What influenced fleischman to write whirligig?

Paul Fleischman was influenced to write "Whirligig" by his interest in exploring themes of responsibility, connection, and the impact of one's actions on others. The idea for the novel emerged from a real-life incident involving a tragic event that caused him to reflect on how a single action can ripple through the lives of many. Additionally, his fascination with the concept of whirligigs—spinning toys that symbolize cycles and change—helped shape the narrative structure and themes of the story.