From Publishers Weekly
In one of the Newbery Medalist's most poignant novels, a teenager learns to accept the changes in her life after she loses her leg in a car accident. Ages 12-up. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9 Before, Izzy's life had been colorful as a pretty, popular cheerleader, but grayness swallows her up after a car accident results in the amputation of her leg. Her trio of girlfriends are too uncomfortable to be around her, but the void of their friendship is filled by unattractive, blunt Rosamunde, who bounds into her life, providing bolstering support. It's Rosamunde's persistence that helps Izzy over the hurdle of returning to school. Several expedients effectively convey Izzy's stages of reaction: the miniature Izzy visualized in her head that does back flips expresses her true feelings; the way denial is demonstrated by Izzy not looking at the empty leg space until 30 pages after the doctor tells her he has to take it off; the cool reserve of the black therapist which makes her "examine" herself. As with other Voigt characters, the perspective is from within. Readers see the mental anguish and self-pity through Izzy's eyes. Consciously, the pace is slow, as is the healing process, and the tone is ponderous throughout. The story is about learning to balance: physically as Izzy maneuvers herself on crutches and emotionally as she sorts out her friends and a new self-identification as Isobel. Work on the school paper, the prospect of a prosthesis and Rosamunde's staunch support start to mend her crippled life. No one will be able to finish this story without understanding the psychological trauma an amputee faces. The message is not Willy Nilly.Julie Cummins, Monroe County Lib . System, Rochester, N.Y.Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Izzy has it all: beauty, brains, friends, poise, and popularity. But at 15 she hasn't gone out with a senior boy, until Marco asks her to the party. So, of course, she goes. There the script goes sour. He drinks too much, she needs to get home, the car strikes a tree, and Izzy's leg is amputated just below the knee. Though it feels like the end to Izzy, it really is the beginning of what becomes a new and more independent life. Mandy Siegfried matches each of Voigt's characters and their peculiar attitudes with a distinctive voice. Her subtle shadings of tone count for a lot when four adolescent girls are talking at once; but Siegfried never gets confused, and neither does the reader. This is a book all about growing wise, making tough choices, and, though no longer having it all, being able to put it all together. P.E.F. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Review
"Conveys a keen understanding of the physical practicalities involved in coping with a handicap." -Booklist, starred review

"Voigt has a gift for writing books that are impossible to put down, not because of breathtaking plots but because her characters so involved the reader in their inner lives.  This is a penetrating look at some real people.  Izzy is a winner." -Kirkus Reviews

ANNOTATION

A car accident causes fifteen-year-old Izzy to lose one leg and face the need to start building a new life as an amputee.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Izzy's never been one to complain. Izzy's the nice girl, from a family that believes good manners and a stiff upper lip are key to facing any situation. Even after a car accident leaves her disabled, she's determined not to show how much she's hurting. It takes Rosamunde, a girl who seems to care nothing about good manners, to forcibly disrupt Izzy's life and help her face her changed existence.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In one of the Newbery Medalist's most poignant novels, a teenager learns to accept the changes in her life after she loses her leg in a car accident. Ages 12-up. (Oct.)

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

Izzy begins the story as a "perfect" young adult. She's a cheerleader, pretty, popular, and loved by her family. All that changes one night when she accepts a date with a boy she doesn't even really like. The boy drinks too much at a party, runs his car into a tree, recovers unscathed, but Izzy loses a leg. She is no longer the girl she once was and must re-learn not only how to live her life, but redefine herself and her values.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 Before, Izzy's life had been colorful as a pretty, popular cheerleader, but grayness swallows her up after a car accident results in the amputation of her leg. Her trio of girlfriends are too uncomfortable to be around her, but the void of their friendship is filled by unattractive, blunt Rosamunde, who bounds into her life, providing bolstering support. It's Rosamunde's persistence that helps Izzy over the hurdle of returning to school. Several expedients effectively convey Izzy's stages of reaction: the miniature Izzy visualized in her head that does back flips expresses her true feelings; the way denial is demonstrated by Izzy not looking at the empty leg space until 30 pages after the doctor tells her he has to take it off; the cool reserve of the black therapist which makes her ``examine'' herself. As with other Voigt characters, the perspective is from within. Readers see the mental anguish and self-pity through Izzy's eyes. Consciously, the pace is slow, as is the healing process, and the tone is ponderous throughout. The story is about learning to balance: physically as Izzy maneuvers herself on crutches and emotionally as she sorts out her friends and a new self-identification as Isobel. Work on the school paper, the prospect of a prosthesis and Rosamunde's staunch support start to mend her crippled life. No one will be able to finish this story without understanding the psychological trauma an amputee faces. The message is not Willy Nilly.Julie Cummins, Monroe County Lib . System, Rochester, N.Y.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-Izzy, Willy-Nilly by Cynthia Voight (Atheneum, 1986) is the story of a 15-year-old girl coming to terms with the fact that she has lost her leg in an alcohol-related car accident. Actress Mandy Siegfried brings the story to life for listeners. She brilliantly captures the character of Izzy as she struggles with the realization that her life has been changed forever, and gives voice to Izzy's family, friends, and various members of the hospital staff. The narration is accomplished with just the right amount of emotion and articulation. This thought-provoking story easily gives rise to opportunities for serious discussions of numerous issues affecting teenagers today, such as drinking and driving, friendship, popularity, and disabilities.-Darlene Ford, Dauphin County Library System, PA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

AudioFile