Wishing Season
on Goodreads (232)
What’s inside...
A moving middle grade story by Anica Mrose Rissi about the enduring bond between twins Anders and Lily. After Anders' recent death, Lily struggles to cope with her grief and the confusion of having a brother who isn't quite gone. As she navigates a world moving forward without him, she clings to a magical secret that only Anders would believe. Despite her disbelief in wishes since the tragedy, Lily learns that, like seasons, wishes can change. This story will resonate with readers who loved The Thing about Jellyfish and Hello, Universe.
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you wish for if you had a magical wishing stone like the one in the story?
How did the characters' wishes change the way they felt or acted? Can you think of a time when getting what you wanted made you feel different?
Why do you think the characters made the wishes they did? What do their wishes tell us about what they value or need?
How did the characters work together to solve the problems caused by their wishes? What does this teach us about teamwork and friendship?
If you could change one of the character's wishes, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to recount the plot of 'Wishing Season' to ensure they've grasped the storyline. This opens the door to deeper discussion about the narrative's themes. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their opinions to foster a comfortable sharing environment. Use the key questions above to guide the conversation, adapting them based on your child's responses and interests. Finally, relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might face to help them connect with the material on a personal level.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Wishing Season,' the protagonist learns to wait patiently for the outcomes of their wishes, realizing that some things take time to unfold.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of patience in achieving their goals or waiting for special occasions.
Example Lesson: Understanding empathy
Explanation: The story showcases characters putting themselves in others' shoes, particularly when wishes affect everyone differently.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to consider how their actions and words affect others, promoting empathy in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: Characters in the book learn that wishing isn’t enough; effort and determination are necessary to make wishes come true.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere and put effort into their schoolwork, chores, and personal goals to see results.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book highlights that every action, like every wish, has consequences, teaching children to think about the outcomes before acting.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think ahead about the possible consequences of their choices, fostering decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: As the story progresses, characters learn the joy and importance of sharing their fortunes and wishes with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of sharing and can encourage them to be generous with their belongings and time.