Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Friday, July 3, 2020

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

How I Heard About It:
*I was excited to receive this book in the mail via my Twitter #bookexpedition group as I have been hearing really great things about the story.  The weather was extremely hot here today, so I hunkered in and read the entire book this afternoon. 


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
1.  *Welcome to the world of Chattana where "light" is controlled by one man - the Governor.

2.  *Welcome to the world of Namwon, the prison across the river where there is no light.

3.  *Children born to parents in the prison must remain in the prison, which is the case for friends Pong and Somkit. 

4.  *Pong longs for freedom and life in the city of lights.  Even though he must leave his best friend, Pong risks his life and escapes. 

5.  *He finds safety, but when Nok, the prison warden's daughter, takes it upon herself to find Pong, his life becomes quite dangerous. 


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *As I posted on social media, the story line eerily represents the issues our country is facing at the moment. 

2.  *Even though the story takes place in a fantasy land of Thai, there are many similarities to the social and economic divide taking place in our country.

3.  *The strength and wisdom in which Pong, Somkit, and Nok displayed was inspiring and full of hope. 

4.  *I loved how there were plenty of surprises, twists and turns, and several OMG moments.

5.  *The writing was excellent and the plot was unique, fresh, and thought-provoking. 


Who Should Read It:
*There are many important themes and topics of conversations that could stem from the story.  I believe readers in grades four and above would be most appropriate for the content.  Middle-school readers would also gain much from either reading the story for themselves or having the book used as a class read aloud.  Happy Reading! 


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars






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