Whale Talk

by Chris Crutcher
Hennepin County Library, audioCD, 6:32
read by Brian Corrigan

I just noticed on the back that this audiobook is recommended for ages "10 and up" - seriously?!? It's another powerful Crutcher story, well-written and intense. But the language is vintage Crutcher - lots of swearing, including liberal use of the F-word. The language shouldn't deter teen or adult readers, though. There is an incredible story of power, morality, family, and honor.

TJ is a complex character - powerful athlete who won't play on school teams because he won't buy in to the "jocks rule" mentality. A mixed-race boy in a mostly white community, his adoptive parents and his counselor Georgia have helped him tame the rage that he learned early in his young life. A decent, good person, TJ tries to make a point with the newly formed swim team.

What an incredible story! This one was easy to booktalk to 8th graders (part of their coming-of-age and making-a-difference literature circles). I loved it!