A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat: a Thai-inspired, middle grade fantasy about a boy on the run and a girl determined to find him.
Choose from several BOTM options. Visit BOTM: How it works to learn more.
- Classic Box will include a Tuma bookmark, Tuma's Books and Things pen, and other small gifts, such as stickers, pins, note-tags, etc. Gifts vary by month and season. See current BOTM books for specific details.
- Minimalist Box will include book and bookmark, along with personalized note.
- Add-on will ship with purchase of classic, deluxe, or minimalist box.
About the Book:
A boy on the run. A girl determined to find him. A compelling fantasy looks at issues of privilege, protest, and justice.
All light in Chattana is created by one man -- the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong's prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.
Nok, the prison warden's perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family's good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat's twist on Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice -- and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark.
About the Author:
Christina Soontornvat grew up in a small Texas town where she spent many childhood days behind the counter of her parents' Thai restaurant with her nose in a book. She is the author of many books for young readers, including The Blunders, illustrated by Colin Jack. She now lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two children.
