Defect    by Will Weaver Order:  USA  Can Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2007 (2007) Hardcover     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel David lives with his mother in New York City until he is twelve when she sends him to Minnesota for his own safety. Unfortunately, David's looks and birth defects make him a target wherever he goes. After living with relatives, he ends up in foster care until the Trotwoods choose to take him home. David can't understand why, but he is grateful to them for providing him with a normal home, even if it is on a hog farm. At school David expects to be bullied, but he always fights back whenever and wherever he can. When the star wrestler pushes him too far, David invites him to meet on the bluff overlooking town, where David stages a suicide. In spite of his defects, David remains in control. One of his hidden defects is really a blessing. These are the wings hidden under his arms. When he is given the opportunity to have surgery that will make him look normal he realizes that it would mean giving up his wings. David makes his decision with the help of a girl with apoplexy, a dying young boy, and his foster parents. In today's society where being different can be very hard on a child, would the world accept evolution? Weaver has given us a thought provoking story with a strong protagonist, and left us with questions we won't soon forget. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews