Whale Eyes - by James Robinson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

★ 5 STARRED REVIEWS ★

★ "Lively, interactive...truly eye-opening." --Booklist
★ "A sincere reflection on childhood...growing up in a world not built with him in mind." --Publishers Weekly
★ "A superb middle grade memoir that champions empathy and understanding on every level." --BookPage
★ "Game-changing curriculum add for any teacher" --The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
★ "A moving memoir...this is an important book for all readers." --School Library Journal

From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for middle-grade readers (and adults, too)--inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.

Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's point of view, allowing them to see the world through his disabling eye conditions.

Readers will get lost as they chase words. They'll stare into this book while taking a vision test. They'll hold it upside down as they practice "pretend-reading"...and they'll follow an unlikely trail toward discovering the power of words.

With poignant illustrations by Eisner Award-nominated artist Brian Rea, James's story equips readers of all ages with the tools to confront their discomfort with disability and turn confused, blank stares into powerful connections.

Review Quotes

"Exceptionally well-done...Robinson's prose is conversational and seemingly light, yet it will leave readers with plenty of substance to ponder...A superb middle grade memoir that champions empathy and understanding on every level."--BookPage, starred review

"An accessible and immersive account of growing up with strabismus, a condition of eye misalignment...Robinson presents a sincere reflection on childhood experiences of growing up in a world not built with him in mind."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This lively, interactive...heartfelt memoir is truly eye-opening and will encourage readers to seek out his other works."--Booklist, starred review

"A game-changing curriculum add for any teacher looking to motivate creatives in their classroom."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"With Rea's affecting and mesmerizing line drawings, this is an important book for all readers." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A beautiful, important, creative, and insightful look at overcoming adversity, finding one's path, and ultimately creating better--genuine--human connections. I absolutely loved it."--Rob Harrell, author of Wink

"Affirming visually disabled people and enabling nondisabled people to better understand Robinson--and themselves. Robinson...candidly explores numerous topics, including disability tropes, privilege, and ways to turn 'out-trigue'--the discomfort we feel with the unfamiliar--into empathetic connections...Frank, unusual, and insightful."--Kirkus

About the Author

James Robinson is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and video producer for New York Times Opinion. James speaks to audiences across the country, from grade school to grad school, about disability, filmmaking, and getting people to care. Visit him online at byjamesrobinson.com.

Brian Rea produces drawings and paintings for books, magazines, murals, fashion, and film projects around the world. He is the weekly illustrator for the New York Times column Modern Love. He is an adjunct associate professor at Art Center College of Design and a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale. His first authored book, Death Wins a Goldfish (Chronicle Books), was nominated for an Eisner Award and was optioned for television. Visit him online at brianrea.com.