The Wish Giver by bill brittain

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I wouldn't have chosen this book as a Newberry Award honoree, nor would I ever consider banning it. (If I supported banning books, which I don't.)

The subject matter is wishes, not witchcraft or devil or occult anything as some may believe from the town name and early description of the town. The characters in the story all get what they wished for - with unintended consequences. These consequences are hammered home with a heavy moral. If anything, this is a moral tale for the young.

It was hard to tell whether this book was contemporary to the 1980s or set in an earlier time. If contemporary, it really reinforces gender stereotypes. At first I thought it was pushing gender norms (i.e. ladylike behavior) but the moral is loud and clear and not what I expected. Polly's story was my favorite, despite the annoying Nellie Olsen girls. Rowena was just plain dumb and silly and deserved what happened while Adam meant well. Adam was lazy and got what he wished for and then some. Oddly though the moral isn't about laziness so much as be careful what you wish for.

I didn't care for the folksy voice of the narrator, Stew Meat. I'm not from Maine but I am from New England and I have never heard anyone use the phrase "Consarn it!" or even the word "crick." It made me think of Little House on the Prairie. This aspect of the narration took away from the overall reading experience for me. I understand that the author may have been trying to create a certain atmosphere or add a touch of authenticity, but it just didn't work for me. However, despite these drawbacks, the book does have some redeeming qualities. The story is engaging and the moral is an important one for young readers to learn. Overall, I would say that this book is an average read.

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2Mira2

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I vividly remembered that I had a great liking for this when I was around 9 or 10 years old. And now, as an adult, I had a strong desire to re-visit it. I couldn't help but wonder if it would still have the same charm and hold up well, just like a book by John Bellairs. However, when I re-read it as an adult reader, it didn't really have much to offer me. But upon reflection, I could clearly see the reasons why I liked it back then! It was filled with the kind of magic and adventure that appealed to a child's imagination. I would definitely consider reading this to my kids or giving it as a wonderful gift to someone within the intended age group. After all, it is truly a good one.

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Tyiriel

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Gloria excitedly brought this book home from school.

She couldn't wait to share it with me and wanted me to read it right away.

The book was a beautifully crafted children's story that centered around the theme of "be careful what you wish for."

As I began to read, I was immediately drawn into the enchanting world created by the author.

The story was filled with vivid characters and engaging情节 that kept me on the edge of my seat.

It taught children an important lesson about the consequences of their wishes and actions.

I was truly impressed by how well the author had conveyed this message in a way that was both entertaining and educational.

Gloria listened intently as I read aloud, her eyes wide with wonder and excitement.

This book was not only a great source of entertainment but also a valuable learning tool for children.

I'm glad Gloria brought it home and I would highly recommend it to other parents and children.

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egesagin135

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

**Title: A Pleasant and Simple Read**

Reading can be a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And when you come across a nice easy read, it's like finding a hidden gem.

An easy read doesn't require a great deal of mental effort. It flows smoothly, with clear language and a straightforward plot or narrative.

It can be a light-hearted novel that makes you smile or a short story that provides a quick burst of entertainment.

Whether you're relaxing on the beach, curled up in a cozy chair at home, or taking a break during your commute, a nice easy read is the perfect companion.

It allows you to unwind, let your mind wander, and simply enjoy the pleasure of reading.

So the next time you're looking for something to read, don't overlook the charm of a nice easy read. It might just be the perfect antidote to a busy day.

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Skywards-san

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This is a collection of stories that serves as a "be careful what you wish for" reminder.

The dialect and language used in these stories are a bit old-fashioned, which initially made it a bit challenging for my 11-year-old to get into. However, once he managed to engage with the first tale, he was completely hooked and the story really took off.

Each story in this set presents a unique situation where the characters' wishes have unexpected consequences. It makes the reader think about the potential outcomes of their own desires and actions.

The outdated language adds a certain charm and authenticity to the stories, transporting the reader to a different time and place.

Overall, this is a great collection of stories that not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about the power of wishes and the importance of being careful what we ask for.

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abi6

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This timeless tale of magic delves deep into the immediacy of human wants.

It poses a thought-provoking question: when presented with the option of obtaining anything one desires, what would one ask for?

The story unfolds by following three distinct characters and the wishes that are granted to them. Naturally, these wishes come with additional consequences that they did not anticipate.

As the characters experience getting what they initially wanted, the question remains: will they come to realize the value of what they already possess and what they truly need in life?

This narrative takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, making them question their own desires and priorities.

It shows how sometimes, in the pursuit of what we think we want, we may overlook the simple joys and necessities that are already within our reach.

The story serves as a reminder that true happiness may not lie in the fulfillment of every wish, but in understanding and appreciating what we already have.

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NothingHollow

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

At the beginning of the book, they are at a church social and see this tent with a sign in front of it saying "I can make all your wishes come true." So they all pay 50 cents to make a wish. However, the thing is that all their wishes are turned around because they didn't word them right.

The first chapter is about Rowina. Her wish is that people would pay more attention and she wants to get invited to Agatha and Eurnice's house.

The second one is also about Rowina. Her wish is that Henry would plant roots, but what she actually meant was that she wanted him to stay in Coven Tree. Instead, he turned into a tree because Thaddis Blinn had turned her wish into what she said. Her lesson learned is to never judge a book by its cover.

Chapter 2 is about Adam. He made the best wish for his family but worded it really wrong. His wish was that the whole farm was covered with water, so the farm got flooded instead of just having a pond.

The last chapter is about Stew Meat, aka Stewart. His wish was worded right and didn't get messed up. He wished that all the four younglings' wishes were cancelled and everything was back to normal. And Polly learned that never say mean things and you will have more friends. So every time she got mad and would say something bad to you, the thing is to not get on her nerves.

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goldenfiligree

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I first encountered this book during my grade school days, around the age of eight or nine. I vividly recall being completely immersed in the story, hanging onto each and every word.

Fast forward several years, and I chanced upon the book at a local secondhand bookstore. Without hesitation, I snatched it off the shelf and purchased it without a second thought. To my delight, it remains just as enchanting as ever.

The moral of "be careful what you wish for" is a common trope found in countless stories, so it's not a novel concept. Somehow, you can predict the direction the story will take (perhaps this is a result of my adult perspective, as I do faintly remember having those "Aha!" moments as a child reading this). Despite these familiar elements, the story is refreshingly straightforward, presenting the facts as they are. The storytelling is truly delightful, balancing a bleak tone with a touch of humor, all narrated in the wry voice of Stew Meat, a no-nonsense character who is both the narrator and the main protagonist. He is curious enough to become involved in the main plot and wise enough to listen to children without scolding them.

I'm extremely glad that I bought this book and reread it. It's definitely a story that I'll encourage my daughter to read in a year or two. It offers a wonderful balance of real-world lessons (as real as they can be in a world with magic and shady salesmen) and a glimmer of hope.

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The Wish Giver

bill brittain

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bill brittain

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