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Weirdly Walter
Win a free print copy of this book!
15 days and 00:36:50
5 copies available
U.S. only
Sometimes finding your voice can sound funny. Walter and his father have always been inseparable. They’ve traveled the country together. Walter’s been to just about every one of Dad’s gigs. But this year, Walter’s sent to live with his grandfather, in the town where Dad grew up, and start fifth grade at the Apple Grove Performing Arts Academy all on his own. And the worst part is—Walter has no idea why.
On his first day, Walter impresses the entire school with hilarious impersonations during the morning announcements. He finds himself tapped to try out for the school musical, but when his costar unearths the true reason why Walter’s dad isn’t around, will Walter be able to face the music?
Weirdly Walter is a heartfelt story about unconditional love, forgiveness, and how our heroes aren’t always perfect, from the acclaimed author of Words on Bathroom Walls, Julia Walton.
On his first day, Walter impresses the entire school with hilarious impersonations during the morning announcements. He finds himself tapped to try out for the school musical, but when his costar unearths the true reason why Walter’s dad isn’t around, will Walter be able to face the music?
Weirdly Walter is a heartfelt story about unconditional love, forgiveness, and how our heroes aren’t always perfect, from the acclaimed author of Words on Bathroom Walls, Julia Walton.
- GenresMiddle Grade
176 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 22, 2024
About the author
Julia Walton
5 books295 followersJulia Walton received her MFA in creative writing from Chapman University. When she's not reading or baking cookies, she's indulging in her profound love of Swedish Fish, mechanical pencils, and hobbit-sized breakfasts. Julia lives in Huntington Beach, California, with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 25, 2024
E ARC provided by Netgalley
**Spoilers**
Walter's mother has died, and his father has had a very difficult time coping with this. When he starts drinking again (as it is revealed later in the book), he drops Walter off with his grandfather while he is in rehab. Walter is attending a very supportive arts elementary school for 5th grade. Instead of getting in trouble for highjacking the all school intercom and reading the morning announcements in a robot voice, he is given a gig doing the announcements but the understanding principal. He also gets a role in the school production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His grandfather has kept him in the dark about his father's condition, which causes problems when it makes the news (father was a prominent singer) and a classmate teases him about it.
Walter's behavior made this seem like more of an elementary school book, but could certainly be helpful for the right readers.
**Spoilers**
Walter's mother has died, and his father has had a very difficult time coping with this. When he starts drinking again (as it is revealed later in the book), he drops Walter off with his grandfather while he is in rehab. Walter is attending a very supportive arts elementary school for 5th grade. Instead of getting in trouble for highjacking the all school intercom and reading the morning announcements in a robot voice, he is given a gig doing the announcements but the understanding principal. He also gets a role in the school production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His grandfather has kept him in the dark about his father's condition, which causes problems when it makes the news (father was a prominent singer) and a classmate teases him about it.
Walter's behavior made this seem like more of an elementary school book, but could certainly be helpful for the right readers.
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April 17, 2024It's always been Walter and his dad. They've moved around a lot following his father's musician gigs, but Walter has generally landed on his feet. But now he's living with his grandpa and his father has gone away for an extended time. Walter doesn't know why but he makes a name for himself on the first day in his new arts school when he does the announcements in 'voices'. Walter is encouraged to try out for the school play, the real reason for his father's absence is revealed and love and forgiveness are demonstrated. Good story about a cool kid in tough circumstances. Coming in Oct. 2024.
June 10, 2024
I was attracted to this book because of the title. It would appeal to artsy/theater type students. The main characters attend an arts school and are preparing for a school musical. The main friendship between Walter and Fil is wonderful. I love the growing relationship between Walter and his new guardian grandfather. And finally, the relationship between Walter and his (currently) absent father is messy, but real. I liked a lot about it.
There are a few unnecessarily strong language parts that will leave this one out of my classroom library.
ARC provided by Netgalley.
There are a few unnecessarily strong language parts that will leave this one out of my classroom library.
ARC provided by Netgalley.
August 2, 2024
Ouin/10
August 1, 2024
What an excellent book showing a great relationship between Walter and his grandpa after his dad dropped him off to stay with him. Walter ends up going to a performing arts academy and makes friends with Fil. Walter misses his dad especially when he doesn’t call every night. He does have a journal of his dad’s that he reads that has some wonderful words of wisdom. When Walter is chosen to be Willy Wonka in the school play, a surprise waits for him at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews