A Wish in the Dark

This was one of the best books I have ever read. There is lots of action,thrill and adventure. We recommend this highly as a class read aloud!

I read this book to my oldest 2 children--ages 6 and 8. The 6 year old fell asleep most nights, but had lots of questions. My 8 year old and I could not put it down! It's a beautiful book! I love the messages built in and how it relates those messages without beating you over the head with them. Things like keep trying, make right choices, everyone is worthy. The adventure is truly compelling and the ending wraps things up neatly. There are some topics that might. It be suited to more sensitive children. Topics such as children in prison, poverty, and government corruption all play major roles in this novel. I do recommend it for a family willing to discuss those topics with their children!

This story is all about light in the darkness and how each person has a light inside them that can conquer the darkness. Everyone has a gift. It's how you use that gift that counts.While this is a Thai retelling of Les Mis, commenting on the class system and how unfair it is, there is also magic sprinkled throughout. This magic represents the power each person has to make a difference, and when everyone brings their gifts together, they can fight back against the darkness/unfairness.The story centers on a boy named Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison and told that he is not worthy to live in the light. He starts to believe this lie and ignore his own gifts. But then he escapes the prison and goes into hiding at a temple, becoming a monk. He learns more about blessings and gifts from his mentor Father Cham. But when the warden's family arrives to visit the temple four years later, his daughter Nok recognizes Pong and Pong has to go on the run again to avoid going back to prison.Both Pong and Nok have goals to achieve. Pong wants to get to the sea to find freedom. Nok wants to prove she is worthy by catching an escaped prisoner. But they both realize that by joining together with other "unworthy" people in the city, in a march against the governor and his unfair rules, they are finding the freedom and acceptance they seek, for both themselves and others.

After the Great Fire, the city of Chattana was in ruins. And then the Governor came and brought them light and power. He saved them all.Pong and Somkit are born in Namwon Prison across the bay and dream of the day that they can walk among the lights. And then Pong escapes. He finds that the world outside is not everything he hoped it would be. But he does find kindness and begins to learn about life.Somkit finishes his sentence and then finds himself struggling in the bright lights of Chattana, where ex prisoners are treated unfairly, even if their only crime is that of being the child of a convict. And then he finds the resistance and his place.Nok is the affluent daughter of the warden of Namwog. She always follows the law and does the right thing. She will hunt down criminals because she believes in the law.The three of them cross paths in different ways. This is one part magic, one part fairy tale. But mostly it is a lesson in blindly following a leader who may or may not have the best interests of his people in mind. Power, unchecked can often be dangerous. It's a story about asking yourself if what is the law is actually what is right and forming your own opinions. I really enjoyed it. And while I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, look at how pretty this one is!

An engaging and uplifting story that showcases the main character's journey to understanding multiple personal and societal truths: that all people have inherent worth, no matter their circumstances or background; that most people who do bad things do so because of a desperate situation with no good alternatives, and they deserve compassion rather than judgement; that law enforcement, courts, and jails keep things orderly but do not inherently make the world a better place; and the importance of hope and of coming together in community in order to make a difference in the world.

I read this aloud to my 4th grade class. We all thought it was amazing!

Highly recommend that you buy this now! At first, I was only curious about reading Asian culture for the first time, but the wonderful life lessons, hard-hitting topics, and gorgeous setting really brings this book to life. An amazing journey for every age! (Clean book—no swearing, no adult content).

I absolutely loved this book as an adult and immediately gave it to my 9 year old to read. He loves it too! I highly recommend it for MG readers and beyond!

It's a great book. I bought it for my daughter, and she highly recommends it. We purchased another one as a Christmas gift for her friend.

It arrived in good condition, thanks!