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Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen
From Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir inspired by the viral Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.
WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD • AN ORBIS PICTUS RECOMMENDED BOOK • A BEST BOOK THE School Library Journal, NPR, BCCB, New York Public Library, and Chicago Public Library
Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James’s experiences growing up with strabismus, allowing them to see the world through one eye at a time.
Readers will get lost as they chase words. They’ll stare into this book while taking a vision test. They’ll hold it upside down as they practice “pretend-reading”…and they’ll follow an unlikely trail toward discovering the power of words.
With poignant illustrations by Eisner Award–nominated artist Brian Rea, James’s story equips readers of all ages with the tools to confront their discomfort with disability and turn confused, blank stares into powerful connections.
WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD • AN ORBIS PICTUS RECOMMENDED BOOK • A BEST BOOK THE School Library Journal, NPR, BCCB, New York Public Library, and Chicago Public Library
Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James’s experiences growing up with strabismus, allowing them to see the world through one eye at a time.
Readers will get lost as they chase words. They’ll stare into this book while taking a vision test. They’ll hold it upside down as they practice “pretend-reading”…and they’ll follow an unlikely trail toward discovering the power of words.
With poignant illustrations by Eisner Award–nominated artist Brian Rea, James’s story equips readers of all ages with the tools to confront their discomfort with disability and turn confused, blank stares into powerful connections.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
January 11, 2026
A super engaging memoir with tons of interactive elements. It's a creative read with a fantastic perspective that will have you reflecting on what it means to be viewed differently by the world.
March 20, 2025
“To tell a child that they are disabled is to tell them that they are protected. That long before they took their first breath, there was a community that was fighting for them. It's a community that continues to fight to this day.”
May 21, 2025
A standout middle grade memoir about growing up with misaligned eyes (a condition called exotropia, sort of similar to dyslexia) and the author's experience being different, being stared at and learning to cope with his condition. I loved how unique and interactive this book is and the way its designed to help readers see things through eyes that probably don't work like theirs. Highly, highly recommended and it pairs well with the audiobook read by the author who turned into an award-winning documentary filmmaker and disability advocate.
Fav quote:
"Everyone wanted to fix me. They began putting forward strategies that weren't always backed by science. The desire to fix overpowered the desire to help."
Fav quote:
"Everyone wanted to fix me. They began putting forward strategies that weren't always backed by science. The desire to fix overpowered the desire to help."
January 19, 2025
James has issues with his eyes, in that they never figured out how to be stereoscopic. He has made it work for him, but it took a long time in grade school and beyond to figure out how to make it work for him. I found the first part with his childhood fascinating having never experienced something like this, and trying to figure out how he was describing things. I liked the introduction of the artwork and the mild "House of Leaves" style of the book in places. I got disappointed in the second half. Not because he was figuring out how to share this or make people aware, but it felt that he moved away from the tone of the first part. There was a lot of "you can do it!" vibe in the second half, and I'm glad people are adapting and becoming nicer to those with differences. It just felt that in a book for middle graders it went from understanding and adjusting from a disability to now I'm famous because I had an article in NYT. I think if you have a child struggling with a difference this could be intriguing.
Copy provided by NetGalley
Copy provided by NetGalley
January 28, 2026
The audiobook is phenomenal.
Read
January 24, 2026James Robinson navigates the world with strabismus, a disability where a person's misaligned eyes do not work together. As a child, this caused James to struggle with reading and activities like t-ball, and to become the target of hurtful comments and attitudes. In his memoir Whale Eyes, Robinson explains how he coped with his disability at home, in school, and in personal situations. What makes Whale Eyes particularly powerful is its creative use of text and graphic design which simulate Robinson’s experiences.
Like Cece Bell’s El Deafo, Whale Eyes is a book that readers of many ages will find engaging and enlightening. The appealing childhood stories and the later sections about Robinson’s work as a documentary filmmaker offer meaningful insights for readers about disability representation and the importance of special education in school settings.
Like Cece Bell’s El Deafo, Whale Eyes is a book that readers of many ages will find engaging and enlightening. The appealing childhood stories and the later sections about Robinson’s work as a documentary filmmaker offer meaningful insights for readers about disability representation and the importance of special education in school settings.
April 22, 2025
This book was fantastic! It was clever and engaging, and is accessible for a wide age range.This middle grade memoir is a quick read for anyone who is curious to know a little more about what it's like living with a disability. Oh! and be sure to read the actual book, much of the charm will be lost through audio!
Just a few of my favorite quotes:
“Everyone wanted to fix me. They began putting forward strategies that weren't always backed by science. The desire to fix overpowered the desire to help.”
“Dear starer, can I be honest? If I didn't have these eyes, I would probably stare too. Anyway. I hope you find what you're looking for.”
“I wasn't looking for remorse. I was seeking connection.”
“..the disability community has been fighting for this word to mean something else – not weakness but protection.”
“Caring is the precursor to action. The precursor to policy. It can drive movements and marches. It can transform relationships. Of course, none of these results are guaranteed, but without the ability to get others to care, not much can happen.”
Just a few of my favorite quotes:
“Everyone wanted to fix me. They began putting forward strategies that weren't always backed by science. The desire to fix overpowered the desire to help.”
“Dear starer, can I be honest? If I didn't have these eyes, I would probably stare too. Anyway. I hope you find what you're looking for.”
“I wasn't looking for remorse. I was seeking connection.”
“..the disability community has been fighting for this word to mean something else – not weakness but protection.”
“Caring is the precursor to action. The precursor to policy. It can drive movements and marches. It can transform relationships. Of course, none of these results are guaranteed, but without the ability to get others to care, not much can happen.”
May 18, 2025
So great!! This memoir examines the social impact of misaligned eyes. It’s about seeing, but really it’s more about being seen. I didn’t know I cared about the subject but just like all great documentaries, this made me care. James Robinson is a deep thinker, a smart man, an incredible documentary maker, and now a memorable author. His book is in the Juvenile section of the library but could and should be read by ppl of all ages. And definitely in physical format so that you can experience the fantastic graphics paired with the text and take part in a couple experiments to help you better connect with and understand James Robinson’s experience. That’s kind of the core of the book: turning what he calls out-trigue to connection.
At around the halfway point of the book, there’s a page called intermission that says “take a break from the book and watch the 12 minute film: whaleeyes.org/watch.” I recommend doing that whether or not you read the book.
EXCERPTS:
The movie Whale Eyes was built on the faith that our vision is transferable. That you can borrow my eyes and connect with me through my vision. And that for a few moments, we can become each other.
The thing about out-trigue is that it pushes you in two directions. In moments of out-trigue, you find yourself “trigued.” Fully captivated by an unexpected oddity. But rather than being drawn into a connection through intrigue, you find yourself, leaning out, as a cultural anchor pulls you away from the reality you’ve experienced. Perhaps you begin laughing, blushing, or at the very least, questioning. Often times out-trigue fades into an awkward and insecure silence. But it doesn’t have to. When you experience out-trigue, the key is to kindly and quietly lean in. It’s during these micro moments of misunderstanding when we are most ripe to connect with each other. It’s easier said than done: transforming out-trigue to connection often requires extraordinary trust.
(The story, his mom tells about being able to fly when she was a child was so touching)
“Hey boys, it’s flying weather!” And every time without fail – even late at night – we would race outside, feel the breeze, and spread our arms. We would taste the air and try to surrender to the conditions, telling ourselves that on this day, that this time, that in this weather, we, too, could fly.
With her story, mom pushed us into caring. Through her out-trigue, tension, and the shared, precise moment, she made us forget everything else as we focused on the elements before us: the direction of the wind. The color of the sky. Our position in the grass. She made us care about the hints of green. The stiff thickness of the humidity. And the texture of the invisible energy that flowed between our fingers. She allowed us to experience firsthand what it means to place our trust in a force that is as wild and unpredictable as it is real.
At around the halfway point of the book, there’s a page called intermission that says “take a break from the book and watch the 12 minute film: whaleeyes.org/watch.” I recommend doing that whether or not you read the book.
EXCERPTS:
The movie Whale Eyes was built on the faith that our vision is transferable. That you can borrow my eyes and connect with me through my vision. And that for a few moments, we can become each other.
The thing about out-trigue is that it pushes you in two directions. In moments of out-trigue, you find yourself “trigued.” Fully captivated by an unexpected oddity. But rather than being drawn into a connection through intrigue, you find yourself, leaning out, as a cultural anchor pulls you away from the reality you’ve experienced. Perhaps you begin laughing, blushing, or at the very least, questioning. Often times out-trigue fades into an awkward and insecure silence. But it doesn’t have to. When you experience out-trigue, the key is to kindly and quietly lean in. It’s during these micro moments of misunderstanding when we are most ripe to connect with each other. It’s easier said than done: transforming out-trigue to connection often requires extraordinary trust.
(The story, his mom tells about being able to fly when she was a child was so touching)
“Hey boys, it’s flying weather!” And every time without fail – even late at night – we would race outside, feel the breeze, and spread our arms. We would taste the air and try to surrender to the conditions, telling ourselves that on this day, that this time, that in this weather, we, too, could fly.
With her story, mom pushed us into caring. Through her out-trigue, tension, and the shared, precise moment, she made us forget everything else as we focused on the elements before us: the direction of the wind. The color of the sky. Our position in the grass. She made us care about the hints of green. The stiff thickness of the humidity. And the texture of the invisible energy that flowed between our fingers. She allowed us to experience firsthand what it means to place our trust in a force that is as wild and unpredictable as it is real.
November 28, 2025
I love a memoir that makes me really feel like I learned about what someone else’s experience is truly like. This middle grade book does this beautifully both with the written page and the audio book. I cannot wait recommend this to readers who are looking for something real to read.
May 22, 2025
A truly unique memoir by a writer who is born with “whale eyes” (misaligned eyes.). Reading is extremely difficult for him - he shows us what the words look like to him and the book is so original and creative! He even includes a link to a 10 minute video that he made to further demonstrate the challenges he faces. Even so, he graduated from Duke and is an Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker. Definitely read it in written form- the audiobook will miss a lot.
May 16, 2026
Needs to be read with your eyes not your ears.
4.5* wow. I loved this book. The interactive aspect was excellent. I loved the intermission where I was instructed to go watch a short film. I loved how I learned a bit about what it feels like to be disabled. I loved the author's voice ".
4.5* wow. I loved this book. The interactive aspect was excellent. I loved the intermission where I was instructed to go watch a short film. I loved how I learned a bit about what it feels like to be disabled. I loved the author's voice ".
September 1, 2026
This book is truly inspiring. I cannot wait to do a book study with my students that have learning struggles and have these discussions that will hopefully open their eyes to see that they aren’t alone in their learning journey, but also that they can do great things as they grow. I made so many connections to this one!
May 3, 2026
Everyone should read this book. It's not only an inventive, insightful, humorous memoir, but it also provides hope and validation for those who long for a more accepting and loving world. I loved it.
April 19, 2025
I loved this completely interactive memoir. There is an intermission where the reader is directed to the author’s 12 minute documentary. Well worth the 12 minutes. I would have enjoyed the hard copy better than the ebook that I read because ironically, the ebook had no features to adjust the print size. So even though it gave me eye strain, i enjoyed the book.
August 31, 2025
As an individual with Strabismus and a facial difference, I cannot recommend this book enough! Highly interactive, creative, raw and real. A quick read with great short story snippets bound within a larger narrative of being seen, understood and accepted amid cultural taboos.
April 8, 2026
I picked up this middle grade memoir because it is a prize book for our Summer Reading program and won several ALA awards. The author has exotopia, which causes misalignment of his eyes. Instead of his left eye and right eye fusing images together, each one is separate which makes activities like reading and T-Ball difficult as images jump around for him as he switches eyes. The memoir creatively uses text and experiments designed to show readers the disorienting effect this has. The author also talks about how his condition (which causes his eyes to look outward) also affects him socially, through others staring or believing he is less smart. The second half of the book explores how he gets into documentary film-making, which includes the documentary this book is based on and others produced for the New York Times about stuttering and face blindness. I enjoyed the first half more, although I appreciated how the author delves further into the disability experience. Highly recommended, especially for the intended younger audience.
June 3, 2025
I don't often write reviews anymore, as what is enjoyable, informative, or whatever else (insert descriptive word of choice here) for me may not be for you. Even the timing of a book may not be right.
That said, this book spoke to me in more than one way, reflecting on my past teaching career, how my daughter teaches and works with individuals on the spectrum, and how I interact with individuals today. So, yes, despite its intended audience being stated as middle grade, Whale Eyes is a book that everyone should read.
I am glad I listened to the book narrated by the author - it was powerful and I enjoyed hearing how he made the book interactive, describing illustrations and having family and friends try the experiments in the book. There is an attachment so you can experience the best of both versions, audio and digital/print.
Be sure to check out the author's short documentary as well, ideally before reading/listening
https://nyti.ms/4jJ3wLe
A few quotations from the book that will stick with me for a long time.
"Honestly, I don't have a problem with the way that I see, my only problem is the way that I am seen."
"We spend so much time and effort into making sure that people who are perceived as different can understand what it would be like if they were normal. But we rarely do the opposite, pushing those who see themselves as normal to understand what it would be like if they were different."
"I'm still here - you're just having trouble connecting with that person."
So, yep, I expect to see this winning some awards, and perhaps the greatest reward for Mr. Robinson is a more compassionate community is created for all those who may be seen as different.
That said, this book spoke to me in more than one way, reflecting on my past teaching career, how my daughter teaches and works with individuals on the spectrum, and how I interact with individuals today. So, yes, despite its intended audience being stated as middle grade, Whale Eyes is a book that everyone should read.
I am glad I listened to the book narrated by the author - it was powerful and I enjoyed hearing how he made the book interactive, describing illustrations and having family and friends try the experiments in the book. There is an attachment so you can experience the best of both versions, audio and digital/print.
Be sure to check out the author's short documentary as well, ideally before reading/listening
https://nyti.ms/4jJ3wLe
A few quotations from the book that will stick with me for a long time.
"Honestly, I don't have a problem with the way that I see, my only problem is the way that I am seen."
"We spend so much time and effort into making sure that people who are perceived as different can understand what it would be like if they were normal. But we rarely do the opposite, pushing those who see themselves as normal to understand what it would be like if they were different."
"I'm still here - you're just having trouble connecting with that person."
So, yep, I expect to see this winning some awards, and perhaps the greatest reward for Mr. Robinson is a more compassionate community is created for all those who may be seen as different.
April 9, 2025
Stop and read this book. Beautifully crafted written. Wonderful visuals that add to the story. Robinson also knows how to write to and for young adults.
May 28, 2025
I loved the first half of this book, which is a memoir of the author's childhood and an incredibly inventive primer on how vision works (and an introduction to how the author sees differently.) The second half felt overly didactic as he talked about the making of his documentary, Whale Eyes, and his mission to help others. I endorse the mission and appreciate the insights into film making, but just felt put off by the tone. This is directed at a much younger audience (it's kept in the kids' section of the library) so perhaps that's why it didn't work for me.
July 7, 2026
3.75/5 - A surprisingly interactive memoir! This was interesting and well written. As someone who has always loved to read and has never struggled with it, I learned a lot about some of the barriers to reading others can face, and some of the accommodations that can make reading more accessible. I also appreciate that this book brought me to Robinson's New York Times Opinion video series. Even if you don't check out this book (although you really should!) I urge you to watch the author's NYT video about his disability: https://youtu.be/TjxC-evzxdk?si=Z6L-v...
July 17, 2025
I really liked the first half of this book, when the author talked about his experiences growing up with his disability. I think that a lot of kids will have a greater understanding of his condition and will empathize with many of the stories he tells. However, the second half of the book, in which the author talks about his inspiration and process for his documentaries, does not seem like it will resonate with kids.
July 10, 2025
The autobiography of James Robinson, focusing on how growing up with anomalous retinal correspondence - a condition he’s dubbed “whale eyes” to make it easier to understand - impacted his childhood and youth and adulthood, especially his feelings about reading. He then explains how he decided to make a documentary about himself as a young adult to help others understand why he looks the way he does and the challenges he has in visual perception. And then how that opened the doors for future employment, more documentaries, and this book.
Back when I did tutoring I accidentally ended up working with several kids with visual acuity issues, one was similar to James’ issue, but not exactly the same. The fact that kids who perceive the world differently can teach themselves to adapt and survive in a world not catered to their conditions is astounding. I loved hearing how James’ documentary helped others feel seen, and his further documentaries are doing the same for people with other “invisible” issues. He’s doing important work, and this book is part of that. I hope reading this helps the younger generation be more understanding and empathetic. It’s a good reminder that you never know what is going on in someone’s life. It was also so interesting to hear how he’s trying to change the Hollywood use of people with misaligned eyes to not just portray those who are crazy or evil. I need to get a copy of this for our library.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: I don’t remember any.
Ethnic diversity: James’ family is white American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Discrimination based on appearance. School unwilling to make accommodations (or does so sparingly). Misunderstanding someone with a disability.
Back when I did tutoring I accidentally ended up working with several kids with visual acuity issues, one was similar to James’ issue, but not exactly the same. The fact that kids who perceive the world differently can teach themselves to adapt and survive in a world not catered to their conditions is astounding. I loved hearing how James’ documentary helped others feel seen, and his further documentaries are doing the same for people with other “invisible” issues. He’s doing important work, and this book is part of that. I hope reading this helps the younger generation be more understanding and empathetic. It’s a good reminder that you never know what is going on in someone’s life. It was also so interesting to hear how he’s trying to change the Hollywood use of people with misaligned eyes to not just portray those who are crazy or evil. I need to get a copy of this for our library.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: I don’t remember any.
Ethnic diversity: James’ family is white American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Discrimination based on appearance. School unwilling to make accommodations (or does so sparingly). Misunderstanding someone with a disability.
July 23, 2025
This is an important book about kindness, compassion, and understanding and acceptance of those with disabilities. James Robinson, the author, has an eye condition that not only makes him look different, but affects how anything in his sight (words, baseballs, hands) appears. This interactive autobiography will make the reader think about how she or he reacts to those who appear or act differently than expected. While advertised as a children’s biography, it seems more suited to older teens and adults. The first half of the book will be appreciated by those younger, but the 2nd half gets into more mature concepts. I’d expect this unique book to receive awards. I looked up and watched his NYTimes documentary on stuttering that he writes about towards the end of the book and it is excellent, especially after reading in this autobiography about the process that went into that specific documentary.
February 27, 2026
I am not really sure I want to say about this book. As someone who also has strabismus this book was something I never knew I needed. While I feel that James had a more difficult time with strabismus than I did I still found my self identifying with many of the same things. This book is a book that I think perfectly encapsulates the idea that his short film presents. I wish more people took the time to learn what it is like to be "different".
P.S.: This doesn't have anything to do with the book specifically but every time I put in the word strabismus into Firefox it underlines it as it is a misspelling and it doesn't know that it exists. Thus showcasing one reason why this book is needed
P.S.: This doesn't have anything to do with the book specifically but every time I put in the word strabismus into Firefox it underlines it as it is a misspelling and it doesn't know that it exists. Thus showcasing one reason why this book is needed
May 22, 2025
We learn about James's eye disability- in general and the specifics as to his version of strabismus. James shares what it's like to function in the world - the nuts and bolts of what it is like to see as he does. He also shares what it is like to be "other" and to be stared at.
My favorite part of the book is learning how his mother left her career so she could teach her two songs who learn differently. And learning about James's journey in becoming a documentarian.
And James tells his story in a unique "style" with artwork and interactive bits. he even directs you to go to a link online to watch a short video he produced.
Very well done and worth reading.
My favorite part of the book is learning how his mother left her career so she could teach her two songs who learn differently. And learning about James's journey in becoming a documentarian.
And James tells his story in a unique "style" with artwork and interactive bits. he even directs you to go to a link online to watch a short video he produced.
Very well done and worth reading.
July 22, 2026
I really liked the informal and creative formatting of this book. It was really interesting to read. I appreciate that it gave me perspective on disabilities that I don't experience. I personally did have strabismus, but it was not so complex at James', and it was corrected with surgery. But I well remember the questions of "who are you talking to?" And "what are you looking at?" I'm sure I got plenty of stares too.
This doesn't feel advanced for a kids memoir but it also doesn't feel like a kids memoir. James Robinson is young and doesn't have a lot of life experience to share, but what what he does share is enlightening. There's a lot to learn for adults too so I highly recommend anyone who's interested in an unconventional memoir to.pick this up!
This doesn't feel advanced for a kids memoir but it also doesn't feel like a kids memoir. James Robinson is young and doesn't have a lot of life experience to share, but what what he does share is enlightening. There's a lot to learn for adults too so I highly recommend anyone who's interested in an unconventional memoir to.pick this up!
June 4, 2026
A great book, and a creative way to show folks what it is like to live with his whale eyes and inspire folks to seek connection with people with various physical differences. I loved his videos too — they do an amazing job of communicating the importance of connecting with people and inspiring us to do better.
The first half felt more geared to kids and the second half read more like it was for older youth or adults, but the overall messages are necessary for everyone in our empathy-deprived world.
The first half felt more geared to kids and the second half read more like it was for older youth or adults, but the overall messages are necessary for everyone in our empathy-deprived world.
September 26, 2025
Many thanks to Pernille Rip for recommending this nonfiction book by James Robinson which shines a light on his disability, strabismus. With heart he describes his life of whale eyes, and informs us what his life is like & I just loved his path to becoming a filmmaker with his video Whale Eyes & his journey with John Hendrickson & stuttering. A must read & the empathy this book builds is so important!
October 16, 2026
"To tell a child that they are disabled is to tell that they are protected. That long before they took the first breath, there was a community that was fighting for them. It''s a community that continues to fight to this day."
"Caring is the precursor to action. The precursor to policy. It can drive movements and marches. It can transform relationships....without the ability to get others to care, not much can happen."
"Caring is the precursor to action. The precursor to policy. It can drive movements and marches. It can transform relationships....without the ability to get others to care, not much can happen."
May 30, 2025
Super cool format...I hope tons of people read it. Loved quite a few things James said including, "We both knew what it meant to be on the wrong side of hurry up," and from the intermission...yes, the book had an intermission!!!..."I don't have a problem with the way I see, just the way that I'm seen." Quotes probably not exact, but they really hit my heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews