“Transcendent.” —New York Times Book Review “Magnificent.” —Village Voice “Sparkling.” —Publishers Weekly Francesca Lia Block’s dazzling debut novel, Weetzie Bat, is not only a genre-shattering, critically acclaimed gem, it's also widely recognized as a classic of young adult literature, having captivated readers for generations. This coming-of-age novel follows the eponymous Weetzie Bat and her best friend Dirk as they navigate life and love in a timeless, dreamlike version of Los Angeles. When Weetzie is granted three wishes by a genie, she discovers that there are unexpected ramifications…. Winner of the prestigious Phoenix Award, Weetzie Bat is a beautiful, poetic work of magical realism that is perfect for fans of Laura Ruby, Neil Gaiman, and Kelly Link.
Once upon a time in the city of Shangri-L.A., someone left a baby on a doorstep. She had wild, dark hair and purple eyes and looked at the world in a special way. The family that took her in called her Witch Baby and raised her as their own. But even though she tried to fit in, Witch Baby never felt as though she truly belonged. So one day she packed her bat-shaped backpack, put her black cowboy-boot roller skates, and went out into the real world to find out who she really was....
With the adults in their household away, Cherokee, Witch Baby, Raphael, and Angel Juan form a rock band called the Goat Guys. The group quickly becomes popular, carrying the four young people into a freer life that first appears exciting and liberating. Fame and experimentation soon create pressures they are not prepared to manage. Their shared project tests friendship, judgment, and identity as they discover that escaping ordinary limits can introduce dangers of its own.
Lonely City A tangly-haired, purple-eyed girl named Witch Baby lives in glitzy L.A. She loves a guy named Angel Juan. When he leaves for New York she knows she must find him. Looking For Love So she heads for the city of glittery buildings and garbage and Chinese food and drug dealers and subways and kids playing hip-hopscotch. Finding Trouble Her clues are an empty tree house in the park, a postcard on the street, a mannequin in a diner. Angel Juan is in danger, and only Witch Baby's heart-magic can make him safe. When Angel Juan leaves L. A.—and Witch Baby—to play his music and find himself in New York, Witch Baby, wild and restless without him, follows. The story that ensues "is an engagingly eccentric mix of fantasy and reality, enhanced—this time—by mystery and suspense. It is also magical, moving and mischievous, and—literally—marvelous."—SLJ.
Sixteen-year-old Dirk MacDonald is trying to understand and accept that he is gay while living in Los Angeles. His isolation begins to change through surreal storytelling visits from his dead father and great-grandmother. Their appearances connect Dirk to family histories and forms of love that he had not been able to claim for himself. As the stories accumulate, he confronts fear and inherited pain and moves toward a more honest understanding of his identity.
Francesca Lia Block is an American author known for lyrical young adult fiction, including Weetzie Bat and its related Dangerous Angels books.
Connected canonical Works reviewed: Baby Be-Bop; Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys; Missing Angel Juan; Weetzie Bat; Witch Baby.
The retained bibliography connects this profile to Baby Be-Bop, Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys, Missing Angel Juan, Weetzie Bat, Witch Baby. These title relationships remain candidate editorial evidence and do not create or alter canonical Works.
The research records Margaret A. Edwards Award — winner — 2005 — Francesca Lia Block body of work. Each item remains tied to its retained source for editorial verification.
Coverage retained for the profile includes Kirkus review of Weetzie Bat: Retained review coverage linked to the exact author or connected Work.; Publishers Weekly review of Weetzie Bat: Retained review coverage linked to the exact author or connected Work..
