Soren's Seventh Song by Dave Eggers
What's It About?
From Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestselling author Dave Eggers, "Soren’s Seventh Song" is a deadpan take on creativity and persistence, as told through the eyes of a humpback whale looking for a new song.There are many mysteries when it comes to life under the ocean. We have a deeper understanding of space than we do the water on our own planet which when you think about it, is pretty wild! Our oceans are full of color, life, and yes, music. Soren’s Seventh Song by Dave Eggers is a book about the creative process and the importance of persistence through the eyes of Soren, a humpback whale who is searching for a new song.
Music Under the Sea
We dive deep and meet Soren, a teenage humpback whale who is tired of the monotonous dull songs that are all the rage with the older whales. Determined to shake things up, Soren has the idea to create a better song, one that is shorter, more upbeat, and uses instruments. When his song is finished, he goes to his friends to show off his new tune and is met with a less-than-enthusiastic audience. Refusing to give up, Soren heads back to the drawing board again and again, working tirelessly to create a masterpiece that will bring all the ocean’s creatures joy.
Soren’s Seventh Song is a beautiful children’s picture book filled with colorful, vibrant, and whimsical illustrations by Mark Hoffman and a sweet and tenacious humpback with a very valuable lesson. Soren’s creativity and determination are inspiring for readers of all ages as he reminds us that it’s important to try new things, accept (constructive) criticism and keep an open-minded and positive attitude, even when faced with doubt.
Not only is this book a great blueprint on how to persevere, but it also shows what an honest and healthy friendship should look like. This is where Hans comes in — along with Soren, we also meet Hans, who is subjected to all of Soren’s failed attempts at composing the perfect song. Hans doesn’t shy away from being true to himself and being honest about his friend’s music. At first, Soren is upset over his rejection of all his hard work, but upon reflection, Soren goes over the feedback with a clear head and calm mind and goes back to the drawing board.
Friendship, Lessons and Reminders for All Ages
This book teaches important moral lessons for its readers, and it also has some scientific facts and tidbits about the species of whales throughout, making this the perfect balance between fanciful fiction and informative nonfiction for young readers.
In Soren’s Seventh Song, author Dave Eggers takes on necessary and important themes such as the challenge that comes along with being creative and trying something new, the importance of honesty and trust with friends and the reminder that with hope and a no-quit attitude, your dreams are floating just beneath the surface, waiting for you to dive in and achieve them.
About Dave Eggers:
Dave Eggers is the author of books for readers of all ages, including The Eyes and the Impossible and The Circle, as well as numerous books for young readers, including Her Right Foot, What Can a Citizen Do?, and The Lifters. He is the founder of the independent publishing company McSweeney’s and the cofounder of 826 Valencia, a youth writing center—fronted by a supply store for working pirates—that has inspired dozens of other organizations worldwide.
