I read it in 2013 and I vividly remember it being about a young girl who moved to/lives in a small town by the sea. The book itself has something to do with whales and/or narwhals (pretty sure either of those animals are in the title). The major plot point follows the girl and her friend interacting with this social recluse and finding out more about him (I’m almost certain he’s called the ‘Birdman’ but don’t quote me on that). His backstory turned out to be kind of harrowing where he burnt down a house in his youth by accident and has lived with the trauma ever since, with the town community fully shunning him. Considering whale/narwhals are in the title of the book, its a little shocking that I don’t remember any parts which involved either animal. (🙁) Regardless, I would love it if you could help me in my search! I’ve tried a few times but nothing came up. The cover of the book is also a full art of a rainy/cloudy day at the beach Or a sea animal in the ocean, it had a lot of blues.
Lost Classics of Teen Lit: Name That Book! 