Student Question

In Whirligig by Paul Fleischman, what is Alexandra's intention for Steph?

Expert Answers

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Alexandra and Steph show up in the second chapter, titled “Weeksboro, Maine.” They’re eighth graders, and it’s Christmas time, so a lot of snow is on the ground. Alexandra thinks Steph should get a boyfriend. They trudge out to the cliff beyond the McQuillen place to see the whirligig. Alexandra claims it’s the perfect place to do guided imagery – to imagine a dream of an alternate story, complete with many details -- and to get Steph a boyfriend. She talks aloud and imagines a future for Steph that involves her rescuing a drowning French Canadian boy with her boat. Then they hear a real human sound. It turns out to be a young boy who is visiting people in the area. Amazingly enough, he becomes a friend and perhaps even a boyfriend to Steph. The two girls therefore believe that the whirligig has the power to bring dreams to life. Steph keeps it painted and in good working order from that point on.

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