Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dazzling, Thai-inspired riff on Les Mis has big heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
A WISH IN THE DARK introduces readers to Pong and Somkit, best friends born in Namwon prison. In Thailand-like Chattana, children born behind bars stay there until they are 13, by decree of the Governor, Chattana's ruler. Pong, who longs for freedom, escapes when he's 9 years old. Years later, Nok, the daughter of the prison warden, recognizes Pong in a chance encounter in the village where Pong has taken refuge. She pursues him back to Chattana, where Pong reunites with his old friend Somkit. Somkit is part of a growing movement to demand a change to the Governor's unfair laws, and Pong gets involved. Nok hears of the impending march, and goes to warn the Governor, but he humiliates her and locks her up for disobedience. Disillusioned and scared, Nok finds herself in need of Pong's help. Will he help Nok, or will he leave his pursuer to her fate? And who can possibly stop the Governor from meeting the peaceful protestors with violence?
Is It Any Good?
This complex, gorgeously rendered tale will stay with the reader long after the story is finished. A bold reimagining of Victor Hugo's Les Mis, A Wish in the Dark echoes themes of love, compassion, and social justice, but Soontornvat's richly constructed settings rooted in Thai life and culture make up a fantastical and near-dystopian world that feels real and is full of unique and extraordinary characters. The writing is beautiful, evoking place and emotion with precise, immersive sensory details. The plot moves quickly, but clearly lays out the complex threads that weave together as the climax nears. It's a thought-provoking book that can help middle grade readers engage with topics like the prison-industrial complex, social class, and authoritarianism. Young readers will root for Pong, Somkit, and eventually even Nok as characters and readers travel together the never-ending road toward understanding self and society. A dazzling must-read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about social class in A Wish in the Dark. Who gets the brightest gold light and who gets only the dimmest violet light? Why? Why do Pong, Somkit, Ampai, and others think this is so unfair?
What else is unfair about life in Chattana, especially for people like Pong and Somkit? What laws or rules would you like to change to make things more fair?
Talk about the Governor. What kind of leader is he? What surprised you? Are there leaders like him in the real world? What do you think is the best system of government for a country?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Activism , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick
- Publication date : March 24, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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