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In his debut work for middle-grade readers, Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen, James Robinson shares his unique perspective on life through a combination of visual exercises and autobiographical insights. Robinson’s journey is shaped by an eye condition called strabismus with alternating extropia, a challenge he fondly refers to as “whale eyes.” This condition led to childhood experiences that were often difficult, such as missing a hit in T-ball, reading a book upside down, and experiencing impatience from peers during tests. His path eventually took him to Duke University, where he focused on documentary filmmaking. His series of New York Times “Adapt-Ability” videos aim to illuminate the realities of living with a disability. In a conversation with PW, Robinson elaborates on transforming his video work into a memoir, reshaping perceptions surrounding disability, and the innovative process of writing using video animation tools.
How did your experiences with reading as a child influence your passion for storytelling?
Throughout my childhood, I struggled with reading, which often felt more like a burden than a joy. I frequently heard my classmates share their enthusiasm for the stories they engaged with, yet I couldn’t connect with that excitement. Ironically, it was through filmmaking that I began to truly appreciate storytelling. My family owned a television, but it was rarely used, typically appearing only once a year for the Super Bowl. Thus, when I first encountered a documentary at around 10 or 11 years old, I was deeply moved. It was as if video could convey the same magic that reading was supposed to. This experience sparked my appreciation for both writing and reading, leading me down a new creative path.
What motivated you to adapt your Whale Eyes video documentary into a written memoir?
“From the start, I sought to offer insights into how I perceive and navigate the world, not just share my experiences regarding my eyes. That video originated as my senior project at Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies and later gained traction with the New York Times. The response was incredible; viewers shared heartfelt stories, linking their own experiences with mine. There was a palpable sense of community that often goes missing in online discussions. Shortly after the release, my editor, Nick Magliato, approached me with the idea of crafting a book. Initially, I hesitated, but the more I reflected on it, the more it became clear that this was an opportunity to creatively explore a book’s format.
How did your collaboration with artist Brian Rea and your publisher influence the visual components of Whale Eyes?
I always envisioned my readers experiencing my visual challenges rather than merely reading about them. I aimed to create an engaging, interactive experience. In my initial draft, I submitted a fully formatted book that included illustrations. Admittedly, it was a bit rough around the edges, as I utilized animation software like After Effects—probably the only person to ever draft part of a book using such tools! The Penguin team often chuckled at my habit of referring to my audience as ‘viewers.’ However, this approach allowed me to blend my video-oriented mindset with the written word, and working alongside Brian on the illustrations was as critical to the narrative as the text itself.
Your memoir and videos seem to focus heavily on empathy and understanding. Who do you envision as the readership for your work?
When considering who would appreciate my book, I reflected on the many individuals who reached out to me after the documentary’s release. They ranged in age from 10-year-olds in New Zealand to individuals in their 80s, sharing their own inspiring narratives. Much of the memoir revolves around embracing one’s differences and learning to articulate them, particularly within the context of disability. I believe the book invites all readers to empathize with those who might feel out of place, whether they have experienced such feelings personally or not. Thus, the audience for this book extends beyond a specific age group; it encompasses anyone engaged in the process of understanding and accepting differences.
Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen by James Robinson, illustrated by Brian Rea. Penguin Workshop, $18.99 Mar. 18 ISBN 978-0-593523-95-7
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