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Granted
From the author of beloved novels Ms. Bixby’s Last Day and Posted comes a hilarious, heartfelt, and unforgettable novel about a fairy-in-training. Everyone who wishes upon a star, or a candle, or a penny thrown into a fountain knows that you’re not allowed to tell anyone what you’ve wished for. But even so, there is someone out there who hears it. In a magical land called the Haven lives a young fairy named Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets. Ophela is no ordinary fairy—she is a one of the select fairies whose job it is to venture out into the world and grant the wishes of unsuspecting humans every day. It’s the work of the Granters that generates the magic that allows the fairies to do what they do, and to keep the Haven hidden and safe. But with worldwide magic levels at an all-time low, this is not as easy as it sounds. On a typical day, only a small fraction of the millions of potential wishes gets granted. Today, however, is anything but typical. Because today, Ophelia is going to get her very first wish-granting assignment. And she’s about to discover that figuring out how to truly give someone what they want takes much more than a handful of fairy dust.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2018
206 people are currently reading
3416 people want to read
About the author
John David Anderson
21 books619 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John David Anderson once hit himself so hard on a dare by his sister that he literally knocked himself out of a chair and nearly blacked out. He has since translated this passion and singularity of purpose to the related arts of novel writing and pizza eating. The author of STANDARD HERO BEHAVIOR, SIDEKICKED, MINION, THE DUNGEONEERS and the soon-to-land MS. BIXBY's LAST DAY, Anderson is a firm believer in wearing the same pair of jeans for three days in a row (four in the winter) and the power of writing to solve 73% of the world's problems. He lives with his beautiful wife and twins in Indianapolis, Indiana.
John David Anderson once hit himself so hard on a dare by his sister that he literally knocked himself out of a chair and nearly blacked out. He has since translated this passion and singularity of purpose to the related arts of novel writing and pizza eating. The author of STANDARD HERO BEHAVIOR, SIDEKICKED, MINION, THE DUNGEONEERS and the soon-to-land MS. BIXBY's LAST DAY, Anderson is a firm believer in wearing the same pair of jeans for three days in a row (four in the winter) and the power of writing to solve 73% of the world's problems. He lives with his beautiful wife and twins in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
December 27, 2025
Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is a fairy of the highest caliber - she has the honor, privilege and responsibility of being a Granter.
"A wish is many things. It is apprehension and anticipation. It is lucky coins and dandelion fluff and rainbows stretching to forever."
Granters are the select few who get to leave Haven (their magical safe house (ok, actually a safe tree)) and fly out into the world to grant a human wish.
Wish-granting is responsible for all fairy magic...only things have been going wrong latelywishes are being granted.
Ophelia has spent her time on desk-work ever since she joined the Granters but...after a few strings are pulled and a few lucky circumstances...she has managed to get her first mission!
Only, things go terribly wrong within minutes of flying out and Ophelia is left with a choice - turn round and give up? Or press on and grant that wish - no matter what!
(I think you know which one she chooses...)
In short - this one was an absolute winner.
I loved the fast-paced, hilarious and whimsical world of faries.
They were hilarious and touching, sweet but sassy and (above all) an absolute delight to read about!
Ophelia was just the kind of heroine I love to read about - she's so smart, determined and strong.
She knew what she wanted and how to get there (mostly!).
And the companions she met along the way were absolutely wonderful - so sweet and kind.
"Wishes are made in moments of wonder and desperation. Wishes are prayers without a salutation and minus an amen."
This book made
Audiobook Comments
"Of course, just because you don't believe in something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. If anything, that just makes it harder when you're suddenly face-to-face with it."
Exceptionally well-read - absolutely loved listening to this one on audio!
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June 4, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
In a world where magic power is ever decreasing, a young fairie has the job of granting wishes. She's lucky to even grant a fraction of the wishes wished. She sets out into the human world to find out why.
Good for kids.
In a world where magic power is ever decreasing, a young fairie has the job of granting wishes. She's lucky to even grant a fraction of the wishes wished. She sets out into the human world to find out why.
Good for kids.
March 19, 2018
Such a fun, sweet, delightful read! I enjoyed this one so much. I really loved the fairy ~Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets. I thought the plot of being a grantor of wishes was so interesting, though I didn't understand WHY they are so seldom granted?
There is a lot of intense suspense towards the end because of all the events/obstacles that get in the way of her retrieving the coin that her assigned wish was wished upon.
This was my first Fairy book and I hope the next ones that I read will be as enchanting. If anyone familiar with this book knows of any similar ones please PM me with titles! :D
Highly recommended for fantasy lovers of all ages!
There is a lot of intense suspense towards the end because of all the events/obstacles that get in the way of her retrieving the coin that her assigned wish was wished upon.
This was my first Fairy book and I hope the next ones that I read will be as enchanting. If anyone familiar with this book knows of any similar ones please PM me with titles! :D
Highly recommended for fantasy lovers of all ages!
March 11, 2019
I checked this one out from the library based solely on the cover. It is an adorable middle grade book about a fairy that is tasked with granting a wish. She is a “granter” but this is her first assignment. Things get messy and complicated and along the way she meets a stray named Sam that helps her out. Sam is awesome. It is a super cute little feel good book about wishes coming true.
April 8, 2018
3 1/2 stars. The book dragged for the first half, which surprised me; I don't think of Anderson as an indulgent or sappy writer. Lots of twee fairy names mixed with Luddite ruminations on the loss of imagination and wonder and thus a loss of magic, associated with industrialization, mixed with some salty language (sucked, screwed up) and yet nothing much happens. Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is one of the small cadre of fairies lucky enough to be tasked with granting wishes, and yet because of the lack of wonder there is less magic and thus fewer wishes can be granted resulting in a classic bureaucratic over-employment situation and some vague threat to all of fairydom. There is a giant tree full of fairy offices and a cafe that serves mochachinnos. Anyhow finally Ophelia is tasked with a wish and things go very badly, but it's still kind of boring until a dog shows up and suddenly the book comes to life. I have some hope that some of my fairy obsessed strong third grade readers will plug away at this until page 142 and then be rewarded with a satisfying story that moves beyond preachy and cute and actually starts to entertain.
February 12, 2018
Thank you to Walden Pond Press and Edelweiss for an ARC of this soon to be published middle grade novel.
Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is about to go on an odyssey, but she sees it as a few tocks to the destination, one tock to grant a wish and then a quick trip home. You will fall in love with Ophelia and feel her immense frustration as each attempt she makes to finally grant that wish is thwarted again and again. Her journey takes place in the midst of lyrical narratives about the magic of wishes. Grab something cozy to drink and curl up with this imaginative account of a fairy and her first assignment as a Granter.
Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is about to go on an odyssey, but she sees it as a few tocks to the destination, one tock to grant a wish and then a quick trip home. You will fall in love with Ophelia and feel her immense frustration as each attempt she makes to finally grant that wish is thwarted again and again. Her journey takes place in the midst of lyrical narratives about the magic of wishes. Grab something cozy to drink and curl up with this imaginative account of a fairy and her first assignment as a Granter.
August 6, 2017
Magical. Inspiring. Whimsical. Heart-warming. I was inthralled with this newest novel by John David Anderson. So different from Posted or Ms. Bixby. Wishes. The why of wishes. The how of wishes. Following our hearts to achieve those wishes. A definite read aloud during 2017/2018!!!
July 9, 2020
Who knew a quest into the realm of humans could be so perilous? Or so enthralling and delightful? Someone has wished upon a coin, and now the fairy Ophelia must retrieve that coin to grant the wish. She's sure she's up to the task, but she has severely underestimated all of the obstacles she will encounter. Anderson serves up a nice blend of earnestness, adventure, humor, and subtle worldbuilding. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it didn't take long before I was entirely enchanted.
August 15, 2018
“A wish is many things. It is hope and desire and daydreams. It is impossibility and improbability and something in between. It is stardust and well water and spectrums of light in the sky. It is half-melted birthday candles and Christmas lists. It is broken turkey bones. It is the willing suspension of disbelief. And sometimes it is desperation. It is a hole in your heart that wants filling. It is more-than-anything-in-the-world.”
I WISH....I could share this book with all the children in my life. Had Hermione Granger been born a fairy, she would be Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets, the type-A, sassy, stubborn, big hearted protagonist in this story. A page-turning adventure, Ophelia keeps us laughing while she endures one obstacle after the next in her attempt to keep Magic alive in the human world. Plus, her unlikely sidekick is a hilarious and lovable dog. An awesome story!
I WISH....I could share this book with all the children in my life. Had Hermione Granger been born a fairy, she would be Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets, the type-A, sassy, stubborn, big hearted protagonist in this story. A page-turning adventure, Ophelia keeps us laughing while she endures one obstacle after the next in her attempt to keep Magic alive in the human world. Plus, her unlikely sidekick is a hilarious and lovable dog. An awesome story!
May 7, 2020
Prior to getting active in Goodreads, I never really considered reading YA, middle school, or children's books, beyond reading to my son years ago, or reading to my grands, currently. So, thank you to GR friends who love this genre and include it in their TBR list (Morris, Karen, Ron).
ON to GRANTED....
First, WHAT A COVER! SO PRETTY.... I love the cover... it is becoming clear that you might really be able to judge a book by its cover! This was a pretty cover and a pretty story. What an adventure this story was! The book is magical, wishful, and hopeful.
Next, the characters! Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is adorable and then there are Phee, Charlie, Squint, and Sam (the dog). The book jacket says that Ophelia is a Granter meaning that she is one of the selected fairies who ventures out into the world and grants the wishes of unsuspecting humans (but it has to be a good wish). On a typical day, only a small fraction of the millions of potential wishes get granted. The story is about the importance of wishes, magic, and granting... there is a point to the story, but you have to read it to get it...
I enjoyed this rather Keebler ish story.. the fairies live in a tree... (no matter how hard I have looked for this tree, I have never found it, but even now I remain hopeful).
4 stars
Happy (hopeful) Reading!
ON to GRANTED....
First, WHAT A COVER! SO PRETTY.... I love the cover... it is becoming clear that you might really be able to judge a book by its cover! This was a pretty cover and a pretty story. What an adventure this story was! The book is magical, wishful, and hopeful.
Next, the characters! Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is adorable and then there are Phee, Charlie, Squint, and Sam (the dog). The book jacket says that Ophelia is a Granter meaning that she is one of the selected fairies who ventures out into the world and grants the wishes of unsuspecting humans (but it has to be a good wish). On a typical day, only a small fraction of the millions of potential wishes get granted. The story is about the importance of wishes, magic, and granting... there is a point to the story, but you have to read it to get it...
I enjoyed this rather Keebler ish story.. the fairies live in a tree... (no matter how hard I have looked for this tree, I have never found it, but even now I remain hopeful).
4 stars
Happy (hopeful) Reading!
March 10, 2018
Doesn’t reach the heights of Ms. Bixby but I liked it better than Posted. My only real criticism is that there are some unnecessary episodes that, on first reading, may cause the reader to wonder whether there is anything really at stake in this story, or whether this is just a premise and adventure, like a disposable made-for-Hollywood fairytale. But you can trust Anderson. In fact I think he has become one of those authors where I will read anything he writes. Despite the cute naming system and the wish-granting tree, this isn’t similar to Applegate’s Wishtree either, though Anderson is as fine a writer as Applegate, and the plot and premise of this book are more integrated than Wishtree’s. Finally, Sam is (very very) awesome.
February 13, 2019
A cute and magical story for tweens. The heroine is loveable and relatable for kids.
My one knock against it is I wish Ophelia didn’t ‘swear’ so much. She doesn’t use ‘adult words’ to swear, but for example she would say “oh fig nuts!” when she was frustrated. It’s ok to have an outburst everyone once and a while. But I found the amount in this book almost encouraging saying nonsense words when you’re upset, instead of taking things out.
Other than that, it was an action-packed, fantasy/real world story that I think kids would have fun reading.
My one knock against it is I wish Ophelia didn’t ‘swear’ so much. She doesn’t use ‘adult words’ to swear, but for example she would say “oh fig nuts!” when she was frustrated. It’s ok to have an outburst everyone once and a while. But I found the amount in this book almost encouraging saying nonsense words when you’re upset, instead of taking things out.
Other than that, it was an action-packed, fantasy/real world story that I think kids would have fun reading.
April 8, 2018
4.5 stars
March 12, 2024
This is my 4th John David Anderson book and I have loved them all. Each book has been very different but all have been fabulous. He is definitely a new favorite middle grade author.
This book is about a fairy on a mission to deliver a wish and everything goes awry. But she is determined to succeed. This fairy has grit. The book is both charming, silly, touching, and hilarious. Highly recommend for elementary ages. Great on audio. Would make a great road trip family listen.
This book is about a fairy on a mission to deliver a wish and everything goes awry. But she is determined to succeed. This fairy has grit. The book is both charming, silly, touching, and hilarious. Highly recommend for elementary ages. Great on audio. Would make a great road trip family listen.
July 20, 2018
I just couldn't get into this book. I'm sure others love it for the writing is beautiful but it just wasn't for me.
January 16, 2021
I really liked it! It was very exciting. I definitely recommend this book!!
March 29, 2019
The hook for me was the cover. Who was riding/being transported willingly by that handsome pup? The answer is Ophelia Dellphinium Figits, a fairy with a mission/assignment/duty to grant a particular wish. She has been chosen for this type of work and has been studying for it for over a year. She is about to find out that book learning can be very different from doing. Surprises and unexpected challenges abound. Ophelia must succeed. A fairy has never failed a wish granting assignment. If she were to fail, life at their home, the Haven, would never be the same. No pressure? She may need some help. Asking for help is not really her style. The human world is very different from the fairy world. Will she succeed? Ophelia is someone that is easy to wish for.
April 17, 2018
I got this book from Owlcrate Jr March "I WISH" box. To be honest I've never seen or heard about this book or the author anywhere before so I had no expectation on this book. I dove into it blindly, not knowing anything beside it's about a fairy, well at least the cover said so.
Plot
The story follows Ophelia Delphinium Fidget, an ambitious and perfectionist little fairy, actually she's not just an ordinary fairy, she's a granter, the most noble profession among fairies. A granter's job is to make sure every wishes made by human were granted, either the wishes made by blowing up birthday candle, dandelion, wishing on stars, wells, or flipping coins to the fountains, it's a granter's job to grant them. But the granter have to go to the human world to sprinkle their dust on whatever thing human used to make the wish, and it could be quite an adventure.
After many years training, Ophelia finally given her first mission, her first wish to grant. She prepared for this moment for her entire life, but the journey she's about to take is not as easy as it seems. Ophelia was faced with so many obstacles in her journey, she was forced to get out of her comfort zone, and surprisingly made an unusual friendship.
Writing
I love Anderson's writing, it's perfect for middle grade. Simple, enjoyable, and easy to understand. It's full of pun and humorous line.
Worldbuilding
The Haven, which is the place where fairies live seems to be a wonderful and well built place. I instantly could imagine how tiny creatures fly from tree to tree, so busy with their own job. I love the idea about how fairies were born and how they got their name, and about various profession of fairies, it was very unique and a fun idea! Ophelia's journey to grant the wish is very adventurous. You could see the human world, our world, from an entirely different perspective.
Characters
Ophelia is a perfectionist, ambitious, and the most persistent creature I've ever read. She doesn't easily gave up whenever life hit her in the wings. She simply doesn't know how to gave up and she really hate being a failure. Now that seems to be a relatable character.
Charlie is Ophelia's best friend, in fact, he was Ophelia's only friend. Charlie, on the other hand is a very lazy and least ambitious fairy,but he's surely a very good friend and has a heart of gold.
Sam, is the funniest, most entertaining, straighforward, and lovable character. I always had a good laugh whenever he speaks. And he's the most loyal friend I've ever known!
Moral of the Story
-You could find friendship even in the strangest places and situations, you just have to admit that you need it. And there will always be someone who look up to you even in your worst of time
-No matter how hard life punch you in the wing, or face, you just have to fight back and don't ever give up
-Sometimes you'll have to choose to do what other people think is best and to do what YOU think is best even if it cost you something. It's your choice. But you'll have no regret if you do what you're told yourself.
Plot
The story follows Ophelia Delphinium Fidget, an ambitious and perfectionist little fairy, actually she's not just an ordinary fairy, she's a granter, the most noble profession among fairies. A granter's job is to make sure every wishes made by human were granted, either the wishes made by blowing up birthday candle, dandelion, wishing on stars, wells, or flipping coins to the fountains, it's a granter's job to grant them. But the granter have to go to the human world to sprinkle their dust on whatever thing human used to make the wish, and it could be quite an adventure.
After many years training, Ophelia finally given her first mission, her first wish to grant. She prepared for this moment for her entire life, but the journey she's about to take is not as easy as it seems. Ophelia was faced with so many obstacles in her journey, she was forced to get out of her comfort zone, and surprisingly made an unusual friendship.
Writing
I love Anderson's writing, it's perfect for middle grade. Simple, enjoyable, and easy to understand. It's full of pun and humorous line.
Worldbuilding
The Haven, which is the place where fairies live seems to be a wonderful and well built place. I instantly could imagine how tiny creatures fly from tree to tree, so busy with their own job. I love the idea about how fairies were born and how they got their name, and about various profession of fairies, it was very unique and a fun idea! Ophelia's journey to grant the wish is very adventurous. You could see the human world, our world, from an entirely different perspective.
Characters
Ophelia is a perfectionist, ambitious, and the most persistent creature I've ever read. She doesn't easily gave up whenever life hit her in the wings. She simply doesn't know how to gave up and she really hate being a failure. Now that seems to be a relatable character.
Charlie is Ophelia's best friend, in fact, he was Ophelia's only friend. Charlie, on the other hand is a very lazy and least ambitious fairy,but he's surely a very good friend and has a heart of gold.
Sam, is the funniest, most entertaining, straighforward, and lovable character. I always had a good laugh whenever he speaks. And he's the most loyal friend I've ever known!
Moral of the Story
-You could find friendship even in the strangest places and situations, you just have to admit that you need it. And there will always be someone who look up to you even in your worst of time
-No matter how hard life punch you in the wing, or face, you just have to fight back and don't ever give up
-Sometimes you'll have to choose to do what other people think is best and to do what YOU think is best even if it cost you something. It's your choice. But you'll have no regret if you do what you're told yourself.
April 8, 2018
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
John David Anderson never ceases to amaze me. I have read all but one of his books, and I am learning that I cannot even guess what he’s going to tackle next; although, I can assume he is going to do it well!
But I will be honest, I would not have guessed that his newest would be about a super sweet, determined, and a bit quirky fairy named Ophelia Fidgets. But yes, Ophelia is our phenomenal fairy protagonist who every reader will immediately love. She is a perfectionist but also does things her own way–she just has very high standards for her own way. She also has a silly sidekick in both Charlie, a fellow granting fairy, and Sam, a homeless dog, and I must say that Anderson does one of the best dog voices I’ve ever read, I could hear it while I read.
Other than the characters, I think there were two other things that this novel did exceptionally well: world building and making the reader think about priorities. Everywhere Ophelia went, Anderson described enough to make sure that we could visualize it, but he also ensured that he didn’t overwhelm the reader with too much information. He also did a truly fantastic job at setting up the fairy world and all the rules within it to where the reader understood Ophelia’s task, her job, etc. Also, through Ophelia’s journey to grant the wish she’s been assigned, Anderson gets the reader to look at wishing and what is truly important in the world.
Lastly, I loved that in the backmatter of the book, Anderson acknowledges the long history of fairies, including Tinkerbell!, and reminds readers to keep reading about them.
John David Anderson never ceases to amaze me. I have read all but one of his books, and I am learning that I cannot even guess what he’s going to tackle next; although, I can assume he is going to do it well!
But I will be honest, I would not have guessed that his newest would be about a super sweet, determined, and a bit quirky fairy named Ophelia Fidgets. But yes, Ophelia is our phenomenal fairy protagonist who every reader will immediately love. She is a perfectionist but also does things her own way–she just has very high standards for her own way. She also has a silly sidekick in both Charlie, a fellow granting fairy, and Sam, a homeless dog, and I must say that Anderson does one of the best dog voices I’ve ever read, I could hear it while I read.
Other than the characters, I think there were two other things that this novel did exceptionally well: world building and making the reader think about priorities. Everywhere Ophelia went, Anderson described enough to make sure that we could visualize it, but he also ensured that he didn’t overwhelm the reader with too much information. He also did a truly fantastic job at setting up the fairy world and all the rules within it to where the reader understood Ophelia’s task, her job, etc. Also, through Ophelia’s journey to grant the wish she’s been assigned, Anderson gets the reader to look at wishing and what is truly important in the world.
Lastly, I loved that in the backmatter of the book, Anderson acknowledges the long history of fairies, including Tinkerbell!, and reminds readers to keep reading about them.
February 18, 2018
Thank you to Edelweiss+ for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Ophelia is a fairy whose job it is to grant wishes...well, that's supposed to be her job, but she hasn't had a chance to actually perform it yet because the supply of magic is low. When she is finally given an opportunity to go on her first mission, she needs to find a coin on which a girl has wished for a new purple bike, and make her wish come true. But the mission is anything but straightforward, and Ophelia quickly discovers that she wasn't as prepared as she thought to venture into the human world. With the help of a stray dog, whom she names Sam, Ophelia confront the challenges she must overcome to grant the wish, until she discovers that someone else has also wished on the same coin. Ophelia has a decision to make, which could affect not only the wishmakers, but the entire balance of the fairy world.
A middle grade story about fairies has to be unique to appeal to me, and although the world is fleshed out in detail, the "coincidences" felt too forced to be believable, even in a magical world. The story also felt too long to appeal to the crowd at which I felt it would best be aimed. I think I'm probably not the right audience for it, but I'm not sure the right audience will be able to find it.
Ophelia is a fairy whose job it is to grant wishes...well, that's supposed to be her job, but she hasn't had a chance to actually perform it yet because the supply of magic is low. When she is finally given an opportunity to go on her first mission, she needs to find a coin on which a girl has wished for a new purple bike, and make her wish come true. But the mission is anything but straightforward, and Ophelia quickly discovers that she wasn't as prepared as she thought to venture into the human world. With the help of a stray dog, whom she names Sam, Ophelia confront the challenges she must overcome to grant the wish, until she discovers that someone else has also wished on the same coin. Ophelia has a decision to make, which could affect not only the wishmakers, but the entire balance of the fairy world.
A middle grade story about fairies has to be unique to appeal to me, and although the world is fleshed out in detail, the "coincidences" felt too forced to be believable, even in a magical world. The story also felt too long to appeal to the crowd at which I felt it would best be aimed. I think I'm probably not the right audience for it, but I'm not sure the right audience will be able to find it.
February 24, 2018
Thank you to John David Anderson for an ARC of this wonderful book! I loved this fantasy! I think it will be a hit among the upper elementary kids at my school. Anderson has a special talent of combining humor, sweetness and meaning in every book he writes. I can truly see this book turned into an animated movie.
Update: I have since read this book a second time and currently am reading it AGAIN out loud to my 4th grade son. He so far loves it and keeps saying "one more chapter"! The more I read this book, the more magical it becomes.
Update: I have since read this book a second time and currently am reading it AGAIN out loud to my 4th grade son. He so far loves it and keeps saying "one more chapter"! The more I read this book, the more magical it becomes.
March 8, 2018
Opening Line: "The last time you blew out your birthday candles, what did you wish for?"
Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is the youngest fairy to graduate from the academy, a certified wish granter who is about to embark on her first assignment to Kettering, Ohio to grant 13-year-old Kasarah's wish for a purple bike to replace the one that was stolen. Ophelia is one of many fairies living hidden from the outside world in the Haven, a place infused with magic from wishes granted by the Great Tree at its center. The Great Tree is where wishes made in the human world on a wishbone, a blown out candle, or even a four leaf clover are received and then magically become the golden leaves dropped from the tree with the name and details of the person whose wish the fairies are to grant. The granting of wishes is what has kept the magic flowing in Haven, but lately, the number of wishes being granted has dramatically decreased. With fewer wishes being chosen the amount of magic the fairies have to grant a wish is being depleted, so no magic can be wasted and why Ophelia is so determined to complete her task. Ophelia has trained for this very moment, she's got all the right gear and already plotted the fastest route to get her to Ohio and back. It should be a simple mission to retrieve the coin that Kasarah made her wish for a bicycle on, say the magic words granting the wish and get back to Haven. Except, the human world is unpredictable, with many unexpected hazards and obstacles standing in her way. The first being a run-in with an airplane that causes her to get all turned around and to lose over half of her supplies, but that is nothing compared to the decision that awaits when she has to decide what makes a wish worthy of being granted.
Every since reading Ms. Bixby's Last Day, Posted and Dungeoneers, Anderson's books have been on my auto-buy list. His newest book, Granted is such a delight and wonderful addition. Ophelia is the lovely blue-haired fairy who desperately tries to complete her mission and help save the magic in Haven. And oh boy what a brutal mission it is, with odds that seem to be stacked against her, and everything that can possibly go wrong seems to happen. Not only does she have to contend with an airplane and truck barreling at her, she encounters humans who attack her with a broom, a newspaper, even a fire extinguisher, not to mention a flock of ill-tempered geese and a hawk that thinks she's dinner. Despite being battered and badly injured, Ophelia is a survivalist. She may have her moments where she doubts why she should've even bothered trying to grant Kasarah's wish or whether she should just give up and ask for reinforcements, but Ophelia's also resourceful and determined, and "a promise is a promise" after all. Luckily for Ophelia, she comes across an abandoned dog, who she names Sam and together they follow the elusive path of Kasarah's coin as it moves from the fountain she made her wish upon to a diner, a super pets store, ending at the lemonade stand of siblings Anna and Gabe, two kids desperately missing their dad who's away serving in Iraq. What really makes this story for me though is Sam, how he so clearly sounds like how a dog would speak. How Sam longs for a friend and is so enamored by Ophelia, he captured my heart. Especially when Sam starts to follow her and she asks, "Why are you following me?" and he responds, "Because you are broken and lost and I licked you, so now we are friends." Granted is a glimpse into how some wishes can be "impossible and others might be unsustainable." "A wish is many things. It is hope and desire and daydreams. It is impossibility and improbability and something in between. It is stardust and well water and spectrums of light in the sky. It is half-melted birthday candles and Christmas lists. It is broken turkey bones. It is the willing suspension of disbelief. And sometimes it is desperation. It is a hole in your heart that wants filling." Such a sweet heartwarming story with all the magical charm of wishing on a star.
Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is the youngest fairy to graduate from the academy, a certified wish granter who is about to embark on her first assignment to Kettering, Ohio to grant 13-year-old Kasarah's wish for a purple bike to replace the one that was stolen. Ophelia is one of many fairies living hidden from the outside world in the Haven, a place infused with magic from wishes granted by the Great Tree at its center. The Great Tree is where wishes made in the human world on a wishbone, a blown out candle, or even a four leaf clover are received and then magically become the golden leaves dropped from the tree with the name and details of the person whose wish the fairies are to grant. The granting of wishes is what has kept the magic flowing in Haven, but lately, the number of wishes being granted has dramatically decreased. With fewer wishes being chosen the amount of magic the fairies have to grant a wish is being depleted, so no magic can be wasted and why Ophelia is so determined to complete her task. Ophelia has trained for this very moment, she's got all the right gear and already plotted the fastest route to get her to Ohio and back. It should be a simple mission to retrieve the coin that Kasarah made her wish for a bicycle on, say the magic words granting the wish and get back to Haven. Except, the human world is unpredictable, with many unexpected hazards and obstacles standing in her way. The first being a run-in with an airplane that causes her to get all turned around and to lose over half of her supplies, but that is nothing compared to the decision that awaits when she has to decide what makes a wish worthy of being granted.
Every since reading Ms. Bixby's Last Day, Posted and Dungeoneers, Anderson's books have been on my auto-buy list. His newest book, Granted is such a delight and wonderful addition. Ophelia is the lovely blue-haired fairy who desperately tries to complete her mission and help save the magic in Haven. And oh boy what a brutal mission it is, with odds that seem to be stacked against her, and everything that can possibly go wrong seems to happen. Not only does she have to contend with an airplane and truck barreling at her, she encounters humans who attack her with a broom, a newspaper, even a fire extinguisher, not to mention a flock of ill-tempered geese and a hawk that thinks she's dinner. Despite being battered and badly injured, Ophelia is a survivalist. She may have her moments where she doubts why she should've even bothered trying to grant Kasarah's wish or whether she should just give up and ask for reinforcements, but Ophelia's also resourceful and determined, and "a promise is a promise" after all. Luckily for Ophelia, she comes across an abandoned dog, who she names Sam and together they follow the elusive path of Kasarah's coin as it moves from the fountain she made her wish upon to a diner, a super pets store, ending at the lemonade stand of siblings Anna and Gabe, two kids desperately missing their dad who's away serving in Iraq. What really makes this story for me though is Sam, how he so clearly sounds like how a dog would speak. How Sam longs for a friend and is so enamored by Ophelia, he captured my heart. Especially when Sam starts to follow her and she asks, "Why are you following me?" and he responds, "Because you are broken and lost and I licked you, so now we are friends." Granted is a glimpse into how some wishes can be "impossible and others might be unsustainable." "A wish is many things. It is hope and desire and daydreams. It is impossibility and improbability and something in between. It is stardust and well water and spectrums of light in the sky. It is half-melted birthday candles and Christmas lists. It is broken turkey bones. It is the willing suspension of disbelief. And sometimes it is desperation. It is a hole in your heart that wants filling." Such a sweet heartwarming story with all the magical charm of wishing on a star.
November 18, 2017
Description:
From John David Anderson, author of the widely acclaimed and beloved novels Ms. Bixby’s Last Day and Posted, comes Granted, a hilarious, heartfelt, and unforgettable novel about a fairy-in-training and her first wish-granting assignment.
Everyone who wishes upon a star, or a candle, or a penny thrown into a fountain knows that you’re not allowed to tell anyone what you’ve wished for. But even so, rest assured: There is someone out there who hears it.
Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is no ordinary fairy—she is a Granter: one of the select few whose job it is to venture beyond the boundaries of the Haven and grant the wishes of unsuspecting humans every day. It’s the work of the Granters that generates the magic that allows the fairies to do what they do and to keep the Haven hidden and safe. But with worldwide magic levels at an all-time low, this is not as easy as it sounds. On a typical day, only a small fraction of the millions of wishes made get granted. And even granting those promised few means navigating a human world fraught with danger.
Today, however, is anything but typical. Because today Ophelia is going out on her first assignment. And she’s about to discover that getting what you truly want takes much more than a handful of fairy dust.
MY BOOK REVIEW:
My thanks to Harper Collins Children for this ARC to read and provide my honest review.
What a ride! I absolutely loved this middle-Grade book by Anderson. If you love books about fairies, wish granting, dreams and magic, this book is for you. I couldn’t put this book down. It read smoothly transitioning from one plot twist to another with ease. What I loved the most about this book is the author’s voice. John David Anderson’s ability to weave a story is well… magical. The characters leap off the pages and the magical journey that the Protagonist faces is quite the adventure!
This book wraps the meaning of dreams, wishes, family, magic and especially fairies around your heart and it is sure to leave you smiling and wanting more when you turn that last page.
The plot flows well. The Protagonist’s determination to fulfill her “assignment” sways from the path to success when one plot twist after another keeps her just out of reach of achieving her goals. The pace is steady and exciting and the characters are charming and relatable.
I love the cover. It’s true meaning will make sense once you’ve read the book.
From John David Anderson, author of the widely acclaimed and beloved novels Ms. Bixby’s Last Day and Posted, comes Granted, a hilarious, heartfelt, and unforgettable novel about a fairy-in-training and her first wish-granting assignment.
Everyone who wishes upon a star, or a candle, or a penny thrown into a fountain knows that you’re not allowed to tell anyone what you’ve wished for. But even so, rest assured: There is someone out there who hears it.
Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is no ordinary fairy—she is a Granter: one of the select few whose job it is to venture beyond the boundaries of the Haven and grant the wishes of unsuspecting humans every day. It’s the work of the Granters that generates the magic that allows the fairies to do what they do and to keep the Haven hidden and safe. But with worldwide magic levels at an all-time low, this is not as easy as it sounds. On a typical day, only a small fraction of the millions of wishes made get granted. And even granting those promised few means navigating a human world fraught with danger.
Today, however, is anything but typical. Because today Ophelia is going out on her first assignment. And she’s about to discover that getting what you truly want takes much more than a handful of fairy dust.
MY BOOK REVIEW:
My thanks to Harper Collins Children for this ARC to read and provide my honest review.
What a ride! I absolutely loved this middle-Grade book by Anderson. If you love books about fairies, wish granting, dreams and magic, this book is for you. I couldn’t put this book down. It read smoothly transitioning from one plot twist to another with ease. What I loved the most about this book is the author’s voice. John David Anderson’s ability to weave a story is well… magical. The characters leap off the pages and the magical journey that the Protagonist faces is quite the adventure!
This book wraps the meaning of dreams, wishes, family, magic and especially fairies around your heart and it is sure to leave you smiling and wanting more when you turn that last page.
The plot flows well. The Protagonist’s determination to fulfill her “assignment” sways from the path to success when one plot twist after another keeps her just out of reach of achieving her goals. The pace is steady and exciting and the characters are charming and relatable.
I love the cover. It’s true meaning will make sense once you’ve read the book.
May 4, 2018
I personally thought this was wildly different than anything else Anderson has done recently but his sharp dialogue and meticulous plotting is still evident. Ophelia is fully realized and Sam is the perfect sidekick. I think Dreamworks or Pixar should snatch the rights to this title up fast, as it would make a fantastic animated feature.
If it would not have taken so long for the story to get moving, this would have been a 5-star rating all the way, for me. I can't pinpoint any specific details that didn't work, it's just that there are so many details about the fairy world given to the reader (Anderson has literally thought of EVERYTHING) that there are times when it felt like it slowed down the story. I could feel Anderson addressing this structurally, as he crafted his chapters. He would break up the action by ending a chapter on a cliffhanger, then beginning the next chapter by giving the reader some more information about the fairy way (backstory, lore, filler) before picking up where the cliffhanger ended.
I really think Anderson is coming into his own as one of the most consistently good storytellers in children's literature. There are so many layers to GRANTED and in my opinion it is his most polished, complete story to date.
If it would not have taken so long for the story to get moving, this would have been a 5-star rating all the way, for me. I can't pinpoint any specific details that didn't work, it's just that there are so many details about the fairy world given to the reader (Anderson has literally thought of EVERYTHING) that there are times when it felt like it slowed down the story. I could feel Anderson addressing this structurally, as he crafted his chapters. He would break up the action by ending a chapter on a cliffhanger, then beginning the next chapter by giving the reader some more information about the fairy way (backstory, lore, filler) before picking up where the cliffhanger ended.
I really think Anderson is coming into his own as one of the most consistently good storytellers in children's literature. There are so many layers to GRANTED and in my opinion it is his most polished, complete story to date.
March 21, 2021
What a sweet story. Obviously my favorite character was Sam the dog. He was sweet but also very empathetic because of past mistreatment. I got a little misty eyed when he talked about being kicked. But the story was full of great characters including the main character Ophelia, a rebellious "modern" fairy. I like that her rebelliousness was based around her empathetic perception of the things she saw. This book is a great exercise for young readers in selflessness and empathy. The narrative takes two children who have lost something and leads the reader through Ophelia's dilema of who needs more help. One child had a bike stolen, the other had watched their father march off to the war in Iraq. I liked that this book didn't leave the narrative conclusion at one child getting something and another child not getting something. The conclusion conveys that magic is not the only way to have your wish granted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2018
Granted is cute. It follows a young fairy off on her first assignment to grant a wish and the ensuing pandemonium as a result of it.
She’s a little bit of a butthead to be honest, especially toward Sam in the beginning. Dogs are amazing! They love everyone and are pretty much permanently happy unless you hurt them in some way. She eventually learns this, but it took too long for my liking.
As was the point, I legitimately cared whether the family got their wishes. Who cares about a bike when a parent is on the other side of the world? Who cares about a bike when A DOG NEEDS LOVE!?
Naturally things end up okay—nobody ends up the worse for wear, and the fairies have a nice ending too. It’s sweet.
She’s a little bit of a butthead to be honest, especially toward Sam in the beginning. Dogs are amazing! They love everyone and are pretty much permanently happy unless you hurt them in some way. She eventually learns this, but it took too long for my liking.
As was the point, I legitimately cared whether the family got their wishes. Who cares about a bike when a parent is on the other side of the world? Who cares about a bike when A DOG NEEDS LOVE!?
Naturally things end up okay—nobody ends up the worse for wear, and the fairies have a nice ending too. It’s sweet.
May 24, 2018
This was really an enjoyable book. Ophelia is a fairy who has the job to grant wishes. She finally gets called up for her first real job and it’s not as easy as she thinks.
There are lots of good lessons in this book for kids. Ophelia has to learn how to think and make adjustments when things don’t go her way. She learns first hand not to judge other creatures by what she has been taught about them and becomes friends with them. She learns to follow her heart to do the right thing, even when it comes with consequences.
The writing in this story was enjoyable for both me and my son. The world and how wishes work in it was a fun concept. A great read for young and old alike.
There are lots of good lessons in this book for kids. Ophelia has to learn how to think and make adjustments when things don’t go her way. She learns first hand not to judge other creatures by what she has been taught about them and becomes friends with them. She learns to follow her heart to do the right thing, even when it comes with consequences.
The writing in this story was enjoyable for both me and my son. The world and how wishes work in it was a fun concept. A great read for young and old alike.
July 12, 2018
The 11-year-old and I have been reading quite a lot of excellent but very serious realistic fiction during bedtime. We needed some lighter fare. Granted by John David Anderson did just the trick. Like Posted and Ms. Bixby's Last Day, Granted is warm and funny. Better yet, it has a dog! You can't go wrong with a story featuring a loyal, charming, life-saving canine companion. This bedtime story gave us the feel good break we needed. Middle grade readers will really enjoy this magical "fairy" tale about wishes, friendship, and having fortitude in the face of challenges and hard decisions.
March 28, 2018
Fun story about all the work that goes into granting a wish.
Main character is persistent and doesn't let things like getting hit by a truck, nearly drowning in a pond, or getting attacked by a cat slow her down. She befriends a dog who helps her out and then in turn she helps him.
Who decides what wishes come true? Should they continue down the path they are currently taking or change things up?
This would make a great read aloud for persistence and make great discussion on how decisions are made.
Main character is persistent and doesn't let things like getting hit by a truck, nearly drowning in a pond, or getting attacked by a cat slow her down. She befriends a dog who helps her out and then in turn she helps him.
Who decides what wishes come true? Should they continue down the path they are currently taking or change things up?
This would make a great read aloud for persistence and make great discussion on how decisions are made.
August 4, 2019
As Granted is one of my 10 yo daughter's favourite books, I wanted to read it (and I wanted to love it too). Ophelia is a wish-granting fairy who is tasked with her first mission, but it goes horribly astray and she needs to make tough decisions about what she believes is right.
Personally, I found the writing to be too drawn out. The cute storyline could be a shorter, more accessible book, making it more appealing to a wider audience. However, as already noted, it is one of my daughter's favourite books, so it obviously hasn't missed the mark entirely!
Personally, I found the writing to be too drawn out. The cute storyline could be a shorter, more accessible book, making it more appealing to a wider audience. However, as already noted, it is one of my daughter's favourite books, so it obviously hasn't missed the mark entirely!
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