GENRE: Realistic Fiction
HONORS: None
REVIEW: Tess Brooks believes in making wishes and has a lot of special charms and sayings in order to make her wishes come true. Her biggest wish is that Aaron, her family's new foster child, will not only help to keep her school from shutting down but will also be a friend. The Maine island where Tess lives is in danger of losing its school because of low numbers so some of the townspeople have decided to take in foster children to boost the numbers. Unfortunately, Tess finds out that things do not always turn out the way we hope or plan. At first, Aaron is withdrawn and not at all interested in island life. As Tess learns more about him she concocts a plan for reuniting him with his mom even if it means giving up her dreams for the island.
OPINION: Readers of Rules, the Newbery Honor book by Cynthia Lord will not be disappointed with her latest book. Tess is charming and witty. Each chapter starts with a saying about wishes that Cynthia Lord then incorporates into the story like "touch blue and your wish will come true." The ending may leave some readers unsatisfied because the characters do not necessarily "live happily ever after". However, the ending makes the book realistic.
IDEAS: This book is a great addition to a study of Maine authors and Maine settings. In addition, students could research foster care or island schools and what they are like. Finally, students could add extra chapters to the end of the book telling what they think happens with the school and with Aaron and his mom.
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