Whirligig by Paul Fleischman

I could tell you that Whirligig by Paul Fleischman is the story of a teen boy who kills a girl because he is driving drunk, and that would be true. You'd wonder about the curious title and its connection to the boy. You'd notice that it's a short book, only 133 pages, and might be enticed to read it as you could finish it in a day or two. I will tell you - this book is a must read!

Brent has killed Lea while he was driving drunk but he was also trying to kill himself. He never intended to hurt someone else. His heart is heavy knowing what his irresponsible actions have caused. How can he ever atone this? Lea's mother asks Brent to set her daughter's spirit free by building four whirligigs, one for each corner of the country. We follow Brent as he sets out toward Washington, California, Florida and Maine. His journey brings him closer to peace and an understanding of what is important in life.

Don't be confused by the chapters of this book. Interspersed with Brent's story are short story chapters of the lives of individuals who encounter the completed whirligigs. Each whirligig brings meaning to others lives as well. Could Lea's mother have known the impact each whirligig would have on so many lives? Did she realize how Brent would grow and heal as he traveled, designed, and built each one? Perhaps you will feel, as I did, that Brent may be able to feel a sense of atonement having been on this personal, self-reflective journey.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm