The Music of Dolphins

by Karen Hesse

A highly original first-person narrative uses prose style and type design to reflects... read more

A highly original first-person narrative uses prose style and type design to reflects a girl's growing understanding and mastery of human language as she describes her experiences among the scientific researchers charged with studying and helping her after she is rescued from the sea, where she has been nurtured and raised by dolphins from the age of four. Mila finds delight and deep joy in music and soul-bruising sadness in the confines of walls which keep her from the freedom and love she knew among the dolphins. At the same time she discovers that human relationships are complex, confusing, and sometimes painful, even as they hint at the possibilty of something deep and satisfying as well. Mila's memories of life among the dolphins are strands of thought that reach to the core of her being, calling her back to the sea at the same time they challenge those who have come to know and care for her to question their own beliefs. (Age 10-13)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 1996

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