help the whale underscore the importance of support and teamwork in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that teamwork and building strong relationships can be vital in overcoming challenges and achieving shared goals.