Weslandia by Paul Fleischman

Take a journey this summer with Wesley, the unique and quirky outsider with a strong imagination. While other kids play sports, go to summer school, take vacations, or enjoy organized summer camp, Wesley of Weslandia  creates a summer project out of a simple seed. From the seed, Wesley is able to plant food, create his own language and alphabet,

make up individual and team sports, provide shelter, play musical instruments, and most importantly create a civilization that is his alone. 

This story reminds us that it is important to stay true to yourself and that is what will make one happy. For Wesley, he was tormented by other kids until they were able to see the beauty in his ideas. In the beginning, his parents and other kids treat him like an "odd duck." But when they see his civilization transpire, they are curious and want to be a part of it. By the end of the summer, Wesley's peers and parents have a new appreciation for his quirkiness.  

In this book, the "underdog" character becomes the hero. It also reminds the reader about the power of using your imagination and staying true to yourself. For more information about Weslandia and for further review, please click on this link.

Listen to the story through a you tube read aloud.