Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
An outstanding, expansive memoir of living with strabismus.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Author James Robinson shares his experiences with strabismus in WHALE EYES. Based on his viral, twelve-minute 2021 New York Times Opinion video, he expands on what the condition strabismus is, dealing with the condition, the medical interventions and therapies for strabismus and other visual difficulties, having a strong family support system, coming-of-age, becoming a documentarian, and helping people make deeper connections with those in the disability community. The title represents a metaphor for Robinson's strabismus since whale eyes do not work together. His eyes do not work together either. Interactive exercises get at what it's like to have strabismus. Examples: Can you see the red dot in the white box? What happens when you turn the book upside down? Robinson's goal is to nurture understanding and empathy. The book design features graphite and digitally colored art to go along with the second-person narrative, sometimes directive (e.g., how to do the sight activities) and sometimes conversational (e.g., how to think about complex concepts and feelings). Back matter includes "A Note on Surgeries," acknowledgements, and citations.
Is It Any Good?
Author James Robinson offers an expansive personal account of what it's like to have people stare at him because of his strabismus. Seeing beyond himself and to the whole disability community, he recognizes those stares as natural curiosity and strives to deepen them into real connection. The light and airy book design of Whale Eyes features whimsical art that belies the intensity of Robinson's story. He tackles multiple themes, weaving them into a powerful exploration of what it is like to deal with misaligned eyes—the challenges of reading a book and hitting a baseball, the well-intentioned but unsuccessful interventions and therapies, the unfriendly stares, the impact on self-esteem and so on. He is fortunate to have had a most supportive family, and his mother stands out as a his an ardent ally. Robinson also traces his own coming-of-age and shares with readers how he came to self-expression and self-acceptance through film-making. This affecting, inspirational memoir traces Robinson's evolution from a boy fettered by his disabling eye condition to a young man eager to claim his place in the world and make a difference.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the author's experience with strabismus as described inWhale Eyes. One aspect is that others immediately notice is misaligned eyes. How does Robinson feel about the stares that come his way? What does he want in interactions with people?
How do you feel when you meet someone with a visible disability? What thoughts come up?
James Robinson is a great communicator. He is also creative, curious, empathetic, grateful, persevering, and self-aware. Do you share any of those traits? Pick one and give an example of how that trait plays out in your life.
This book is highly interactive. The author has helped you experience what it is like to have strabismus and what it is like to be Robinson. What affect does the book's interactive qualities have on your reading experience?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Brian Rea
- Genre : Autobiography
- Topics : Activism , School ( High School , Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Workshop
- Publication date : March 18, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 27, 2026
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