The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Written by Jen Wojtowicz
and Illustrated by Steve Adams
Book of the Year Award Finalist 2005, ForeWord Magazine
Buy Online from Barefoot
A writer's unexpected muse:
her brother
By JENNIFER E. O'BRIEN,
An article from the Times Union
First published: Thursday, May 4, 2006
Jen Wojtowicz never set out to write a book about autism. But a close friend who read the Vischer Ferry author's children's book, "The Boy Who Grew Flowers" (Barefoot Books; $16.99; 32 pages), said the main character's ability to grow flowers out of his body was a beautiful metaphor for the developmental disability that Wojtowicz's older brother, Wally, has.
He might be different, but she knew he had a goodness inside, even if other people might not take the time to recognize it. And while her brother's disability influenced many parts of her life, she didn't know how deeply it touched her before the book.
"I think those kinds of things get worked out inside of us without us even knowing," says Wojtowicz.
Wojtowicz's book, illustrated by Steve Adams, that sensitively tells the story of Rink Bowagon, a young boy and misfit, who along with his unusual family (Uncle Dud tames rattlesnakes) lives atop Lonesome Mountain.
Ignored by the other students and his teacher, Rink lives a rather isolated existence. When a new student, Angelina Quiz from Tuscaloosa, moves to town, Rink decides that he likes "her straight away." It is through Angelina's presence and the announcement of an upcoming school dance that Rink is brave enough to make a new friend and let his kindness shine.
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From Booklist
Gr. 1-3. Rink Bowagon is not like other boys. Not only does he live on Lonesome Mountain, a "hotbed of strange and exotic talents," but he is shy, quiet, and sprouts flowers from his body during each full moon. Shunned at school, Rink keeps to himself--until a kind, honest girl named Angelina Quiz with a short right leg joins his class. Rink instantly likes her and decides to ask her to the school dance, painstakingly crafting her a pair of snakeskin party shoes with one extra-thick right sole to balance her out. When Rink shows up at Angelina's door with green shoes and pink roses in hand (they had previously sprouted from his head), her heart flips, and the rest is history. This quirky, beautifully told story of individuality, love, and kindness (and the benefits of corrective shoes!) is illustrated with soft, luminous acrylics on visibly textured board. Artful compositions, intriguingly varied perspectives, and a gorgeous palette make these whimsical, expressive paintings suitable for framing. An odd, lovely offering.
Karin Snelson Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Recent praise
"This is a wonderful story that teaches about accepting differences - and even celebrating them."
- Library Media Connection
"Children who struggle to fit in at school will find a hero in the star of this debut children's book. Adams's incandescent illustrations, painted on textured boards in deep blues and green integrate flowers and full moons scattered across the pages, and the characters' faces look almost beatific...it will remind [young readers] of the power of kindness."
- Publishers Weekly
"[The] story is one that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance. The illustrations are done in acrylics on board and the way the texture of the wood shows through gives the lovely paintings a folksy quality. The luminous scenes and soulful relationship between Rink and Angelina make this story a joy to read."
- School LIbrary Journal
"Acrylic paintings are the perfect accompaniments to the author's debut story of courage and friendship. A shy boy named Rink, who grows flowers from his body during the full moon, befriends the new girl, Angelina, who has one leg shorter than the other. He makes her special shoes that change her life. With his use of soft colors and subtle details, Adam's ethereal paintings pull the reader into the page."
- ForeWord Magazine
