Whale Talk

Crutcher, C. (2001). Whale talk. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Summary: T.J. Jones lives with his adoptive mother and father in Washington. He is a mixed race high school student in a mostly white area. Although TJ has an athletic build, he does not join any school sports much to the chagrin of the school staff. TJ's favorite teacher decides to form a ragtag swimming team even though the school does not have a swimming pool. The team grows closer on long road trips and eventually open up to each other about their troubles. TJ's goal is for his whole team to be lettered by the end of the year. All they have to do is improve their swim times at every meet. When the Athletic Council tries to revoke their agreement, TJ throws his race and disqualifies himself. After swim season is over, TJ forms a basketball team that wins a hoops tournament. In anger, one of TJ's enemies is about to shoot the stepdaughter he hates. TJ's dad jumps in the way and dies. The man goes to jail and TJ reconnects with his step-brother
Commentary: Conflict is a big part of Whale Talk. T.J. faces opposition from the athletic establishment of his school. His goal is for his whole team to get a varsity letter by the end of the year. He tricks the athletic counsil into agreeing as long as they improve their times. When they try to go back on their agreement, T.J. must act. The theme of self-sacrifice is very prominent in this book. T.J. sacrifices his chance to get a letter in order to give his teamates a chance. T.J.'s father sacrifices his life for a little girl that is going to be shot.
Connections: Teacher Resources, Book Trailer, Book Review, Author Interview
Similar Books: Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going; The Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge; America by E.R. Frank
Textbook Connections: Whale Talk has many instances where the characters have to learn to manage their relationships with their peers.