Writing Advice?
If you're searching for advice from a seasoned pro, check out this article, posted November 4, 2025.
StotanSpeak Blog
Craving insights into current events? Check out StotanSpeaks for some Crutcher-centric points of view.
2025 Teen Interview
The Chris Crutcher Project
Texas Women's University student Petina Powers read WHALE TALK as a class assignment, not realizing the book would lead her to a professional ally. In short order, Powers acquired all of Crutcher's books and confirmed, he cared about real young people facing real struggles as much as she did.
Powers created The Chris Crutcher Project to celebrate the spirit of help and caring and one of many authors who embrace that same focus. Check out her hard work HERE.
Thanks, Petina!
Powers created The Chris Crutcher Project to celebrate the spirit of help and caring and one of many authors who embrace that same focus. Check out her hard work HERE.
Thanks, Petina!
MSNBC 8/24/2024
MSNBC host Ali Velshi explores banned books each Saturday. Crutcher's WHALE TALK was the August 24 selection.
The date has passed, the danger has not. Read more about the Freedom to Read HERE.
Whale Talk--2023 Favorite
Literary Director Theresa Davis shared her favorite banned books on her reading lists from her time as a Middle School teacher.
"Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher is a young adult novel that tells the story of T.J. Jones, a mixed-race teenager who assembles an unlikely high school swim team composed of outcasts and misfits. Through their struggles and determination, they challenge stereotypes, racism, and personal demons. T.J. uses his passion for competitive swimming to bring his diverse team together, aiming for success both in the pool and in life. The novel explores themes of identity, racism, friendship, and resilience, offering a thought-provoking and inspiring narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
"Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher is a young adult novel that tells the story of T.J. Jones, a mixed-race teenager who assembles an unlikely high school swim team composed of outcasts and misfits. Through their struggles and determination, they challenge stereotypes, racism, and personal demons. T.J. uses his passion for competitive swimming to bring his diverse team together, aiming for success both in the pool and in life. The novel explores themes of identity, racism, friendship, and resilience, offering a thought-provoking and inspiring narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
YSU English Festival 2023
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To explore more about Crutcher & the 45th YSU Festival (April 2023),
click HERE.
click HERE.
PW Interview
To read Crutcher's PW interview, click HERE.
About the Book
"A provocative and heart-wrenching novel about family, loss, and loyalty from acclaimed and bestselling author Chris Crutcher. Losers Bracket is the powerful and gripping new novel by the author of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and Whale Talk."
Read more at HarperCollins.
Spokane County Public Library 7/2020
