Combining realism, fantasy, spirituality and justice, A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat, is perfect for these times for upper elementary grade students. We follow Nok, the perfect, wealthy daughter and spire, (martial arts like,) champion as she searches, in a “Les Miserables” type manner, for Pong, an orphan, who she believes has ruined her family’s good name by escaping from her father’s orphanage. We navigate the very special friendship between Pong and Somkit, two boys who grow up together but separate. Our characters inhabit a canal filled, overpopulated city where a Governor’s magic orbs restore law and order and then totalitarianism. But what makes this book resonate with our present day, specifically with our Black Lives Matter movement, is the existence of systemic inequality the poor confront each and every day in this book. All three characters are searching for the answer to the questions; Who am I? and How shall I live? They need to find their roles as they play out in the non violent march against the Governor. One character states, “I’m marching ‘cause it’s time we stand up and say we won’t be treated this way. We deserve respect, no matter what side of the river we live on. No matter what color orbs swing over our heads!” This book does an excellent job of navigating our dark times and finding the light.
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Author For 29 years I had the best job as School Librarian in the Aaron Kushner Library for grades Pre K-3 at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. Although I am retired, I remain Lori the Librarian. Archives
January 2022
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