Song for a Whale Book Review and Discussion Questions

Heartwarming | Inspirational | Contemplative | Emotional | Hopeful

Book Details

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My Review

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly is such a touching and unique story. It’s about Iris, a 12-year-old girl who is deaf and often feels out of place in a world that doesn’t always understand her. When she hears about Blue 55, a whale that sings at a frequency no other whale can hear, Iris feels an instant connection. Both she and Blue 55 know what it’s like to struggle to communicate with the world around them. Determined to bridge that gap, Iris comes up with an incredible idea: she’s going to create a song just for him.

Iris’s Journey of Connection, Resilience, and Finding Her Voice

Iris’s journey isn’t just about Blue 55, though. It’s also about her own growth. She faces challenges that a lot of kids will relate to—feeling underestimated, struggling to fit in, and wanting to be heard. But she’s also incredibly resilient. I loved how her passion for fixing old radios tied into her story. It’s not just a hobby; it symbolizes her drive to connect, to solve problems, and to make something meaningful. The way Lynne Kelly brings Iris’s world to life feels real and heartfelt, giving readers a chance to better understand the deaf community.

Why Song for a Whale Belongs on Your Middle-Grade Reading List

While I really enjoyed the book, I’ll admit some parts of the plot felt a bit predictable. That said, the emotional depth and Iris’s determination completely won me over. Her connection to Blue 55 is such a beautiful metaphor for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.

I’d definitely recommend Song for a Whale for middle-grade readers. It’s perfect for kids who love stories about personal growth and finding your voice, but it’s also a great read for families or classrooms wanting to talk about empathy and resilience. It’s a heartfelt story with plenty of lessons and a lot of heart, and for me, it’s a solid 4-star read.

Song for a Whale: Discussion Questions

Middle School

1. How does Song for a Whale explore the theme of finding connection in unexpected ways? Think about how Iris’s relationship with Blue 55 reflects her journey to bridge communication barriers in her own life. What does the story teach about the power of determination?

2. Iris uses her love for repairing electronics to create something meaningful for Blue 55. How does this passion show her creativity and resilience? How do these qualities help her overcome challenges at school and within her family?

3. How does the song Iris creates for Blue 55 act as a symbol of her journey toward finding her own voice? How does this song help her connect to others and herself?

High School

1. How does the theme of communication barriers in Song for a Whale reflect broader societal challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and how can society work to bridge these gaps?

2. How does Iris’s relationship with her family evolve throughout the novel, and what does this reveal about the complexities of navigating Deaf and hearing dynamics?

3. How does Blue 55 himself function as a symbol in the story? What does his isolation and eventual connection with Iris suggest about the universal need for understanding and belonging?

Want the Answers?

To make it easy for you to dive deeper into Song for a Whale with your readers, I’ve created a free PDF download that includes all the discussion questions along with their answers. This convenient resource is perfect for sparking thoughtful conversations, whether you’re reading together as a family, in a homeschool setting, or with a book club. Just download, print, and enjoy!

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