July 2009 Book Club Selection
by Paul Fleischman
Print/Braille edition, $6.99
In contracted braille with one tactile illustration
Ages 4-8
What do the children do when school is out for the summer? Go crazy with boredom? Head poolside with friends? Plan a self-sufficient civilization with its own staple food crop? What?
That's how Wesley decides to spend his summer vacation.
Wesley is not an ordinary boy: "He alone in his town disliked pizza and soda, alarming his mother and the school nurse. He found professional football stupid. He'd refused to shave half his head, the hairstyle worn by all the other boys, despite his father's bribe of five dollars."
It all starts (the civilization, that is) when Wesley overturns a plot of ground in his yard to see what new and unknown seeds might blow into it. In Wesley's new world, he no longer needs a watch because he uses a flower stalk as a sundial, invents a new sport, develops a natural suntan lotion and mosquito repellent, a new language and counting system, well... you'll have to read the book to discover more about Wesley's new civilization.
Wesley's parents say that he looks happy for the first time in years. And when he returns to school in September, "He had no shortage of friends." Weslandia honors people who chart their own course. Kids young and old will love the once-outcast hero Wesley and his Robinson Crusoe-style triumphs. (Includes one tactile drawing of Wesley and his strange plant.)
"My 9-year-old son read this book not long ago. It galvanized him into action - ever since, he has been building his own Weslandia, making a lean-to and tools out of all-natural materials, and getting his friends involved."
- M. Weigel, New Jersey
"I thought, due to the subject matter, this book would be over my toddler's head. I was very wrong. It has become one of her favorites. We checked it out from the library so often, I bought our own copy, and have since bought several as gifts for other children. They'll discover something new every time they read it. My absolute favorite children's book. Very highly recommended!"
- Marisa, Washington
"If you can't be a part of THEIR world, make one up for yourself and they will want to be in your world! I love the way this books teaches a sort of self reliance and a CAN do attitude. Recommend to children of all ages."
- M. Poulk, Mississippi
"A profoundly thought provoking look at how people fit into the world, or make worlds to fit into. A story of a unique soul who chose not to accept rejection, but use his individuality to create beauty. Told simply, but with deep, far reaching effects for any reader."
- An Amazon.com reader
"Wonderful and inspiring. I suspect this book is appropriate for many more people than the simple picture book format would suggest--I found Wesley's struggle to reflect my own, although I am older than the intended audience. Wesley manages to change the society he lives in very much and for the better, a fantasy many of us have. Every former geek, weirdo and outcast needs to read it, as it is a testimony to originality and honesty. Perfect. I am glad I found it, and I hope many others do. Easily one of my favorite books, and one I'll cherish and give to as many people as I can. Happy reading."
- An Amazon.com reader
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