Careful What You Wish for - (Orca Anchor) by Mahtab Narsimhan (Paperback)

About the Book

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, a lonely teen stumbles onto a website that makes wishes come true.

Book Synopsis

A lonely teen discovers a website that grants wishes.

Eshana is a bit of a social misfit. She feels more comfortable talking to people online than in person. One day she discovers a website that claims to be a safe space where young people can support each other in making their dreams come true. She starts talking with someone called Wise One. They hit it off immediately. Eshana admits to the Wise One how hard it is for her to make friends. The next day she goes to school and suddenly everyone wants to talk to her. Eshana is thrilled. But then, after telling Wise One about a girl who has been bullying her, she hears that the girl has been injured in a car accident. Are Eshana's wishes really coming true? If so, is having the life she's always wanted worth the costs?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Review Quotes

"This tightly written, high interest fantasy addresses real world issues and will keep even the most reluctant reader turning the page... Recommended."

-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)"

"Narsimhan succeeds at creating a story for teens who are reading at a lower level without infantilizing the content...An excellent choice where hi-lo fiction is needed."-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

"There's a quick pace and steady pulse to this brief story, and the ending is ultimately satisfying. The book presents basic lessons in cybersafety as well as overt positive moral messaging about being kind and grateful."-- "Booklist"

"Will engage reluctant readers who enjoy real-world-based fantasies...A satisfying tale about defeating an online predator and realizing the value of true friendship."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Young adult readers will enjoy Eshana's personality, the fantasy angle of the plot and the page-turner quality of the book as they wonder just what she'll wish for and, more importantly, how that wish will be answered. Highly Recommended."-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Mahtab Narsimhan is the award-winning author of several books for young readers, including Embrace the Chicken, Mission Mumbai, The Tiffin and The Third Eye, which won the Silver Birch Award. She was a Writer in Residence at the Toronto District School Board from 2014 to 2016. Born in Mumbai, Mahtab immigrated to Canada in 1997. She now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.