Block, F. L. (1989). Weetzie Bat.
New York: HarperCollins Publishers LLC. ISBN 0060736259
Plot Summary
Weetzie Bat is a young adult that does not seem to fit into her school, nor does she want to. Her idea on this matter changes when she meets Dirk, who soon becomes her best friend. Upon his admission that he is gay, they go out partying and looking for guys together. This ends badly for them as both of them end up abused in some way. The two resolve to make changes in their life, and when Dirk's grandmother gifts a magical lamp to Weetzie, her wishes include to find someone for Dirk, someone for herself, and to live happily ever after. The first two wishes come true quickly and quite precisely, but happily ever after is evasive. In the next few years, Weetzie faces relationship troubles, death in the family, witches who practice voodoo, and the ravages of disease. Throughout it all, she must find a way to make the third wish come true.
Critical Evaluation
This book soars along. Barely 100 pages with large type, scenes are briskly paced with just enough detail to keep the reader interested. This brisk pace is conducive to the magical aspects of the book; just as a reader is wondering if they just read a scene in which a genie appeared to grant wishes, it is over. It happened. This pace gives a fuzzy, floating feeling to the narrative making it almost play like a song. This is also important so that the narrative does not dwell to long on the many sad and difficult turns that Weetzie's life takes. As this novels central theme is that love conquers all else, it only makes sense that these characters are able to brush off life's difficulties.
Reader's Annotation
For Weetzie, Los Angeles is a dream and a nightmare, a place where she cannot find her place until she lets love be her guide.
Author Information
Francesca Lia Block's biography notes that her works are "postmodern, magic-realist tales that transport readers through the
harsh, gritty landscapes of contemporary life to transcendent realms of
the senses where love is always our saving grace" (Bio). This accurately describes Weetzie Bat, and points to the motivations and styles of Block as an author. Block, while not reclusive, lives a relatively private life in Los Angeles where she was born and currently lives with her daughter and son. She has written several books, most in the series of Dangerous Angels, of which Weetzie Bat became the first in the series.
Genre
Fiction, contemporary, fantasy
Curriculum Ties
Reading and Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Speak as Grandma Fifi, remarking upon her love for Dirk and Weetzie, perhaps foreshadowing her own death, but also playing upon the magical realism to suggest events that will happen later and that love is the only weapon against hard times and choices.
Reading Level/Interest Age
This books rates a 960L on the Lexile Range and would be suitable for mid to older teens.
Challenge Issues
Pregnancy, alcohol and substance use and abuse, physical abuse, non-traditional relationships, homosexuality, and AIDS are all issues dealt with in Weetzie Bat.
If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.
If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.
Reason Selected
This book was the first young adult book I had read in quite some time in which I felt like it was a challenge due to its content. By the end, I was moved and delighted by the light touch that this book took to serious issues while still treating them with respect.
This book was the first young adult book I had read in quite some time in which I felt like it was a challenge due to its content. By the end, I was moved and delighted by the light touch that this book took to serious issues while still treating them with respect.
This book was also winner of the Phoenix Award in 2009, a testament to its longevity and importance despite its lack of awards when first published (Bio).
References
Bio. (2010). Francesca
Lia Block. Retrieved March
23, 2013, from http://www.francescaliablock.com/bio
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