Books Like Whale Talk

About Whale Talk

A parent might reach for this book when their teen is feeling like an outsider or is grappling with anger about injustice at school. Whale Talk follows T.J., a multiracial senior adopted by a white family, who channels his anger into forming a high school swim team for misfits. Their goal: to earn varsity letters and challenge the school's toxic jock culture. This powerful and darkly humorous novel is for older teens (14+) and tackles heavy themes of bullying, racism, abuse, and trauma head-on. It's an excellent choice for starting conversations about finding your voice, creating your own family, and standing up for what's right, even when it's complicated.