This book presents an extremely intriguing plot idea that is highly suitable for a great discussion. The central question is: if you could have only one wish, what would you wish for?

I really liked the fact that the precise wording of each wish played a crucial role in the fulfillment of the wish. It was fascinating to see how the final outcome differed so significantly from the original intent.

Moreover, who could not have an appreciation for a character named Stew Meat? This unique character added an extra layer of charm and interest to the story.

The book's ability to explore the consequences of wishes and the unexpected turns that can occur makes it a truly engaging read. It encourages readers to think about the power of words and the potential pitfalls of getting what we wish for.

Overall, this book offers a thought-provoking and entertaining experience that is sure to keep readers engaged from start to finish.

I can clearly understand the reason why this book has been awarded the Newbery Honor Book.

It is extremely easy to read, yet it contains a great deal of profound meaning within the old and familiar phrase, "Be careful for what you wish for."

The story unfolds in a way that engages the reader from the very beginning, leading them on a journey that explores the consequences of our desires and wishes.

As the characters in the book make their wishes, we see how those wishes can have unforeseen and often negative impacts.

This simple yet powerful message serves as a reminder to us all that we should think carefully before we wish for something, as we may not always like the outcome.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting this theme in a way that is accessible to readers of all ages, making it a truly worthy recipient of the Newbery Honor.

This is not so much about being cautious regarding what you desire, but rather about refraining from making pacts with devils. Because they will distort your words just like malevolent genies or Amelia Bedelia, and then you're truly in a bad situation.

I had a liking for it when I was a child because it was grotesque and had a folk lore quality to it. I still like it for the very same reasons now.

I don't know, my literary preferences during grade school were rather disturbing literature, such as the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series and Little House on the Prairie. This particular thing somehow fit right in among them.

It's interesting how our tastes can remain somewhat consistent over time, even as we grow and change in other aspects of our lives. The allure of the grotesque and the folk lore elements continue to draw me in, perhaps because they offer a different kind of escape or a chance to explore the darker side of our imagination.

BANNED BOOK

It's a banned book, mainly because of the supernatural element incorporated into the storyline. This unique aspect seems to have raised some concerns, leading to its prohibition.

The story features Charlatan Thaddeus Blinn, who has an audience of four individuals: Polly, Rowena, Adam, and “Stew Meat”. Each of them is given the opportunity to make one wish. Without hesitation, they all express their desires.

The moral of this captivating tale is: be cautious about what you wish for, as it might actually come true, but not necessarily in the way you anticipated. This lesson adds an interesting layer to the story and makes readers reflect on the consequences of their wishes.

I, for one, thought it was a very cute book. Despite being banned, it has managed to capture my attention with its engaging plot and valuable moral. It's a shame that it's not more widely available for others to enjoy.

What would you wish for?

Thaddeus Blinn

I CAN GIVE YOU

WHATEVER

YOU ASK FOR

ONLY 50¢

Only four people in town are willing to take Thaddeus up on his offer, and the results are quite surprising. Well, perhaps not that astonishing for those of us who love to read. We are aware that granting wishes always comes with a price, and it's seldom truly worthwhile in the end. However, this is a charming story and enjoyable to read.

If I could persuade the kids in our school to read it, some might very likely relish it. But unfortunately, the cover appears old (it doesn't resemble the one shown above), and the book is on the verge of falling apart. I decided to read it because the premise piqued my interest, but I don't anticipate having much success with the students. It's a Newbery Honor book, yet it seems to be merely occupying space. It will be included in the discussion pile for our next weeding session. *sigh*

The good news is that any books that do get "weeded" are donated to kids who lack access to books.

Recommended to:

Grades 3 - 7 (as stated on the book jacket) - somewhere in the middle, I believe. It's a great story to introduce the theme of "be careful what you wish for".

The cover of our book:

Cute, fun short read. It really reminded me of my elementary school days again.

When I was in elementary school, I used to love reading such short and interesting stories. They would always bring a smile to my face and make my day brighter.

This particular short read had all the elements that I used to enjoy as a child. It was filled with cute characters and a fun plot that kept me engaged from start to finish.

Reading it made me feel like I was back in the classroom, sharing stories with my classmates and having a great time.

I highly recommend this short read to anyone who is looking for a quick and enjoyable escape. It's perfect for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up or just want to relive the simplicity and joy of childhood.

So, go ahead and give it a try. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did!

This book presents an interesting take that is distinct from the versions I've previously encountered. It has a certain charm that makes it seem like a story my father might have shared. Set in a time long past, it holds a particular allure for me. Personally, I derived great enjoyment from reading it and would highly recommend it to an older child. What I appreciate about it is how it delves into the lives of different characters. This approach provides a vivid sense of the town and the diverse range of people who inhabit it.

The presence of magic in the story helps to explain why it might have found its way onto the banned list. The various characters serve as a mirror, reflecting the differences that exist among people in the real world. Some of the characters' animosity towards others is solely based on class, which is unfortunately still relevant today. While I wouldn't want my children to learn such attitudes, I do believe that this aspect can serve as a valuable lesson in promoting acceptance.

However, it must be noted that it takes a considerable amount of time for the story to truly gain momentum. I had already reached the one-fifth mark of the book before any magical elements came into play. There is a substantial amount of backstory that, in my opinion, could have been trimmed down without sacrificing the overall integrity of the narrative.

It was ordinary.

In my opinion, with the situation it created, it could have created a more extraordinary space, but the potential present in the work was not utilized.

The translation was horrible.

I didn't even like the pictures at all and in my view, a lot of the text space was wasted.

Read as an audiobook and I couldn't put it down! Honestly, I went into this one with zero expectations other than to read a banned book for Banned Books Week. I had checked it out from the library as a physical book around this time last year. However, I'm truly glad that I ended up going with the audiobook version. The narrators brought the story to life in a way that I don't think I would have experienced if I had read it in print. The characters' voices and emotions were so vividly portrayed, making it an immersive and engaging experience. If you have the opportunity and you are interested in reading The Wish Giver, I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try. You won't be disappointed!

Not as dark as I thought but thought provoking nonetheless.

At first glance, the situation seemed rather bleak. However, upon closer examination, there were glimmers of hope and deeper meanings that emerged.

It made me realize that sometimes, what appears to be a dismal scene may actually hold hidden treasures of wisdom and inspiration.

The experience forced me to look beyond the surface and consider the underlying factors at play.

It was a reminder that our initial perceptions can often be deceiving and that we should always be open to new perspectives.

Despite not being as dark as I had initially anticipated, this encounter still managed to stimulate my thoughts and leave a lasting impression.

It served as a valuable lesson in the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to explore the unknown.

Overall, it was a thought-provoking experience that I will not soon forget.

Here in Coven Tree, we have a deep familiarity with magic. It's not the kind of magic that you see in stage tricks like pulling a rabbit out of a hat or making a coin disappear up a sleeve. No, I'm referring to genuine, real magic.

This book is highly recommended for students who might not be avid readers. The story and the writing style both brought to mind Mark Twain, although it has been simplified a bit for younger audiences. It引发了a rather long discussion about how making a simple wish isn't as straightforward as it seems. Once you start adding conditions to ensure that the outcome doesn't go wrong, things can get complicated. In other words, I got to play the role of the devil's advocate for a significant amount of time.

I'm truly amazed that I never read this book when I was younger. It has so much to offer in terms of entertainment and thought-provoking ideas.

If you happened to see me logging this for my reading challenge, no, you didn't. In fact, it was actually quite good, okay?

I want to express my gratitude to the fifth grade for allowing me to borrow this. It's truly a wonderful opportunity.

The book I borrowed has opened up a new world for me. It's filled with interesting stories and valuable knowledge.

As I read through it, I can't help but be immersed in the plot and the characters. It makes me forget about the outside world for a while.

I'm really enjoying this reading experience and I'm looking forward to seeing what else this book has in store for me.

Once again, thank you to the fifth grade for their kindness and generosity.