Cloudwish

Cloudwish is a thought-provoking young adult novel that blends contemporary realism with a touch of magical realism, exploring themes of self-discovery, first love, and cultural identity. It follows Vân Uoc, a Vietnamese-Australian scholarship student in Melbourne, who feels invisible at her elite private school. Her life is complicated by her mother's PTSD, stemming from their emigration. Vân Uoc's world shifts when a seemingly impossible wish about her crush, Billy Gardiner, comes true. The story delves into the complexities of their burgeoning relationship, prompting Vân Uoc to question whether their connection is genuine or merely the result of magic, ultimately leading her to embrace her unique self. It's suitable for ages 12-18.

Award-winning author Fiona Wood delivers a thought-provoking story of self-discovery and first love-one that will resonate with anyone who has ever realized that the things that make you different are the things that make you...you. For Vân Uoc, fantasies fall into two categories: nourishing or pointless. Daydreaming about attending her own art opening? Nourishing. Daydreaming about Billy Gardiner, star of the rowing team who doesn't even know she's alive? Pointless. So Vân Uoc tries to stick to her reality-keeping a low profile as a scholarship student at her prestigious Melbourne private school, managing her mother's PTSD from a traumatic emigration from Vietnam, and admiring Billy from afar. Until she makes a wish that inexplicably (possibly magically) comes true. Billy actually notices her. In fact, he seems to genuinely like her. But as they try to fit each other into their very different lives, confounding parents and confusing friends, Vân Uoc can't help but wonder why Billy has suddenly fallen for her. Is it the magic of first love, or is it magic from a well-timed wish that will eventually, inevitably, come to an end?