Whirlygig - Paul Fleischman

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Fleischman, Paul. (1999). Whirlygig. Topeka Bindery.

It was his junior year in high school and Brent was angry about the series of new schools, new friends, and new beginnings that never seemed to carry him away from his miserable past. A few minutes into the party, he realized that this year would not be different and that he would continue being a pawn in other people’s games -- on the outside looking in. As he sped away, Brent began to consider a more permanent solution. A fatal crash changed things, but in ways that Brent could never have imagined.

Whirligig is a book about mistakes, about forgiveness, and about a teenager’s journey into self understanding and authenticity. In helping the reader to see how one’s life continues to radiate, even after death, Fleischman weaves together a series of tales—showing us that people’s spirits continue to spin and reflect, here on earth, long after they die.

"Whirligig" is a song to the soul—a shout about the importance of a life well lived.