A Wish in the Dark

Christina Soontornvat's Newbery Honor book, "A Wish in the Dark," is a compelling fantasy adventure inspired by Victor Hugo's Les Misérables and Thai culture. It follows Pong, a boy who escapes a prison in a city where magical light is controlled by a powerful Governor. He discovers a world rife with social inequality, where the wealthy thrive in light while the poor suffer in darkness. Meanwhile, Nok, the prison warden's daughter, vows to capture Pong to restore her family's honor. As their paths intertwine, Nok begins to question the city's truths, leading both children to confront issues of law, justice, and the power of protest. This fast-paced story is ideal for readers aged 8-12, offering rich discussions on morality, oppression, and finding one's voice.

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. - Publisher.