Alyssa's Wishes - (A Michaels Middle School Story) by Susan Read (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Turn the Ordinary into Extraordinary: The Unforgettable Journey of Alyssa's Wishes

In the mundane routine of middle school, Alyssa, a girl living with her dad and missing her absent mom, yearns for a spark of change in her life. Every night is pizza night, and every day feels just like the last. When Alyssa makes a wish for something different, she never imagines that a devastating fire will answer it, turning her world upside down and launching her on a journey of profound transformation.

Inspired by the vivid and emotional art of Vincent van Gogh, Alyssa channels her own challenges into a school art project that paints her reality with bold, unfiltered strokes. This earns her recognition and redefines her understanding of her world, marking the beginning of her journey in personal growth.

As Alyssa navigates the aftermath of the fire, a school assignment on dog breeds evolves into a deep dive into the harsh realities of puppy mills. What begins as a simple quest to help her aunt choose a puppy becomes a personal crusade against animal cruelty. Her passion for change fuels the creation of an after-school club dedicated to animal advocacy and rescue, drawing her school community into a collective effort for a cause that reaches far beyond their classrooms.

Alyssa's Wishes is a story about overcoming challenges; it's a journey filled with hope, strength, and the power of community action. As Alyssa navigates life's complexities, she learns that the true power of a wish isn't just in the asking-it's in the action that follows.

Join Alyssa in this inspirational story for young readers and discover how turning personal tragedies into opportunities for growth can inspire not just a family or a school but an entire community. How will you use your own challenges to inspire change and growth?

Review Quotes

An uplifting story of resilience in the face of adversity.

-Publishers Weekly/BookLife, Editor's Pick

Alyssa's Wishes is about survival, magical thinking, and the power young people have to change their lives.

-Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

Alyssa's Wishes is a beautifully written story that will grab the hearts of readers and, hopefully, inspire them to learn more about rescue animals.

-Courtnee Tuner Hoyle, Readers' Favorite