The Carnival of Wishes & Dreams (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781534416918)

In the tradition of Wishtree and You May Already Be a Winner, this hopeful middle grade novel tells the story of three former friends who must come together at their annual town carnival to heal and reconnect after a tragedy.

The small town of Clarkville has seen better days. Ever since the Cohen factory burned down a few years ago, jobs are scarce and unemployment is high. But each year for one night the Carnival of Wishes and Dreams comes to town and everyone gets to indulge in a little wonder and delight. And for three girls who each receive notes asking them to meet the anonymous sender at midnight at the Ferris Wheel, it's an evening that promises to be truly magical.

Audrey McKinley can't believe someone would ask her to ride the Ferris Wheel. Everyone in town knows she's afraid of heights; the last time she rode the Ferris Wheel it ended with her having a panic attack. But ever since her dad lost his job after the Cohen factory burned down he's been working too little. The carnival gives him a chance for some seasonal work, and she plans to spend the evening checking up on him and making sure he does his job. Maybe she'll face her fears tonight, after all.

Grace Chang isn't supposed to go to the carnival. It's too close to the burned remains of the old Cohen factory--the place where her firefighter father lost his life. And they always rode the Ferris Wheel together, so that's also something Grace isn't supposed to do. But since her mom just announced they'll be moving away from Clarkville the day after the carnival, Grace is sick of only doing things she's supposed to do. She'll be at the carnival. And she is definitely riding that Ferris Wheel.

Harlow Cohen is surprised anyone would want to ride the Ferris Wheel with her. Harlow used to be popular. But ever since her grandparents' old factory burned down and so many people lost their jobs, many of the kids at school blame her--and her rich family--for their own parents' worsening economic situations. Harlow can never resist a dare, but when a note arrives asking her to meet an anonymous person at the Ferris Wheel at midnight, she's far from certain it will be a friend waiting for her.

Can these three girls put their differences aside long enough for their wishes to come true? And is it possible to save a friendship that once seemed lost for good?

Author: Jenny Lundquist
ISBN-10: 1534416919
ISBN-13: 9781534416918
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Language: English
Published: 02/12/2019
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 7.60h x 5.10w x 0.80d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.1
Point Value: 7
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 508842 / Carnival of Wishes & Dreams


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2018
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2018 pg. 190
Booklist 12/01/2018 pg. 59
School Library Journal 12/21/2018 pg. 56