Whirligig [Paperback]

Paul Fleischman (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 12, 2010

With a family always on the move, popularity and the ability to fit in quickly are vital to Brent Bishop’s high school survival. When he blows his chances with the girl of his dreams in front of everyone, he’s devastated. Brent tries to end it all in a fatal car crash, but instead he finds an unlikely beginning. He’s sent on a journey of repentance—a cross-country trip building whirligigs. His wind toys are found by people in need: a Maine schoolgirl yearning for her first love, a Miami street-sweeper desperate for peace and quiet, a kid in Washington who just wants to play baseball, and a San Diego teenager dealing with loss. Brent’s whirligigs bring hope to others, but will they be able to heal the wounds deep inside himself?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After a drunk teenage boy kills a girl while driving, his life is transformed by fulfilling a request of the girl's mother. PW's boxed review called Fleischman's novel "stellar." Ages 12-up. (Nov.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-11-Newbery Medal-winner Paul Fleischman's story connectedness-to oneself, to others, and to nature. It is the story of a 16 year old's journey of self-discovery.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Square Fish; Reprint edition (October 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312629117
• ISBN-13: 978-0312629113
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (112 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Fleischman grew up in Santa Monica, California, the son of children's book author Sid Fleischman. Drawing on history, music, art, and theater, his books have often experimented with multiple viewpoints and performance. He received the Newbery Medal in 1989 for JOYFUL NOISE: POEMS FOR TWO VOICES, a Newbery Honor Award for GRAVEN IMAGES, the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction for BULL RUN, and was a National Book Award finalist for BREAKOUT. He lives on the central coast of California.

For more information, visit paulfleischman.net.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Piece by Piece, A Beautiful Read August 22, 2000

By Mary Beth Richardson

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Brent Bishop can never fit in, so he tries to kill himself. Driving home from a party where he is totally humiliated, Brent deliberately crashes his car. He lives, but takes another's life. A young woman, Lea, dies in the accident, & her mother wants only one thing from Brent. He must build four whirligigs in Lea's likeness & place them in the four corners of the United States.

Brent makes his whirligigs much like Paul Fleischman constructs his heartwarming novel. The story moves seamlessly back & forth between Brent's journey to piece his life together, & glimpses into the lives of the fragile people who encounter each whirligig. Their stories in each simple chapter build a satisfying & uplifting whole, just like Brent's creations. This tale of redemption & restoration is a thing of beauty that will bring any reader joy.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Harsh Reality of Decision-Making June 25, 2003

By EnglishTeacher

Format:Mass Market Paperback

"We can never know all the consequences of our acts." What a statement! These consequences can be good or bad--it all depends on the direction we choose throughout our lives. Through a tragic accident, Brent Bishop, found these consequences to be an unwanted invitation to the realities of life. Although Whiligig has a heavy lesson for us all, you will find it to be an enjoyable read. It is fast paced and allows you to look at the effects of one decision and how it changes the lives of many different people.

Brent Bishop's family has moved to Chicago because of his father's new job. With his father's increase in salary, Brent is able to go to a private school for the first time. But his new high school does not welcome Brent like he had hoped for. He found himself playing the all-to-familiar game of tyring to fit in with the popular crowd. One night at a party, Brent finds that fitting in with the popular crowd leaves him with the feeling of being rejected. Brent's feelings of rejection take him on a journey which meets a tragic fate.

It's through this tragedy that Brent is forced to find meaning in life. Brent finds forgiveness and a new hope for the future by traveling to the four corners of the country experimenting with his new skills in carpentry.

Sometimes some of the most important lessons are learned through the expense of a tragedy. Paul Fleischman gives us a chance to reflect on how our decisions in life can change us in a split second. But even when we make bad decisions, there is always a lesson to be learned and our lives can more forward. Fleischman also shows us the harsh reality that our decisions not only effect us as an individual but the decision effects the people around us.

This book is great for junior high students who are looking forward to going to high school. It is also good for high school students who are beginning to make life-changing decisions. Plus, there is a lesson on forgiveness for adults. A book is always good when it can target such a varied audience.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible story! November 26, 1999

By [e-mail]

Format:Hardcover

As an English teacher, I am always looking for books that will hook my students. This is definitely one of them! I was entranced with this story from the first page. There are so many wonderful subplots in addition to the story of Brent. Everyone can learn valuable lessons by reading this book.