The Music of the Dolphins

Reach for this book when your child feels stifled by rules, misunderstood by adults, or out of place in their environment. It is a powerful choice for children who are sensitive to the nuances of communication and those who find deep solace in the natural world. The story follows Mila, a young girl discovered on a deserted island after being raised by dolphins, as she is brought into a research facility to be re-socialized into human society. As Mila's language skills grow, her font size and sentence structure evolve, allowing readers to witness her intellectual awakening and her increasing awareness of what she has lost. While the book explores themes of identity and the ethics of scientific study, it remains accessible for middle-grade readers. It is a poignant reflection on the cost of 'civilization' and the importance of staying true to one's wild, essential self.