CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen
CCBC Review:
James Robinson was born with a vision impairment called anomalous retinal correspondence, a type of strabismus that means his eyes rapidly take turns looking straight ahead. “Whale eyes,” he calls it. In this outstanding memoir, James uses a highly original, interactive format to help the reader understand the way in which text appears to jump about the page when he reads, and how the red dots and white boxes of vision tests never seem to meet. At school, James simply pretended to read; he felt humiliated by classmates’ staring and the extra time he needed to finish exams. He knew people were uncomfortable making eye contact with him. Eventually homeschooled by his mom, who used teaching techniques uniquely suited to his needs, he thrived academically and developed an interest in documentary filmmaking. Observing that eyes like his appear in pop culture as a “visual cue” that indicates a character is “disconnected from reality,” “evil,” or “unintelligent,” he made a short film explaining his condition, which was eventually published in the New York Times and led to his making additional films on difficult-to-explain disabilities. His documentary has a purpose—to make the audience care about disability and disabled people—and James here provides clear tips on how to tell a story, or communicate an experience, effectively. James’s compassion, good humor, and ability to clearly explain a complicated condition are remarkable. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Brian Rea
CCBC Age Recommendation: 11 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Autobiography/Memoir
Blind and Visually Impaired People
Difference/Individuality
Education
Reading and Writing
Stories and Storytelling
Diversity subject:
Cognitive/Neurological
On CCBC Booklist:
Lived Disability Experiences: Books for Children and Teens
Publishers:
Penguin Random House, Penguin Workshop
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 298
ISBN: 9780593523957
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Robinson
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Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.