Whale Eyes
Whale Eyes written by James Robinson and illustrated by Brian Rea is a powerful, honest, and deeply human graphic memoir that explores what it’s like to grow up with vision loss in a world that isn’t designed with visual differences in mind. Through a blend of storytelling, visuals, and reflection, Robinson invites readers into his lived experience in a way that feels both accessible and emotionally resonant.
What makes Whale Eyes especially impactful is how clearly it illustrates the invisible challenges of low vision—misunderstandings, assumptions, and moments of isolation—while also highlighting resilience, creativity, and self-advocacy. The graphic format works beautifully here, allowing readers to see how James experiences the world, which fosters empathy and understanding in a way that traditional text alone might not.
Rather than centering the story on limitation or pity, Robinson focuses on identity, belonging, and the process of learning to navigate a world that often prioritizes one way of seeing. His voice is authentic, reflective, and sometimes funny which makes the book engaging for both young adults and adults alike. The story opens up meaningful conversations about disability, accessibility, and how society can do better at listening to disabled voices.
Whale Eyes is an excellent read for classrooms, families, educators, and anyone interested in disability representation. It’s a reminder that disability is not something to be “fixed,” but understood—and that sharing lived experiences is a powerful way to create change. I found it especially helpful as a therapist who works with many children that have strabismus.
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To learn more about this book, watch this video below that was created by the author who also a documentary filmmaker.
