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Whale Eyes

A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen
By James Robinson
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Brief Description
Whale Eyes by James Robinson has received 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."... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3500

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From Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for readers ages 10 and up—inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Whale Eyes by James Robinson has received 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.

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award and an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book, Whale Eyes has been named one of the best books of the year by School Library Journal, NPR, BCCB, New York Public Library, and Chicago Public Library.

Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's experiences growing up with strabismus, allowing them to see the world through one eye at a time.

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.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780593523964

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 March 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Penguin Workshop

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Brian Rea

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 141.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 465g

Pages: 304

Collections

Children's Books Children’s & Teenage Non-Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational James Robinson Penguin Books

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.

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