
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the weight of a secret or needs to understand how seemingly small choices can ripple out to affect others. The story follows Griffin, a sixth-grader who receives a box of stolen wishes from a mysterious woman. She soon discovers that keeping these wishes is a curse that drains her of her own integrity and joy. It is a magical but grounded exploration of guilt, the necessity of making things right, and the courage required to apologize. Ideal for ages 8 to 12, this story provides a safe, metaphorical space to discuss accountability and the importance of being a person of your word. Parents will appreciate how it frames the act of fixing a mistake as a heroic quest rather than a punishment.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe initial encounter with the old woman/wish stealer is slightly eerie.
The book deals with mild bullying and the feeling of social isolation. The magical curse acts as a metaphor for the weight of guilt and dishonesty. The approach is secular and metaphorical, with a very hopeful resolution focused on personal growth.
A 10-year-old who is perhaps feeling 'stuck' after a mistake or who struggles with the pressure to be perfect and hides their errors as a result.
The book can be read cold. Parents may want to discuss the scene where the old woman 'tricks' Griffin to talk about how peer pressure or manipulation can lead to poor choices. A parent might choose this after catching their child in a lie or noticing their child is acting withdrawn and 'heavy' due to a hidden conflict at school.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'quest' aspect and the magic of the pennies. Older readers (11-12) will resonate more with the social pressures of middle school and the internal struggle of maintaining one's integrity.
Unlike many fantasy books where magic is a gift, this book treats magic as a moral debt that must be repaid, making it a unique tool for teaching accountability.
Griffin Silo is a sixth grader who loves wishing on pennies. When an old woman at the mall gives her a box containing fifty stolen wishes (pennies), Griffin thinks she has hit the jackpot. However, she quickly learns that 'the wish stealer' is a curse. To break it, she must return each stolen wish to the person who made it, often requiring her to track down strangers and confront the reality of what they lost. This quest forces her to balance her school life, friendships, and the heavy burden of her secret mission.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.