This was one of my childhood favorites when it was originally written and the nostalgia is still there.

The stories are reminiscent of parables from the South, told by grandparents after church services on hot summer days. These are the stories that are so ridiculous that you roll your eyes and say "that never happened," all the while silently thinking that you would never be so foolish as to make a careless wish or show such behavior as to suffer the consequences, right?

I was today years old when I found out that this is considered a "banned" book. For promoting witchcraft, no less. With a fair amount of mental gymnastics - like, an Olympics-worthy floor routine at minimum - I can almost see how a very paranoid person living prior to the advent of the Internet could see it. I mean, dowsing? A practice that was once commonly believed to be a legitimate method of sourcing water during drought? WITCHERY! A strange man passing through town offers wishes to children that prove actions have consequences? Why, he must be recruiting for the dark lord! We couldn't possibly consider any form of parental neglect, right?

Or - and go with me for just a moment - consider that this is a book which is just over forty years old. Now think of a forty-year-old that you know; it may even be yourself. Are there things that they do or used to do that you raised an eyebrow at? Was it witchcraft? Or was it generational differences?

Perhaps we should look at this book with a more open mind. Instead of immediately labeling it as promoting witchcraft, we could consider the valuable lessons it teaches about the consequences of our actions. Maybe the stories are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as allegories to make us think.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and where people are quick to judge, it is important to step back and consider different perspectives. This book, which was once a beloved childhood favorite, may have been unfairly judged due to its age and the changing social and cultural norms.

We should not let fear and paranoia cloud our judgment. Instead, we should embrace the opportunity to learn from the past and to understand that what may seem strange or unacceptable today may have been perfectly normal in a different time and place.

So, the next time you come across a book that has been labeled as "banned" or "controversial," take a moment to read it with an open mind. You may be surprised at what you discover.

In the town of Coven Tree, four individuals chanced upon a tent during the church social.

Inside, there was a short and stocky man named Thaddeus Blinn, who boasted that he could make any wish come true.

He handed each of the four a card and told them to make a wish if they desired.

Three of them chose to do so in their own time.

Surprisingly, their precise wishes were granted, but not in the manner they had anticipated.

Now, they must find a way to reverse the magic that has occurred.

I found this to be a charming book with a valuable lesson: Be cautious about what you wish for!

In the classroom, this book would be great for lower or struggling readers.

It could also spark a discussion on how words and language have evolved over the years. For example, the phrase "Consarn it" is used frequently in the book, which has been replaced today with "Darn it" and "Oh Shute".

Furthermore, a discussion on the theme of "Be Careful What You Wish For" and any personal connections students may have could lead to interesting conversations.

An eerie “Be careful what you wish for” tale unfolds within the pages of this book. It masterfully handles the misfortunes that befall its characters. The story manages to avoid being overly creepy or dark, yet it doesn't neglect the palpable fear they experience when their wishes take a wrong turn.

The author has a deft touch in creating a narrative that strikes just the right tone for its premise. The characters are well-developed, and their wishes and the consequences that follow are explored in a way that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat.

Despite the element of fear, there is also a sense of hope and the possibility of redemption. This balance makes the story all the more captivating and thought-provoking. It's a tale that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned.

A fun pre-teen book that has some'scary' themes for Halloween. It offers a great balance between youthful regret and valuable lessons to be learned.

This book is perfect for those pre-teens who are looking for a bit of excitement during the spooky season. The'scary' themes add an element of thrill and adventure, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats.

However, it doesn't just stop at being scary. The story also delves into the concept of youthful regret, allowing the characters and the readers to reflect on their own actions and decisions. Through these experiences, important lessons are taught, making the book not only entertaining but also educational.

Overall, this pre-teen book is a great choice for Halloween. It combines the fun of the holiday with the opportunity for personal growth and learning.

I vividly remember the first time I had this story read to me by my 3rd grade teacher.

Even now, as an adult, it holds the same enchanting charm for me as it did back then.

This book has a unique power that transports me back in time, making it an incredibly special piece of literature in my life.

What's more, it cleverly weaves three profound messages into the fabric of the story.

I firmly believe that this book should be a mandatory read for all 3rd grade teachers to share with their students.

By doing so, every child will have the opportunity to embark on a magical journey to Coven Tree and discover the wonderful lessons it has to offer.

This would not only enhance their literary experience but also help them grow and learn in ways that are both entertaining and educational.

From what I remember as a 4th grader, this book truly stunned me.

It had such an impact that every single night, I was in a complete shambles.

I would race up the stairs as fast as my little legs could carry me, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and fear.

The thought of the darkness lurking below, seemingly ready to consume me, drove me to seek the safety of my bed.

Once I was under the covers, I would clutch the book tightly, my mind still filled with the vivid images and thrilling stories it contained.

This book became my escape, my source of adventure and wonder, and it left an indelible mark on my young heart and mind.

To this day, I still remember the power it had over me and the joy it brought during those precious moments of childhood.

As a kid, I read this book. At that time, it might not have seemed all that original to me. However, it did play a significant role in introducing me to the concept of the bargain with the devil.

Looking back now, I realize that the story was surprisingly dark. It delved into themes and ideas that were perhaps a bit too mature for my young mind at the time. But despite its darkness, there was something about it that was truly intriguing.

The concept of making a deal with the devil, of trading one's soul or something precious in exchange for something desired, was both fascinating and terrifying. It made me think about the choices we make in life and the consequences that might follow.

This book left a lasting impression on me, and it continues to be a part of my literary memories. It showed me that even in the world of fiction, there are stories that can touch on deep and profound themes, and that can have a powerful impact on the reader.

This was a truly cute and kid friendly retelling of "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs.

The wishes in this version were not as gruesome as in the original, yet they still managed to be traumatic for the adolescents who were going through them.

Interestingly, some of the wishes were actually quite comical, adding an element of lightheartedness to the story.

I could definitely see the strong appeal this retelling would have for kids.

It presents the classic tale in a way that is accessible and engaging for a younger audience, while still maintaining some of the elements that make the original so captivating.

The combination of the slightly scary yet comical wishes, along with the relatable experiences of the adolescents, makes this a great adaptation for kids to enjoy.

It allows them to explore the idea of making wishes and the consequences that can follow, in a way that is both entertaining and educational.

Overall, this retelling of "The Monkey's Paw" is a wonderful addition to the world of children's literature.

I have a great passion for "be careful what you wish for" stories.

Although the plot might seem a bit foreseeable for adults, it's important to note that this particular story was crafted with children in mind. In fact, it's truly a five-star book for kids.

The interesting thing is that not only do the characters' wishes come true precisely as they desired, but also, by the end, they all find themselves with what they truly should have wished for in the first place.

It makes for a really fun and quick read that can capture the imagination of young readers and teach them a valuable lesson about the consequences of their wishes.

Overall, it's a delightful story that both children and adults can enjoy in their own ways.

There’s so much I liked about it.

First of all, its unique design caught my eye immediately. The colors and patterns were carefully chosen, creating a visually appealing and harmonious look.

Secondly, the functionality of this item is outstanding. It performs its intended tasks with great efficiency and ease, making my life much more convenient.

Moreover, the quality is top-notch. It is made of high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, ensuring that I can enjoy it for a long time.

In addition, the attention to detail is remarkable. Every little aspect has been carefully considered and refined, adding to the overall charm and value of the item.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this thing. It has exceeded my expectations in many ways and has become one of my favorite possessions.

I have a deep affection for this book. It not only presents elements of fantasy that can transport readers to enchanting and otherworldly realms but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the old days.

It allows us to envision the lifestyles, cultures, and values of bygone eras.

Moreover, this book is an excellent resource for educators to use when teaching literary devices to students.

It is filled with various literary techniques such as simile, metaphor, personification, and more.

By analyzing these devices within the context of the story, students can enhance their understanding and appreciation of literature.

Overall, this book combines the allure of fantasy with educational value, making it a truly remarkable and engaging read.

This is a remarkable Newbery Honor book.

It tells the engaging story of three kids who decide to visit the local fair. While there, they receive special cards that promise to make one of their wishes come true.

As one might anticipate, the outcome doesn't unfold precisely as they had imagined.

The book offers a quick and enjoyable read.

However, I'm a bit skeptical as to whether it would garner significant Newbery consideration in today's literary landscape.

Perhaps the changing tastes and expectations of readers have influenced my perspective.

Nonetheless, it still holds value as a charming tale that can transport readers into the world of these three kids and their unexpected wish-fulfilling adventure.

It serves as a reminder of the magic and unpredictability that can occur in even the simplest of circumstances.

Overall, it's a book that has its own unique charm and appeal.