Wish Riders

by Patrick Jennings

Fifteen-year-old Dusty, a ward of the state, is forced to work in a logging camp during the Depression. Despite the bleakness of her life, spirited Dusty dreams of escape.

One day, a mysterious seagull delivers some unusual seeds to Dusty. Her whole life changes when she plants them. Perhaps it is the strength of her wishes, or the magic of the forest, but some unknown power transforms the tiny seeds into an astonishing creature--and a possible means of deliverance. Now Dusty and her friends have a way to navigate the enchanted, though dangerous, forest, and escape the wretched existence they've been trapped in all their lives.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jen Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total teacher review...Wish Riders is an incredible coming of age story. After reading this book I have a whole new respect for Patrick Jennings. It's very different from his recent light and humorous tales. The 1930s setting exposes young readers to a difficult time in America's past, allowing the author to craft a somewhat believably realistic Cinderella story. Unlike the popular fairytale, Patrick intentionally makes all characters--protagonists and antagonists alike--likeable by showing the reader that our pasts impact our actions. Great book in the eyes of students--Elements of fantasy. Teenage Love. And young adult topics. Equally fabulous from a teacher's perspective--Excellent character development. Great examples of subtle and overt foreshadowing. Ample opportunities for exposure to context clues and new vocabulary. One of the best novel studies I've done in a long time--a fact supported by my student's reviews on Goodreads. And I have to add that Patrick came to visit our school and had an amazing conversation with my students, inspiring them as both readers and writers. Brilliant and surprising writing. Loved it!

[Pam Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book based on the suggestion of a teacher-friend. And at first, I had to disagree with her (sorry Jen) about using this as a novel study. Perhaps because it had a little too much fantasy...and by fantasy I mean unbelievability. I just didn't think my 10th graders would buy it. Not to mention the tone and attitude towards men. But...if I were teaching middle school...I can definitely see the potential. She's right about the historical context...the character development...the complexity of many of the main characters...the examples of foreshadowing. I was disappointed with the ending...perhaps because until that point, I felt like I understood that characters' action...and because I felt like it doesn't leave room for growth in her attitude towards men. It basically encourages people to stick with their stereotypes, which is something I would definitely discuss if I taught this.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good because i love all the character are in this book. Edith's real name is Dusty. Hero was shock that Dusty is Edith's real name. Hero... She is my favorite character because she is "mean" in good way.. I just love Hero. Sonny... He is a good boy.. Sonny had a little brother name Jed. Jed is a annoying boy.. He is little rude to Perdie.. Perdie is a adorable little girl. She acts like Edith's little sister. I felt bad when all of them "live" in Camp 9. Mother Smith... Mmm. I hated her. She hurt Edith! That is rude! It just made me angry... Grrr to Mother Smith. Anyways, Um.. Father Smith,.. He is very quiet person.. I hate the part that He raped Hero. It didn't really tell you that Father Smith raped Hero. He always be around with girls that are "easy to get"... I just got to say.. Father Smith is a "Cheater"... Dusty's real father... Billy.. He sound good guy.. But i felt bad for him because he became blind.. by that crazy gull pecked his eyes. I really like Sugi.. Billy's wife.. She is really nice woman.. I like how she acts.. My favorite part is at the end of the page.. Edith says, " Death begets life." Honestly, i hate seeing people dying.. But i am kinda happy that Edith is now gets used to it.. Well, That all i have to say. This book is really amazing book. :]

[Cici Silent Beautiful · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wish Riders" is pretty good book, but I was little confused. I'm glad my teacher helps me to understand what it talks about. I am very crazy about the old fashion. When I was reading it, that's almost what I want to born in there because I like their language, peaceful, and their adorable dress, but I didn't like to have a bad experience while the crash..! I feeling this book would have other part.. It's because Hero have a crazy problem, what're Sonny and Jed doing, and what're Hero, Edith, and Perdie doing while they with Edith's father? I hope this book possibly have other part.. I was very enjoying to read this book. <3

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Jennings creates a magical (on many fronts!) story which quickly engages readers with the struggles of a fifteen-year old girl working in a logging camp during the Depression. It might be considered a loose retelling of a traditional tale with which readers will identify, and, yet, it also tells a new story of its own. You'll find yourself rooting for Dusty and a few other children as they fight against all odds to escape the bondage in which they are trapped.

[Yekaterina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!
Dusty is a 15 year old orphan who manages to free her self of a life of slavery in a lumber camp. She also obtains freedom for four other children who she befriended at the camp. This story is heart breaking yet amazingly inspiring and admirable. Seeing Dusty's struggle and never ending devotion to not only her journey but her friends is phenomenal. I didn't want it to end and am left with some questions, but I guess those are perfect ingredients for a great story.

[Mary MacKintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The characters engaged me, I could see the logging camp and the surrounding forest. The pain and loneliness felt by the main character resonated with me, and the various ways the other orphans working at the camp used to cope with their situations seemed natural. I also liked the magical escape offered the children.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is defiantly good,I have learned a lot about history on here. About the great depression, and honestly I didn't really think it was a big of a deal and I didn't see why it was SO bad and now that i have read this book i can understand very clearly how the people felt and how everything was really bad back then in the great depression.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I think a lot of people can relate to this book. AT first it was very hard to understand what the characters are going through. Then at the end I understood why they were acting that way. The ending was really good.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero was the most confusing person. She was mean at the beginning and I thought Edith can't take her she will be in the way. But she toke her, and Hero change from then on. At first i thought that this book would be awful! At the beginning, i didn't like it very much till they ran away

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about young orphans who escape a logging camp. For younger readers.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this one with Olivia, a little slow, but we go through it!

[Cedric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pretty good. And this book is whole of drama and has some timeline.
also this book is pefect for history class

[Sapphire Pyro · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's just so... boring.