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couillac's review against another edition
3.0
Loftin's magical realism in Nightingale's Nest was a standout in 2014, and while Wish Girl makes for a similarly fluid read, for me, it didn't manage to reach quite the same heights. Peter Stone and Annie Blythe are wonderful, nuanced young protagonists, and their friendship is organic and very touching. The magical valley that the two discover is surprising yet fits nicely within the story - these are children that need protecting, and when they both feel their parents are failing, the natural world steps into to fill that role. I was also relieved to have the truth of Annie's illness (and what it means to be a wish girl) resolved fairly early on - anything less would have been insulting to young readers. And the unresolved nature of Annie and Peter's friendship at the end was realistic yet satisfyingly hopeful.
At the same time, I found the secondary characters to be a bit one-dimensional, particularly Peter's older sister (who doesn't really exist outside of her brief interactions with Peter) and the stereotypical bullies (whose abusive background doesn't really lend them much depth, despite the efforts to provide an excuse for their cruelty). And while Loftin brings readers into the heart of the noise and chaos and lack of understanding at home that overwhelm Peter, the resolution with them feels a bit pat and too tidy.
Still, this blend of reality and fantasy makes for an engaging read, and the stellar young protagonists will keep many readers invested.
At the same time, I found the secondary characters to be a bit one-dimensional, particularly Peter's older sister (who doesn't really exist outside of her brief interactions with Peter) and the stereotypical bullies (whose abusive background doesn't really lend them much depth, despite the efforts to provide an excuse for their cruelty). And while Loftin brings readers into the heart of the noise and chaos and lack of understanding at home that overwhelm Peter, the resolution with them feels a bit pat and too tidy.
Still, this blend of reality and fantasy makes for an engaging read, and the stellar young protagonists will keep many readers invested.
fischerg's review against another edition
3.0
Peter Stone, of Nikki Loftin’s Wish Girl, wants nothing more than calmness, but his home is filled with noise. His parents shouting and his baby sister crying drive him to search for solace, and that is exactly what he finds in the valley near his new home. His solitude, however, is short-lived, for someone else has happened upon this magical valley as well. Annie, self-named "wish girl," searching for a similar peace, finds more than that. She finds Peter. And in each other they find a listening ear, a life-changing friend, and a glimmer of hope in their seemingly hopeless lives.
Loftin's story of magical realism was hard for me to get into, but something kept drawing me back. Maybe it was the beautiful prose, or maybe it was the sadness of Peter. Whatever it was, I am glad I stuck it out. Wish Girl is a beautiful story, one that needs to be told in a world where we are so quick to judge each other and even quicker to try to fix people to be more like ourselves. Although Loftin's story reminds me to accept people for who they are, more importantly, it reminds me of the power listening, actually listening, has.
Loftin's story of magical realism was hard for me to get into, but something kept drawing me back. Maybe it was the beautiful prose, or maybe it was the sadness of Peter. Whatever it was, I am glad I stuck it out. Wish Girl is a beautiful story, one that needs to be told in a world where we are so quick to judge each other and even quicker to try to fix people to be more like ourselves. Although Loftin's story reminds me to accept people for who they are, more importantly, it reminds me of the power listening, actually listening, has.
stellabookishart's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
Tells the story of Peter who comes from a family who always makes noises while he just wants to be still and quiet, and Annie who is sick and just wants to make art. Together in a magical valley, they make art with nature and keep a unique friendship that is threatened to fall apart. Heartwarming yet explores deep topics just like a thick blanket of dandelion fluffs. Recommended for those seeking a magical story.
Tells the story of Peter who comes from a family who always makes noises while he just wants to be still and quiet, and Annie who is sick and just wants to make art. Together in a magical valley, they make art with nature and keep a unique friendship that is threatened to fall apart. Heartwarming yet explores deep topics just like a thick blanket of dandelion fluffs. Recommended for those seeking a magical story.
kelli_314's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this book! Cute, sweet, and well done. It was slow for me at some points, but I really enjoyed the writing and the story.
susanags's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“Lá, no meio do nada, o bater do meu coração era o som mais audível do mundo.”
Um livro sobre bullying, sobre a amizade, sobre escuta e sobre encontrar e assumir a nossa voz.
Para adolescentes e jovens e para todos que precisam de magia, de silêncio, de empatia, de ser compreendidos num mundo onde às vezes parecemos não pertencer.
booked_by_peyton's review against another edition
4.0
This book WRECKED me. I mean I’m not gonna be emotionally stable for a good week. I first read a part of this book 2 years ago, but never finished it. I’m glad that I didn’t read it until now because i truly appreciated it. This was the most touching book I’ve ever read. I mean I truly thought that the characters were perfect and that the Valley was the most AMAZING place. This book broke my heart in so many ways. It felt like I was shedding tears the whole time. I will recommend this book to EVERY single person of this planet.
5 tear filled ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 tear filled ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
liri_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Violence
gmamartha's review against another edition
4.0
'My' middle school kids love this book - and in general it resonates with their own feelings so much. Everyone needs to be heard and understood.
carlareadss4eva's review against another edition
5.0
this was such a beautiful book - it was actually a book i got from my sister - but still so sweet, and heartbreaking and i loved the ending. i hope to find my own annie who will look at me the way she looked at peter <3333
lanica's review against another edition
4.0
TEACHER/LIBRARIAN REVIEW:
We had this author come to our school (K-5) for an author visit. I highly recommend her for fifth graders and older. She is an excellent speaker and she had a great message which she delivers in a memorable way.
I read one of her books (Nightingales Nest) before inviting her to the school, and just found time over the holiday weekend to read this one. I really enjoyed it. It had elements of magic, but it's so subtle in the beginning that most people won't notice it until the ending - where it comes directly into play.
It is a little dark in places, bullying takes place a few times and abusive parents are mentioned. Suicide is brought up, but not a major factor in the plot - it's back story and call back near the end.
I would recommend reading this book for yourself before putting into your collection. I added it to my elementary library, but it may not be for everyone. I definitely recommend it for middle and high school.
We had this author come to our school (K-5) for an author visit. I highly recommend her for fifth graders and older. She is an excellent speaker and she had a great message which she delivers in a memorable way.
I read one of her books (Nightingales Nest) before inviting her to the school, and just found time over the holiday weekend to read this one. I really enjoyed it. It had elements of magic, but it's so subtle in the beginning that most people won't notice it until the ending - where it comes directly into play.
It is a little dark in places, bullying takes place a few times and abusive parents are mentioned. Suicide is brought up, but not a major factor in the plot - it's back story and call back near the end.
I would recommend reading this book for yourself before putting into your collection. I added it to my elementary library, but it may not be for everyone. I definitely recommend it for middle and high school.