Defect - by Will Weaver (Paperback)

About the Book

In this arresting new novel, the author of "Full Service," an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, creates an unforgettable character on the path to discovering that some blessings can be a curse--and some curses a blessing.

Book Synopsis

Maybe it was bad karma. Maybe it was just bad luck. Whatever the reason, fifteen-year-old David was born defective. His bug eyes, pinched face, and hearing aids are obvious, but there is a secret David keeps from everyone, even his foster parents. Because of a thin layer of skin hidden under each arm, David can fly--well, glide is more like it. Terrified of doctors, wary of letting down his guard, David is determined to hide his secret at any cost. But then David meets Cheetah, a girl whose own defect doesn't diminish her spirit, and suddenly his life begins to take wing.

In this arresting new novel, Will Weaver creates an unforgettable character on the path to discovering that some blessings can be a curse--and some curses a blessing.

Review Quotes

"Artful melding of fantastical elements in a realistic setting...Moreover, David and Cheetah are such empathetic characters and their relationship so palatable that the larger message about tolerance and self-acceptance will not be missed.""--School Library Journal""" "The eerie cover and enticing premise will draw readers in for a big payoff."--"Booklist""" "Told with sensitivity and insight, this exploraiton of a young man's journety to self-acceptance seems particularly compelling in a world of extreme makeovers."--"Kirkus Reviews""" "Weaver . . . skillfully interweaves the improbable with twenty-first-century realities in this provocative novel."--"VOYA""" "Weaver's message of acceptance of differences comes through loud and clear."--"The Horn Book""" "A touching story that has a lot to say about whether we wear our bodies or they wear us."--"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books """ "Readers will have much to ponder." --"IRA""" "This book should prompt interesting and productive discussions about differences, identitity and tolerance with high school students."-- "The ALAN Review"

"The eerie cover and enticing premise will draw readers in for a big payoff."-"Booklist""" "Told with sensitivity and insight, this exploraiton of a young man's journety to self-acceptance seems particularly compelling in a world of extreme makeovers."--"Kirkus Reviews""" "Weaver . . . skillfully interweaves the improbable with twenty-first-century realities in this provocative novel."-"VOYA""" "Weaver's message of acceptance of differences comes through loud and clear."-"The Horn Book""" "A touching story that has a lot to say about whether we wear our bodies or they wear us."-"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books """ "Readers will have much to ponder." -"IRA"

" The eerie cover and enticing premise will draw readers in for a big payoff." -- "Booklist""" "Told with sensitivity and insight, this exploraiton of a young man's journety to self-acceptance seems particularly compelling in a world of extreme makeovers."--"Kirkus Reviews""" "Weaver . . . skillfully interweaves the improbable with twenty-first-century realities in this provocative novel."-- "VOYA"

About the Author

WILL WEAVER is the author of numerous books for young adults. His most recent novel, Full Service, was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and Kirkus Reviews, in a starred review, hailed it as "pitch perfect" and "superb." He lives in Bemidji, Minnesota.
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