Wishworks, Inc. [Hardcover]

Stephanie Tolan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

From the Newbery Honor-winning author of SURVIVING THE APPLEWHITES: If wishes were dogs, every kid would have one . . . but when Max asks for a dog from Wishworks, Inc., he gets more than he expected!

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 mind, he and his beautiful dog King have thrilling adventures in the woods; they conquer aliens and slay dragons; they embarrass Nick so he never comes near Max again.

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 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!

Editorial Reviews

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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From Booklist

Bullied at his new school, Max takes refuge in daydreams featuring himself and King, a large, brave, devoted (and fictional) dog. When the mysterious shopkeeper at Wishworks Inc. offers Max a wish, he asks for “a real, live dog.” Soon his mother gives him a dog so small and ugly that Max calls him Ratty. Max’s second wish, for Ratty to go away, is quickly granted when the dog disappears. Max’s third wish takes a little more time and thought. As one might expect, Max learns to be careful what he wishes for, but he also becomes a bit more reflective in general about himself and other people. Max’s friendship with a classmate develops more slowly and realistically than in some comparable chapter books; meanwhile, engaging scenes and plot twists keep the story moving along in interesting directions. The many illustrations, though not seen in final form, have plenty of visual appeal. A lively, accessible chapter book. Grades 3-5. --Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books; 1 edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545031540
• ISBN-13: 978-0545031547
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,201,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun, surprising story, September 19, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wishworks, Inc. (Hardcover)

Stephanie Tolan's WISHWORKS INC tells of an unusual wishing place where every wish is guaranteed for fun and adventure. Max's simple wish for a dog brings all of the above in a fun, surprising story illustrated by Amy June Bates with black and white line drawings throughout. A fine pick for libraries seeking easier stories for elementary-level readers past the picturebook age.