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54 pages 1 hour read

The Music Of Dolphins

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Karen Hesse

The Music Of Dolphins

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

181

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

560L

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Super Short Summary

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse follows Mila, a teenager raised by dolphins after surviving a plane crash, who is captured and taken to a Boston research facility. There, she learns to speak English, discovers a love for music, and makes new friends but struggles with the realization that the researchers do not have her best interests at heart. Mila ultimately seeks to return to her true home, the ocean. This book contains depictions of child abuse.

Emotional

Contemplative

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.2

7,396 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Music Of Dolphins by Karen Hesse is praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Reviewers commend the unique narrative voice and compelling exploration of identity and belonging. Critics note some predictability in the plot and a wish for deeper secondary character development. Overall, it’s celebrated for its heartwarming story and introspective themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Music Of Dolphins?

Fans of poetic, emotionally resonant narratives like those found in Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will enjoy The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse. Middle grade readers who appreciate lyrical prose and stories about human connection with nature will be captivated.

4.2

7,396 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

181

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

560L

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