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.

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.

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

Karen Hesse

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Music Of Dolphins reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Music Of Dolphins | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Music Of Dolphins and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Music Of Dolphins Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Music Of Dolphins Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Preface-Chapter 7

The Music Of Dolphins Part 1, Preface-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-13

The Music Of Dolphins Part 1, Chapters 8-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-26

The Music Of Dolphins Part 1, Chapters 14-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Preface-Chapter 38

The Music Of Dolphins Part 2, Preface-Chapter 38 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 39-Epilogue

The Music Of Dolphins Part 2, Chapter 39-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Music Of Dolphins Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Music Of Dolphins Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Music Of Dolphins Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Music Of Dolphins Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Music Of Dolphins Essay Topics

The Music Of Dolphins

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Music Of Dolphins?

Reading Age

Book Details