Title: Izzy, Willy-Nilly
Author: Cynthia Voigt
First published January 1, 1986
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781416903390 (ISBN10: 1416903399)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
Samantha’s life was perfect until one day, everything changed. At sixteen, Samantha had everything she had ever wanted- a loving family, amazing friends, and a bright future.
However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she gets into a car accident that leaves her paralyzed. Now, everything is different.
Even the simplest task seems impossible, and her friends don’t know how to act around her. Her family is supportive, but they can’t understand the pain she’s going through.
That’s when she meets Emily- an unlikely friend who offers her a helping hand. Emily is not Samantha’s typical friend, but she might just be the only one who can help her navigate her new life.
About the Author
Cynthia Voigt is an accomplished American author who writes captivating books for young adults. She explores a wide range of topics such as adventure, mystery, racism, and child abuse with her writing.
Voigt has been recognized for her outstanding work through numerous awards, including the Sequoyah Book Award which was bestowed upon her by readers in Oklahoma in 2008. She has also been honored with the Katahdin Award and the Anne V.
Zarrow Award for lifetime achievement in 2003, and the Margaret Edwards Award for a body of work in 1995.
Voigt’s work has been celebrated internationally as well. She won the Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis, also known as the ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany, in 1990.
In addition, she has won the Young Reader Award in California in 1990, the Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis, a German young people’s literature prize in 1988, and the Zilverengriffel, a Dutch prize, in 1988.
Voigt’s writing has also earned her accolades from readers in California who awarded her with the Judy Lopez Medal in 1987. Moreover, her book was recognized as a Newbery Honor Book in 1984, and she was awarded The Edgar by the Mystery Writers of America in the same year.
Finally, her most prestigious accolade came in 1983 when she was awarded the Newbery Medal.
Editoral Review
Izzy, Willy-Nilly by Cynthia Voigt is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of identity, friendship, and disability. First published in 1986, the book remains relevant in today’s society and offers a poignant perspective on the experiences of individuals with disabilities.
Voigt is an accomplished author of young adult literature, having written numerous novels and won several prestigious awards. Her writing style is engaging and gripping, with vivid descriptions, relatable characters, and accessible language.
She is also known for tackling difficult topics in her work, and Izzy, Willy-Nilly is no exception. The novel follows the story of Izzy, a popular high school student who is involved in a car accident and loses her leg.
The book portrays the challenges and changes that Izzy must face as she navigates her new reality, struggling to come to terms with her physical limitations and adapting to a world that is not built for her. The plot is expertly crafted, with a careful balance of tension, drama, and introspection.
The setting is a suburban town in the 1980s, providing a familiar and relatable context for readers. The conflicts in the book are serious and realistic, touching on issues of ableism, friendship, and societal expectations.
The characters in Izzy, Willy-Nilly are well-developed and complex, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. Izzy is a dynamic and engaging protagonist, with a strong voice and a relatable journey of self-discovery.
Her relationships with other characters, including her best friend and her love interest, are nuanced and compelling. Voigt’s portrayal of disability in the book is sensitive and nuanced, avoiding common stereotypes and sensationalism.
She tackles difficult questions about the experiences of individuals with disabilities in society, including the limited accessibility of buildings, the attitudes of others towards disability, and the emotional toll of navigating a world that is not designed for you. Overall, Izzy, Willy-Nilly is a thought-provoking and moving novel that will resonate with readers of all ages.
The book is expertly written, with a careful balance of drama, introspection, and social commentary. While there are some minor flaws in the pacing and structure of the plot, these are outweighed by the book’s strengths in character development and thematic resonance.
I would highly recommend Izzy, Willy-Nilly to young adults and adults alike, especially those interested in disability studies, social justice, or coming-of-age stories. The book offers a valuable perspective on the experiences of individuals with disabilities, as well as a relatable and engaging narrative.
I would give Izzy, Willy-Nilly a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its strong writing, compelling characters, and important themes.
