Whale Eyes
A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen
Published on 17. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-0-593-52396-4 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"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
"Robinson's caring outlook and advice on society, specifically the disability community, is, unsurprisingly, visionary."-AudioFile, Earphones Award Winner
"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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Penguin Putnam Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: Fifth Grade and over, Interest Age: From 10 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 142 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
459 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-593-52396-4 (9780593523964)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2025
Penguin Workshop
€9.49
Available for download
Persons
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.
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.