Brent
Why does Brent build the whirligigs, and what do they do for other people?
Brent builds the whirligigs because he feels guilty about the accident that caused Lea’s death and wants to make up for what happened. He hopes that by creating something beautiful in different places, he can bring happiness and inspiration to people he has never met. The whirligigs help others by brightening their day, making them smile, and showing that small acts can have a positive impact on the world.
Objects that spin in the wind and symbolize Brent’s journey.
Whirligig
Where are the four places that Brent is asked to build whirligigs
Washington, California, Texas and Maine
This is the state where Brent begins building his first whirligig.
Washington
Name a character outside of Brent and one character trait they possess
Emil- adventurous
Lea's mother- kindness
The Painter in Washington – observant
The Musician in Florida – thoughtful
The Cyclist in Maine – curious
Who is Brent in the beginning of the book? Describe his personality and what is important to him.
Self-centered, insecure, only cares about himself fitting in to his new school, does not think about the consequences to his actions
Feeling bad for something you did wrong
Guilt
Describe the accident that causes Brent to feel guilty
Brent is drinking at a party, he is embarrassed by Chaz and Brianna, Brent gets into his car and starts driving, doesn't know where he is going, starts to have intrusive thoughts, lets go of the wheel, it hits the guardrail and the car behind him, killing Lea
Where were Alexandra and Steph when they found the Whirligig and what were they doing.
Coast of Maine
Guided imagery to find Steph a boyfriend
What role does Lea’s mother play in Brent’s journey?
She asks him to build the whirligigs to honor Lea, giving him a way to make amends.
Brent’s journey teaches him about this, or making up for mistakes.
Redemption
Resilience
the strength to recover from difficulties
Name one place Brent visits and something that happens there that helps him grow.
Washington – meets a painter who teaches him to notice beauty and reflect; Florida – meets Emil and learns about living with courage; Maine – sees the whirligigs making a difference.
Brent meets Emil, a traveler who helps him reflect on life, in this state.
Florida
What boy in the story loves baseball and finds it hard to live up to his mothers expectations?
Tony
How does Brent change by the end of the book?
By the end of Whirligig, Brent has grown from a guilty and insecure teenager into a more thoughtful, responsible, and caring person. Through his journey and the people he meets, he learns to forgive himself, take responsibility for his actions, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Redemption
earning forgiveness or restoring one’s sense of worth
How does building the whirligigs help Brent with his feelings of guilt?
It gives him purpose and a way to make something positive from his mistake.
In this state, Brent's Whirligig helps a grandmother reflect over her life and find peace.
San Diego
Who are two people that Brent meets along his journey and how do they impact him?
Emil- friendly, adventurous traveler- supports Brent in expressing himself and talks about exploring the world, embracing experiences, and being open to change. Emil models confidence and independence—qualities Brent wishes he had. By talking with Emil, Brent begins to realize that he can reshape who he is and create a new identity moving forward.
Cyclist,
Painter: She encourages him to look closely at the world, notice details, and appreciate the beauty around him
What was the overall THEME of Whirligig?
Your actions have consequences: Good consequences follow towards the whirligigs just as bad consequences relate towards Brent's reckless driving
Atonement
Making up for a mistake or wrongdoing
Why is connection and community an important theme in the book, and how do different characters demonstrate this idea?
The novel shows how people’s lives can influence one another even if they never meet.
Brent’s whirligigs bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to strangers in different places, proving that small actions can have a positive impact on a wider community.
Characters like Lea’s mother, the musician in Miami, and the cyclist in Maine demonstrate this idea as they are all connected through Brent’s creations, showing how one life touches many.
Why is Brent’s journey across the country important to the story’s message?
It shows that growth and redemption take time and that small acts of kindness can reach many people.
Who lives in Florida, but came from Puerto Rico, and wants to live like a Shearwater bird?
Flaco