63 pages • 2 hours read
Whirligig
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Book Brief
144
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1990s
1998
YA
12-16 years
760L
Super Short Summary
In Whirligig by Paul Fleischman, 17-year-old Brent Bishop, who struggles with fitting in and social pressure, inadvertently causes a fatal car accident and, as part of restitution, is tasked with building whirligigs in four corners of the United States to honor the victim, Lea Zamora. Brent's cross-country journey becomes one of self-discovery, transformation, and atonement. This book contains themes of guilt and redemption following a tragic accident.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Hopeful
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
9,102 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Readers and critics praise Paul Fleischman’s Whirligig for its richly woven narrative and thought-provoking themes of redemption and interconnectedness. The novel's unique storytelling structure, using different perspectives, is lauded but can be challenging for some. Characters are well-developed, though the pacing may feel slow to some readers. Overall, it's a compelling read for thoughtful audiences.
Who Should Read Whirligig?
Readers who enjoy introspective, coming-of-age stories will find Whirligig by Paul Fleischman captivating. Similar in spirit to Holes by Louis Sachar and Crash by Jerry Spinelli, it appeals to middle and high school students who are interested in themes of redemption, personal growth, and interconnected lives.
9,102 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
144
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1990s
1998
YA
12-16 years
760L
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