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Whirligig
 

Whirligig (Laurel Leaf Books)

by Paul Fleischman

Brent Bishop longs to have the popular Brianna strolling around school on his arm. But when she rejects him at a classmate's party, Brent's hopes for popularity are instantly shattered. Devastated, he tries to destroy himself in a car crash... but instead kills an innocent girl named Lea.

Instead of sending him to jail, Lea's parents challenge Brent to create four whirligigs modeled on... (read more)

Top tags: young adult,  teens,  drunk-driving,  amazing,  coming of age (all tags)

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Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

Ms. Baker
  • Rated 4 stars

“For 8th or 9th grades, I highly recommend an author's study of Paul Fleischman with everyone reading this novel. Fleischman displays such variety in his works, yet all are centered with strong word choice and thought-provoking insights. This book is deceptively challenging for young teen readers because the story is not told sequentially but bounces around in time and character--thus the "Whirligig" metaphor. Perhaps a bit didatic, but still a unique take on atonement.”

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Didn’t Like It

Kelie M
  • Rated 1 stars

“Very didactic! I don't like books that basically say, "here is the message you should learn from me." That is the way this book felt. Even though it's a YA book, I don't think teenagers need talked down to like this book seemed to do.”

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Community:
  • Rated 3.65625 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4 stars
  

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