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63 pages 2 hours read

Whirligig

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Paul Fleischman

Whirligig

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1998

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

760L

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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

3.9

9,102 ratings

49%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

21%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

3.9

9,102 ratings

49%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

21%

Not a fan

Character List

Brent Bishop

A high school junior whose story begins with a superficial pursuit of social status, focusing on material goods and appearances, and follows his journey of personal growth following a significant life event.

A 13-year-old narrator passionate about oceanography, known for her intelligence and logical approach to life, who begins to expand her worldview by considering new perspectives.

A Puerto Rican street-sweeper who values peace and quiet while navigating life's constant noise and learns to appreciate the coexistence of conflict and cooperation.

A fifth-grade boy from Seattle, interested in baseball, who challenges parental expectations and embraces his individuality.

A teenage girl with a deep interest in her Jewish heritage, faced with family challenges that influence her perspective on historical and personal issues.

An 18-year-old honor student and community volunteer whose untimely death plays a crucial role in the narrative's turning point.

A philosophical and understanding woman, she is Lea Zamora's mother, who responds to her daughter's death with mercy and belief in a greater purpose.

A German student exploring the United States before college, notable for his worldliness and contrast to the protagonist in terms of knowledge and independence.

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1998

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

760L

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