Characters
Who is Lea?
An eighteen-year-old honor student who was accidentally killed by Brent's unsuccessful suicide attempt.
Whirligig in San Diego, California
A whale with a mermaid (Lea) on top of it.
Found by Jenny.
Why does the author switch points of view throughout the story?
To show the effects the whirligigs have on other people.
Who does Brent tell about killing Lea?
The artist he meets on the beach in Maine.
What is theme?
A moral or lesson; the main idea of a text.
Who is Flaco?
A Puerto Rican immigrant who takes a drive to the Gulf Coast.
Whirligig in Miami, FL
A wooden marching band with a clarinet, drums, trumpet, and trombone.
Found by Flaco.
Where does Brent live at the beginning of the book?
Chicago, IL
What does Brent start doing during his journey across the country building whirligigs?
Playing harmonica, reading, learning the names of stars.
How does theme develop in a story?
Theme usually comes from the emotional development of characters or from the consequences characters face as a result of their actions.
Who is Alexandra?
An eighth-grade student who believes in guided imagery since it helped her score high on an algebra test.
Whirligig in Bellevue, Washington
A harp player with Lea's face.
Found by Tony.
Why doesn't Brent fit in when he attends Chaz's party?
He didn't follow the dress code of the party.
Why is Brent impressed by Emil?
He speaks many languages, knows about American history, and knows what he wants to do for a living.
Why is a theme of Whirligig that actions have consequences?
The direct and serious consequences that come from Brent's many actions, such as drinking and driving, literally allow the book to take shape. Good consequences follow the placement of the whirligigs just as surely as bad consequences follow Brent’s reckless driving.
Who is Tony?
A fifth-grade student who enjoys baseball, but his mother only wants him to practice playing the violin.
Whirligig in Weeksboro, Maine
Looks like Lea and includes her name; colorful; shells and chimes around the neck; propellors
Found by Steph and Alexandra.
Why does Mrs. Zamora (Lea's mom) ask Brent to set up whirligigs in the four corners of the U.S.?
She wants Lea's spirit to be spread across the country.
How does the whirligig help Jenny?
She realizes that not all people are bad, she should not be angry about what happened to her grandmother, and she needs to laugh and smile more.
Why is a theme of Whirligig isolation?
Brent feels isolation because he moves often, making him the new kid. He seeks ways to fit in and avoid sticking out.
Who is Grandma?
Jenny's grandmother; she survived a concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Which Whirligig sets Brent's spirit free?
Whirligig in Weeksboro, Maine
What is the pledge Tony refers to in the chapter "Bellevue, Washington"?
The Asian American pledge to be quiet, respectful and smart.
At the end of the book, what are Brent's plans for the future?
Return to Chicago with his parents, start at a new school in the fall, and travel more. He even thinks about putting up whirligigs in every state.
Why is a theme of Whirligig self-discovery and coming-of-age?
Because of the accident, Brent is forced to learn that he can have a lasting impact on others for good or bad. On his journey, Brent becomes aware of his place in society and his family. He discovers that he has responsibilities to impact the world for good.