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Candlewick Press (MA), 2021-07-09

Wish in the Dark

Wish in the Dark

Christina Soontornvat, Author

Paperback

9781536222975

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In a Thai-inspired fantasy world, a boy escapes prison seeking freedom, only to find injustice still reigns. As he’s pursued by a determined girl, both begin to question what’s right, what’s fair, and whether one child can change it all.

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Chattana is a magical city ruled by the Governor, whose promise of order comes at the cost of freedom. When prison-born Pong escapes and finds refuge in a monastery, he begins to question the system. Nok, the warden’s driven daughter, is determined to bring him back, while Somkit, Pong’s clever friend, navigates the city’s underworld with his mechanical genius. Through unexpected alliances and quiet rebellion, the three challenge authority and ignite a peaceful fight for justice.

Keywords and Themes: Asia • Award Winner • Bravery • Character • Community • Courage • Decision-Making • Fantasy • General • Hope • Justice • Juvenile Fiction • Perspective • Places • Poverty & Homelessness • Respect • Social Themes • Wisdom

Readability • 5.6

Age Range • 8-12

Pages • 384

Subjects • Magic • Light and darkness • Prisoners • Privilege (Social psychology) • Social classes • Thailand • Fantasy • Fantasy fiction

Categories • Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy | General • Juvenile Fiction | Places | Asia • Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Poverty & Homelessness

A 2021 Newbery Honor Book

A boy on the run. A girl determined to find him. A compelling fantasy looks at issues of privilege, protest, and justice.

All light in Chattana is created by one man -- the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong's prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.

Nok, the prison warden's perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family's good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat's twist on Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice -- and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark.

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