Wishworks, Inc. - Softcover

Tolan, Stephanie S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0545031559 ISBN 13: 9780545031554

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2011

Synopsis

The best dog story you could wish for!

Max is handling his parents' divorce, his new home and school, and a big bully named Nick the only way he knows how: by running away in his head. Through his imagination, he and his wonderful dog King have thrilling adventures; they conquer aliens and slay dragons; they embarrass Nick so he never comes near Max again. If only King were real . . .

Then Max happens upon a store called Wishworks, Inc., which promises his wish will come true in real life, "guaranteed." He wishes for a real dog like King to fulfill all his dreams. And then a real dog named Goldie appears on his doorstep . . . but she may be a little more real than Max expects!

About this title

About the Author:

Stephanie Tolan won a Newbery Honor for SURVIVING THE APPLEWHITES, which was also an ALA Notable Book and a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults. She also won the Christopher Award for LISTEN! She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-3–Third-grader Max is adjusting to his parents' divorce, which includes a new school and a new house without his dad (although the man has never been emotionally present). The boy relies on King, a regal and loyal, but imaginary, dog, to deal with these challenges. In fact, Max has created an entire fantasy existence for himself that he calls Adventure Time. In it, he performs heroic feats of daring with King by his side, thereby escaping the realities that trouble him. On one of these jaunts, the owner of a nifty little shop grants Max a wish that crosses over into the real world with consequences from which the dreamer learns and grows. Perhaps the most important change is Max's newfound willingness to accept the unpredictability and messiness of life, a change that is presented in a thoughtful twist in the evolution of his relationship with King. The shopkeeper, too, is an interesting manifestation of the troubled youngster's mental process of working out his conflicts. Tolan's vivid, clean writing is deceptively uncomplicated and the many issues touched upon are handled well. This book will resonate with kids while providing parents a great jumping-off point for conversations about how to overcome some of life's obstacles. –Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR
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About this edition

• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0545031559
• ISBN 13: 9780545031554
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160
• Illustrator: Bates Amy June