How Willy Got His Wheels

by Deborah Turner

Willy is a lively, friendly dog who wants nothing but a home, even if his legs don't work, and when Deborah adopts him she determines to find a way to help him move about, even if balloons or a skateboard don't do the trick

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 14, 1998

Reviews

[Molly Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Willy, a little dog who is paralyzed in his back two legs. He gets adopted from the animal hospital by a lady named Deborah, who is searching for a way to help him walk. They try several different ways to help him work. Eventually, they find one that helps him!

This book is amazing. I went through a roller coaster of emotions. I almost cried, I laughed, and the ending is so heartwarming. The author does an amazing job telling this story, which is a true story about the author and her dog.

I would use this book in a lower elementary classroom. This book can help teach acceptance. I would use it to talk about how differences make us special.

[Ashley Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Willy, a little dog who cannot move his back two legs. He gets adopted from the animal hospital by a lady named Deborah, who is searching for a way to help him walk. They try several different ways to help him work, such as balloons and other silly things. Eventually, they find one that helps him - a small cart fitted just for him!

This book definitely gets five stars. It is based on a true story about a real chihuahua! This book could be used in a lower elementary classroom. It can help teach acceptance. I would use it to talk about how differences make us special!!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This book is charming, funny, sweet and most of all, inspirational. This true story of a very special little dog would warm the heart of even the most life hardened soul. I don't know when, if ever, I've been this touched by a children's book. And here I sit, the mother of three small boys. Willy's [new family includes:] Deborah, who adopts him from an animal hospital, and his new siblings, Sweet Pea a Chihuahua and Marshmallow the fluffy cat. This energetic group will keep you chuckling long after the story engraves itself on your heart. Though this is essentially a children's book, it has a far ranging, even universal, appeal. How can we not all thrill to a story of huge courage in the face of challenge. An essential story for any book collection whether it be in a home, public library, or a school. (Thanks Amazon)

Written By: Deborah Turner

Audience: Grades K-3

Social Issues: Disabilities, Courage, Overcoming Obstacles

Uses: Read Aloud, Independent Reading, Guided Reading

Awards/Recommended By: Kirstin Bratt Award

[Mallori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This book is about a little puppy whose back legs do not work. Because of his handicap, Willy is placed in an animal hospital. Finally Deborah, a lady looking for a dog, adopts Will and gives him a wonderful life. She buys him a wheelchair and Will can finally do everything other dogs can do and lives in a warm, loving home.

Reading Level: Ages 5-10

Genre: Picture Book

Uses: Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Read-Aloud

Social Issues: This book gives readers the ability to understand how they can help animals in many ways. It shows individuals how they can adopt an animal and give it a wonderful life.

Literary Elements: This book includes many sensory details that pull on the reader's heart strings and gives a vivid picture in the reader's mind of Willy and the whole story.

Text & Image: The text directly follows the illustrations and keeps the reader interested as they turn page after page.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for a kindergarten teacher for her class or a child around that age.

[Chelsea]

Requested by Korina.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book and it is very funny.It shows anything can be achieved if there is a will.It is a inspiring,funny and kind story.

[Jeanette Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about a dog in wheel chair.

[Elle Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful