Whale Talk

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2001

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

Access Full Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

Whale Talk

Genre: Fiction; sports; young adult
Originally Published: 2001
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1000L; grades 9-12
Structure/Length: Approximately 304 pages; approximately 6 hours and 32 minutes on audio
Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist, T.J. Jones, is a multiracial high school senior, adept in athletics but disdainful of high school sports culture. He forms a swim team of misfits challenging the school’s traditional athletic hierarchy and racist attitudes. The central conflict involves T.J.’s efforts to help his team members earn letter jackets, confronting deep-seated prejudices and personal demons along the way.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Racism; ableism; violence, including gun violence and sexual coercion; child and domestic abuse; suicidal ideation; drug and alcohol abuse; bullying; trauma and mental health concerns; adoption; strong language

Chris Crutcher, Author

Bio: Born in 1946; an American novelist and a family therapist known for his significant contribution to young adult literature; often features sports as a backdrop in his work, through which he explores complex themes such as racism, disability, and child abuse, drawing on his experiences as a therapist
Other Works: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes (1993); Ironman (1995); Deadline (2007); Stotan! (1986)
Awards: ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2002); ABC Children’s Booksellers Choices Award (2002); Pacific Northwest Book Award (2002); Heartland Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature (2003)