$2 · THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN by E.B. White

Louis is scared when his father tells him that he's different from other swans. He doesn't want to be different. Even though he can't talk, Louis knows he could learn to read and write, if only he could get into school. Sam Beaver, a boy who understands all wild things, agrees to help. But Mrs. Hammerbotham isn't sure she can handle a Trumpeter Swan in her classroom.