Whirligig

When 16-year-old Brent Bishop inadvertently causes the death of a young woman, he is sent on an unusual journey of repentance, building wind toys across the land. In a unique and powerful novel, Newbery author Paul Fleischman traces Brent's healing pilgrimage from Washington State to California, Florida, and Maine, and describes the many lives set into new motion by the ingenious creations Brent leaves behind.

Publishers Weekly

After a drunk teenage boy kills a girl while driving, his life is transformed by fulfilling a request of the girl's mother. PW's boxed review called Fleischman's novel "stellar." Ages 12-up. (Nov.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

PAUL FLEISCHMAN won the Newbery Medal for Joyful Noise, as well as a Newbery Honor for Graven Images. He lives with his wife and children in Pacific Grove, California.