Weslandia   by Paul Fleischman (Review by Brett Tillman)

Have you ever daydreamed about your perfect island paradise? Or was it a mountain-top lakeside vista? Most of us dream of a utopic land of beauty, happiness and friendship.Weslandia is such a place…

“Passing his neighborhood’s two styles of housing - garage on the left and garage on the right - Wesley alone dreamed of more exciting forms of shelter. He had not friends, but plenty of tormentors. Fleeing them was the only sport he was good at.” That is, until, a fateful conversation with his parents about what he had learned at school that day. Wesley’s excitement was met with his father mumbling, “I’m sure you’ll use that knowledge often.” That’s all the inspiration Wesley needed for a “good summer project.”

During the night Wesley’s backyard was being planted with what would become the basis for his new civilization - Weslandia. Weslandia is a tremendous story, brought to life with beautiful illustrations by Kevin Hawkes, of how a young boy with creativity and vision can create his own magical world.

This book fits great into almost any curriculum, from history to botany to leadership to environmental awareness. I have used it as a great journal prompt when out on trail. An awesome way to get kids to think creatively and share is to read Weslandia and give each student two pieces of paper - one to jot down something they liked or admired about Wesley or Weslandia, and one to jot down a way in which they are similar to Wesley or relate to Weslandia. I then pull out a slip or two at random while out on trail. This provides a great opportunity to review the themes of the story as well as give students a safe opportunity to share anonymously. It is great to then hear the reactions of all of the other students when they hear what their classmates have to say! “Oh, yeah!” “Me, too!” Whether it’s simply storytime or you want a great book to get your students thinking out on trail, Weslandia is a great choice. And fun, too!