Song for a Whale

Author Lynne Kelly

Grades 6-8 Ages 8-12

The award-winning and USA Today bestselling 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.

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

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.

And make sure to read Lynne Kelly's next book and instant classic, The Secret Language of Birds!

Available Formats

Trade Paperback 9781524770266
Hardcover 9781524770235
eBook 9781524770259
Unabridged Audiobook Download 9781984832702

State Awards

California

2020, Horrace Mann Upstander Book Award, Winner

Georgia

2020-2021, Georgia Children’s Book Award, Nominee

Illinois

2022-2023, Bluestem Book Award, Nominee

Massachusetts

2020-2021, Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, Nominee

Minnesota

2023, Maud Hart Lovelace Award, Nominee

Missouri

2021-2022, MASL Readers’ Award, Nominee

New Mexico

2021-2022, Land Of Enchantment- Lizard, Nominee

Oklahoma

2021, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee

Pennsylvania

2020-2021, Keystone To Reading Book Award, Winner

South Carolina

2021-2022, South Carolina Book Awards, Nominee

Texas

2020, Spirit Of Texas, Selection

Vermont

2020-2021, Golden Dome Book Award, Nominee

Random House Children's Books Teachers and Librarians