Plot Summary

Weetzie Bat

Francesca Lia Block
Guide cover placeholder

Weetzie Bat

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1989

Book Brief

Francesca Lia Block

Weetzie Bat

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

1989

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

960L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block follows a teenage girl named Weetzie who, alongside her best friend Dirk, navigates the Los Angeles 1980s hipster scene in search of true love and a sense of belonging. Weetzie and Dirk bond over their love for 1950s Hollywood glamour, face personal losses, and eventually create an unconventional family with their partners, embracing the unexpected forms that love and family take. The book involves themes of abuse, substance use, and the AIDS crisis.

Fantastical

Bittersweet

Romantic

Nostalgic

Playful

Reviews & Readership

3.9

15,153 ratings

62%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block is lauded for its vivid, lyrical prose and imaginative portrayal of a whimsical, alternative Los Angeles. Readers praise its unique characters and themes of love and acceptance. However, some critique its simplistic plot and unconventional narrative style, which may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it's a cult favorite for its creative storytelling and distinctive voice.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Weetzie Bat?

A reader who would enjoy Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block appreciates magical realism, quirky characters, and the exploration of unconventional lifestyles. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli would find similar themes of individuality and emotional depth.

3.9

15,153 ratings

62%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

1989

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

960L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!