In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the Schneider Family Book Award-winning story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.
From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she's the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she's not very smart. If you've ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be. When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to "sing" to him! But he's three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him? Full of heart and poignancy, this affecting story by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly shows how a little determination can make big waves. "Fascinating, brave, and tender...a triumph." --Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan |
Activity 1:
Andi Rivera, a marine biologist at the wildlife sanctuary in Alaska, suggests that Iris might consider a career as an acoustic biologist. Research the course of study and career opportunities in this field. Identify the five best universities for Iris to consider.
Andi Rivera, a marine biologist at the wildlife sanctuary in Alaska, suggests that Iris might consider a career as an acoustic biologist. Research the course of study and career opportunities in this field. Identify the five best universities for Iris to consider.
Activity 2:
Read about the five largest whales on the following website: https://wildlifetrip.org/largest-whale-species-on-the-planet/. Then construct a bar graph that compares the weight and length of each type of whale.
Read about the five largest whales on the following website: https://wildlifetrip.org/largest-whale-species-on-the-planet/. Then construct a bar graph that compares the weight and length of each type of whale.
Activity 3:
Sura Kilabuk, a naturalist on board the cruise ship, gives a presentation on Alaskan wildlife. The marine wildlife that people may expect to see on an Alaskan cruise includes whales, sea lions, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, and harbor seals. Sea birds include puffins, gulls, and cormorants. Use books from the library or the internet to research one type of Alaskan wildlife. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation that includes pertinent information and pictures that Kilabuk might use when she speaks to passengers. The final slide should cite sources used.
Sura Kilabuk, a naturalist on board the cruise ship, gives a presentation on Alaskan wildlife. The marine wildlife that people may expect to see on an Alaskan cruise includes whales, sea lions, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, and harbor seals. Sea birds include puffins, gulls, and cormorants. Use books from the library or the internet to research one type of Alaskan wildlife. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation that includes pertinent information and pictures that Kilabuk might use when she speaks to passengers. The final slide should cite sources used.