I was drawn to this book because the title character shares my son's name. I love the "old" names in the book and that the characters even comment about them at one point. I enjoyed reading about the arts school and the characters who were artists and performers. I think there are many kids like this who will be drawn to these passionate characters.

I enjoyed the relationship development between Walter and his grandfather. I also love that he still admired his father even with his flaws. It was clear that his dad was trying to do his best and truly loved him even though he had his own demons to contend with. It was refreshing to see that Walter could be angry with him, fairly, and still truly love and admire him.

There was a bit of language that was rough around the edges that doesn't appeal to me, but there are students who I'd hand the book to.

Walter is a really great character that many kids will be able to relate to. He has struggles and isn't afraid of his feelings and identifying them.
Walter has always traveled around with his semi-famous father Edward Ellis. He is dropped off with his grandpa to live for awhile, as he thinks his dad has a gig that he can't take him too. We later find out that his dad was really in rehab trying to make sure he can be the best dad for Walter.
These characters have so much depth and have real friendships and relationships. I liked the school, as it is an arts school and let's kids be "weird". I enjoyed Walter's relationship with Fil and how he becomes protective of her, as she took him under her wing when she got there.
Loved all the voices Walter does and how that's his thing.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory play in the background with these characters was great. I could picture them acting this out.
I liked all the life quotes that Walter looks at from his dad. They help him get through, but they are also life lessons that are really real.
I loved the relationship that Walter develops with his Grandpa. How they find a routine together and try something new together.
This is a real great book about families and changes. I can't wait to share this book in the library.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Walter is dropped off to live with his grandfather, while his father is gone. Walter’s father is Edward Ellis, a semi-super star in their town because of he was on an American Idol type tv show. Walter begins school at Apple Grove Performing Arts Academy. Walter becomes famous for his funny voices (make voices like Kermit, Ernie, alien, etc.) he uses for the morning announcements. Walter makes friends with Fil and she convinces him to try out for the school musical-Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Walter ends up with the lead. Towards the end of the book, Walter finds out where his father has been the entire time-in rehab for alcoholism. Edward is able to come to see Walter, but he comes in a most surprising way.

I enjoyed this middle grade novel. I felt it had lots of heart! It did a great job of handling several touchy subjects. I can’t wait to share this with others.

What an excellent book showing a great relationship between Walter and his grandpa after his dad dropped him off to stay with him. Walter ends up going to a performing arts academy and makes friends with Fil. Walter misses his dad especially when he doesn’t call every night. He does have a journal of his dad’s that he reads that has some wonderful words of wisdom. When Walter is chosen to be Willy Wonka in the school play, a surprise waits for him at the end.

I loved Walter and his relationship with his grandpa! It was such a relatable story that middle grade readers will enjoy!

"Weirdly Walter" by Julia Walton pays homage to the complicated relationships between fathers and sons. Walter Ellis is the son of guitarist and singer Edward Ellis, a moderately successful musician famous for being a runner up on an American Idol like TV show. The book opens as Walter begins a new school, the Apple Grove Performing Arts Academy. Walter's Dad has recently dropped him off to live with his grandfather. Walter is confused and hurt that his Dad isn't allowing him to accompany him as they usually just tour together. To cope with the hurt Walter finds solace in an orange notebook where he has written down words of wisdom from his Dad, a collection of quotes that are often though provoking, and occasionally humorous. Walter's new friend Fil convinces him to audition for the school musical, where he discovers that his uncanny ability to imitate voices also makes him a natural born actor. Rehearsing for the part of Willy Wonka brings up mixed emotions, because that is a favorite film of his father and his. This book does a wonderful job of portraying the ways that Wally's grandfather shows his love for both his grandson and son. When a jealous classmate reveals the real reason that Walter's Dad is away, Wally must draw on the strength of new relationships to find a way to forgiveness. I highly recommend this title for classroom and personal libraries. because of the strength of the storytelling.