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Wishes, Dares and How to Stand Up to a Bully
Creston has bought Darlene Beck Jacobson's middle grade novel, Wishes, Dares and How to Stand Up to a Bully. The novel in verse crystallizes a boy's worries about his father, who is MIA in Vietnam, and how his family, new best friend, and a bully unexpectedly help him find the courage to do the right thing, not just the easy thing. Publication is set for spring 2020.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 20, 2021
When Jack's father goes missing during the Vietnam War, Jack's life changes in many ways. That historical time period is woven in with a story that centers around friendship (a new best friend named Jill), family, and figuring out yourself and the greater world during middle-grade years.
Told in free verse with an element of magical realism, this fast-paced story concisely captures the ups and downs in Jack's world as he encounters with loss, relocation, bullies, and Jill's abusive stepfather. An interesting element is the glimpse back into Jack's father's life, via a boyhood diary. This adds a unique angle to the story, providing additional layers of depth as Jack connects with his absent father, searching beyond unfinished entries.
Middle-graders will relate to Jack (age 11) and find this engaging book an easy and interesting read. The 1960's small-town setting delivers historical information in a manner that comes naturally as the story unfolds. Though life has changed over the years, Jack's story feels true and relevant to readers today.
Told in free verse with an element of magical realism, this fast-paced story concisely captures the ups and downs in Jack's world as he encounters with loss, relocation, bullies, and Jill's abusive stepfather. An interesting element is the glimpse back into Jack's father's life, via a boyhood diary. This adds a unique angle to the story, providing additional layers of depth as Jack connects with his absent father, searching beyond unfinished entries.
Middle-graders will relate to Jack (age 11) and find this engaging book an easy and interesting read. The 1960's small-town setting delivers historical information in a manner that comes naturally as the story unfolds. Though life has changed over the years, Jack's story feels true and relevant to readers today.
May 25, 2021
I am a huge fan of novels in verse--the word economy alone always amazes me--and although this book wasn't one I had on my radar until just recently, I feel blessed it came into my life. I loved this book from the start to finish. The emotional rollercoaster of joy, fear, sadness felt authentic for middle grade. The family relationships and friendships were my favorite part. The setting felt so real--I was there with the characters, riding bikes, camping, fishing. The character growth arcs for all four kids is well-developed and more than satisfying. The ending (no spoilers) was perfect. Bravo to this author. Highly recommended!
November 19, 2019
A truly lovely, moving historical MG novel in verse.
May 3, 2023
In a media age where kids are bombarded with the next loudest, fastest, brightest thing -- this book stands apart. It gently invites the reader into a child's inner world. It gives space for loss, doesn't try to hide it or wish it away. It also shows how lost things (or in this main character's case, a missing father in war), aren't the end. Sometimes, feeling lost inside leads to you to new friendships, adventures and even magical wishes.
And speaking of getting lost, it was a fun escape to the 1960s. Although I was born much later, it evoked my own childhood memories (riding bikes, camping in a big tent without the parents), and reminded me of a time when part of me who wasn't ready to keep growing up. Part of me still wanted to believe that magic is real.
I hope you'll make space in your heart for this book -- whether you are grown up already, or still growing. I believe children's inner worlds are more complex, insightful, and honest than many of us adults remember. This book reminded me of that. If the eleven-year-old version of me read this book, I'd probably relate a lot with the main character too. Life feels complicated, but you don't have to do it alone.
And speaking of getting lost, it was a fun escape to the 1960s. Although I was born much later, it evoked my own childhood memories (riding bikes, camping in a big tent without the parents), and reminded me of a time when part of me who wasn't ready to keep growing up. Part of me still wanted to believe that magic is real.
I hope you'll make space in your heart for this book -- whether you are grown up already, or still growing. I believe children's inner worlds are more complex, insightful, and honest than many of us adults remember. This book reminded me of that. If the eleven-year-old version of me read this book, I'd probably relate a lot with the main character too. Life feels complicated, but you don't have to do it alone.
May 9, 2020
I have never been particularly drawn to novels in verse, but Wishes, Dares and How to Stand Up to a Bully intrigued me, as I do love historical fiction. I was also in the same age range as the main character, Jack, during the Vietnam War (I still remember the name on the POW bracelet I wore as an adolescent until the war was over.) But unlike Jack, no one close to me fought in Vietnam. I have read a number of books set during the war, but Jack’s story truly brought home the experience from the eyes of the young child missing his father. The free verse is lovely and lyrical, and the lines are filled with deep emotion without being overly sentimental. The characters are rich and multilayered. So often throughout the story, I wanted to hug each one of them. This book is a beautiful tribute to our heroes overseas and those holding the fort at home. Highly recommended.
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June 13, 2020The premise for this story, from the author's note, came to her in a dream. wouldn't every writer love to have that happen?
The engine driving the dilemmas and drama is the age-old "be careful what you wish for" and some traditional fish-wish tales. But the heart of the story is Jack, an eleven year old boy who is adjusting to the reality that his dad is MIA in Viet Nam, then later identified as POW. Do NOT assume that will be resolved during the course of this story, because it is about Jack, his immediate and extended family, and a new friend. This story practically defines the "coming of age" genre during a summer Jack spends at his grandparents' home, sleeping in his dad's childhood bed, and finding his footing among shifting landscapes of worry and loss.
The verse novel format and the pivotal age for this story makes it ideal for middle grade, with accessibility in text, ideas, historical references, and juggling of potential magic in the midst of stone-cold realism. The emerging sibling relationships, friendships, and awareness of parental relationships and perspectives are suffused with appealing personalities and genuine emotional depth.
The engine driving the dilemmas and drama is the age-old "be careful what you wish for" and some traditional fish-wish tales. But the heart of the story is Jack, an eleven year old boy who is adjusting to the reality that his dad is MIA in Viet Nam, then later identified as POW. Do NOT assume that will be resolved during the course of this story, because it is about Jack, his immediate and extended family, and a new friend. This story practically defines the "coming of age" genre during a summer Jack spends at his grandparents' home, sleeping in his dad's childhood bed, and finding his footing among shifting landscapes of worry and loss.
The verse novel format and the pivotal age for this story makes it ideal for middle grade, with accessibility in text, ideas, historical references, and juggling of potential magic in the midst of stone-cold realism. The emerging sibling relationships, friendships, and awareness of parental relationships and perspectives are suffused with appealing personalities and genuine emotional depth.
May 15, 2020
Wishes, Dares, & How to Stand Up to a Bully is a wonderful book filled with heart. The characters are sweet, relatable and lovable. They grapple with big issues, which Jacobson handles deftly and honestly. Like books by Linda Mullaly Hunt and Donna Gephart, readers will feel how much Jacobson cares about young readers. A fantastic historical fiction story in verse that I’d not only read again, but also share with other educators for their students.
April 21, 2020
This beautifully written novel-in-verse tugs at the heart strings. Jack and Jill have reeled in a magical one-eyed fish that grants wishes. When Jill's wish doesn't quite go as planned, Jack realizes that it really is important to be careful what you wish for. I couldn't put the book down, and my class enjoyed it just as much as I did. This one will be read year after year with my fourth-graders!
July 29, 2020
I just finished reading with a tear in my eyes. This book was so well written with powerful messages. There is a cast of characters each with lesson to teach! Definite read for your 8-12 year old child or grandchildren as well adults. It is a page turner! Teachers check it out for your room library or school library. A must for a guidance councilor.
December 8, 2019
This is a lovely novel-in-verse about a summer of friends and enemies, hopes and challenges, real life and magic.
March 4, 2020
Wishes, Dares & How to Stand Up to a Bully
If there’s one thing I feel very strongly about—it’s bullying. I hated it when I was a kid, even more when my son was in school, and I witness it on a daily basis, especially now. Bullying takes forms in countless ways, and not just by kids or on school playgrounds, that’s for sure.
Unfortunately, we live at a time when this abhorrent behavior is actually encouraged by some, so it’s that much more important to address the subject in ways that have the best chance to have positive impact. That’s why I was thrilled about Darlene Beck Jacobson’s middle grade novel in verse Wishes, Dares & How to Stand Up to a Bully.
As a gifted author, Darlene captures with such authenticity, the thoughts and feelings of 11-year old Jack and the essence of life in the 1960s (I lived through them, so I know!). From the first page I instantly fell in book-love with him, the characters and setting, and became so immersed I was barely aware of the pages turning as I eagerly ventured through Jack’s story.
Written in impeccable verse, the format allows for brief, poignant scenes that artfully tug at your heartstrings. Though it takes place in a simpler time when activities weren’t tech-driven, the primary subject matter of bullying is more timely than ever. It is addressed in a very effective, non-didactic way offering the type of resolution that could have the kind of influence and benefit one would want from a middle grade novel. The reader could come away with…
“The knowledge that sometimes
in order to help yourself,
you have to help
someone else first.”
“Wishes” takes place at the end of a school year in the early 1960s, when 11-year-old Jack learns that his father, having been deployed to Vietnam a year before, is now Missing In Action. Jack, his mom and younger sister, Katy, will spend the summer with Gran and Pops, his dad’s parents—and Jack doesn’t wish to be there. All he wishes is for his dad to come home.
Jack doesn’t know he will befriend Jill, a special girl whose brother not only bullies her, but will bully Jack too. He also doesn’t know how careful one must be when making wishes—granted by a fish—because they can go horribly awry. What he does know is that he cares about his dad, his family, and Jill. Unexpectedly, he will also come to care about things and people he never would have thought.
Darlene’s first novel, Wheels of Change, blew me away, so I knew I was in for a treat with “Wishes.” She did NOT disappoint! In my opinion, this is a book that should be read in every classroom, library and home. It’s that important. It’s that good!
Unfortunately, we live at a time when this abhorrent behavior is actually encouraged by some, so it’s that much more important to address the subject in ways that have the best chance to have positive impact. That’s why I was thrilled about Darlene Beck Jacobson’s middle grade novel in verse Wishes, Dares & How to Stand Up to a Bully.
As a gifted author, Darlene captures with such authenticity, the thoughts and feelings of 11-year old Jack and the essence of life in the 1960s (I lived through them, so I know!). From the first page I instantly fell in book-love with him, the characters and setting, and became so immersed I was barely aware of the pages turning as I eagerly ventured through Jack’s story.
Written in impeccable verse, the format allows for brief, poignant scenes that artfully tug at your heartstrings. Though it takes place in a simpler time when activities weren’t tech-driven, the primary subject matter of bullying is more timely than ever. It is addressed in a very effective, non-didactic way offering the type of resolution that could have the kind of influence and benefit one would want from a middle grade novel. The reader could come away with…
“The knowledge that sometimes
in order to help yourself,
you have to help
someone else first.”
“Wishes” takes place at the end of a school year in the early 1960s, when 11-year-old Jack learns that his father, having been deployed to Vietnam a year before, is now Missing In Action. Jack, his mom and younger sister, Katy, will spend the summer with Gran and Pops, his dad’s parents—and Jack doesn’t wish to be there. All he wishes is for his dad to come home.
Jack doesn’t know he will befriend Jill, a special girl whose brother not only bullies her, but will bully Jack too. He also doesn’t know how careful one must be when making wishes—granted by a fish—because they can go horribly awry. What he does know is that he cares about his dad, his family, and Jill. Unexpectedly, he will also come to care about things and people he never would have thought.
Darlene’s first novel, Wheels of Change, blew me away, so I knew I was in for a treat with “Wishes.” She did NOT disappoint! In my opinion, this is a book that should be read in every classroom, library and home. It’s that important. It’s that good!
February 21, 2022
Eleven-year-old Jack, five-year-old Katy, and their mother are spending the summer living with the children’s paternal grandparents. Jack’s father is MIA in Vietnam, and his mother wanted to get out of their home which everyone agrees feels empty without him. In a new town, Jack makes friends with Jill, whose brother, Cody, has turned into a bully. Cody’s behavior changed when their stepfather moved in and started harassing and taunting Cody. While fishing together, Jack and Jill discover that a one-eyed fish can grant wishes—and these two kids have some serious things to wish for. Jill goes first, and the friends discover that poorly worded wishes can have dangerous, unintended consequences. Will they be able to fix those consequences? And is there any way Jack can properly wish his father safely home?
This middle-grade novel is written in verse and narrated by Jack. The poetry is clear and concise and perfectly brings to life the emotional turmoil of Jack. Jacobson balances that strong emotion with the normal, fun events of childhood—camping, birthday parties, playing pirates—which keeps the story interesting but not overly intense. The world she builds is so realistic that I was shocked when the fish could truly grant wishes—but even in that Beck-Jacobson holds to reality, showing the reader that wishes are not simple things. It’s more important to give than to take, and being safe may be more important than being together. Highly recommended. Ages 8-13.
This middle-grade novel is written in verse and narrated by Jack. The poetry is clear and concise and perfectly brings to life the emotional turmoil of Jack. Jacobson balances that strong emotion with the normal, fun events of childhood—camping, birthday parties, playing pirates—which keeps the story interesting but not overly intense. The world she builds is so realistic that I was shocked when the fish could truly grant wishes—but even in that Beck-Jacobson holds to reality, showing the reader that wishes are not simple things. It’s more important to give than to take, and being safe may be more important than being together. Highly recommended. Ages 8-13.
April 7, 2020
This charming novel in verse, set in the early 1960s, brought me to tears numerous times, and I am not normally someone who reads magical realism or who likes my “heart warmed.” But Jack is an engaging and endearing protagonist, greatly worried about his father, MIA in Viet Nam, and not at all convinced that spending the summer with his grandparents is going to take his mind off his troubles. Enter Jill, a spunky new friend, who has her own problem – a bully brother – and a one-eyed fish they name Fred. Does Fred really grant wishes when they toss him back in the pond? It’s easy to chalk it up to coincidence … at first.
Jill’s “speak first, think later” attitude makes a wonderful foil for Jack’s more hesitant, thoughtful approach to this possible miracle. He’s read the cautionary tale of The Monkey’s Paw, after all, and knows that simply wishing his father home might result in unintended consequences – especially after Jill’s ill-considered wishes repeatedly throw her life into turmoil. The more wishes they spend on Jill’s ever-spiraling problems, the less they have for saving Jack’s dad … if Jack even finds courage enough to try.
Surprising, delightful, and yes, darn it, heart-warming. Highly recommended.
Jill’s “speak first, think later” attitude makes a wonderful foil for Jack’s more hesitant, thoughtful approach to this possible miracle. He’s read the cautionary tale of The Monkey’s Paw, after all, and knows that simply wishing his father home might result in unintended consequences – especially after Jill’s ill-considered wishes repeatedly throw her life into turmoil. The more wishes they spend on Jill’s ever-spiraling problems, the less they have for saving Jack’s dad … if Jack even finds courage enough to try.
Surprising, delightful, and yes, darn it, heart-warming. Highly recommended.
April 9, 2020
Honest, heartbreaking and hopeful.
Jacobson invites readers to travel back in history and into the mind of young Jack, a boy grappling with the news that his military father is Missing In Action. Set in the early ‘60’s against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Jack’s first-person account is raw, honest and believable, and filled with soul-searching questions that will simultaneously break your heart and mend it again. Secondary characters add dimension and depth and weave in additional subplots that intersect, further squeeze the emotions and explore the power, responsibility and hope embodied in one critical wish. A quick MUST-READ modern-day classic that will remain in your heart for a long, long time. Like a certain one-eyed fish, you’ll be hooked from the beginning!
Jacobson invites readers to travel back in history and into the mind of young Jack, a boy grappling with the news that his military father is Missing In Action. Set in the early ‘60’s against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Jack’s first-person account is raw, honest and believable, and filled with soul-searching questions that will simultaneously break your heart and mend it again. Secondary characters add dimension and depth and weave in additional subplots that intersect, further squeeze the emotions and explore the power, responsibility and hope embodied in one critical wish. A quick MUST-READ modern-day classic that will remain in your heart for a long, long time. Like a certain one-eyed fish, you’ll be hooked from the beginning!
April 7, 2020
Today, there are kids across America who long for a parent serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in a distant land, to return home to them. "Wishes, Dares and How to Stand Up to a Bully," takes place during the Vietnam War, yet it is timely and relevant. Jack, a preteen who longs for his MIA father to be found, spends the summer with his paternal grandparents. While he is there, he finds friendship, magic and courage in unexpected places.
April 7, 2020
I adore this book. It touches on difficult themes like loss and bullying but leaves the reader with a sense of hope and wonder. The Vietnam era setting feels authentic and manages to inform and educate while inviting you to turn pages faster and faster. The friendships are age appropriate and touching ... and the enemies have just the right touch of complexity. The poetry is lovely. I'd give it a sixth star if I could.
April 7, 2020
Eleven-year old Jack and his best friend Jill believe that they've found a one-eyed fish who has the power to grant wishes. But is this a blessing or a curse? With references to the supernatural story, The Monkey's Paw, Darlene Beck-Jacobson has written a gorgeous, lyrical book in verse that has the reader sitting on the edge or his or her seat pondering this exact question. Be careful what you wish for.
April 9, 2020
Darlene Beck-Jacobson has created a powerful book told in verse. As the main character Jack worries about his dad, he learns how to be brave. I love this book about making good choices and fixing the choices that have gone bad.
August 3, 2020
This is a wonderful magical story about growing up and life lessons.
April 24, 2025
4.5 stars. I really enjoy novels in verse, especially if there is a female protagonist. Had this been a girl's story, it might have been even more powerful. Great tale.
September 16, 2022
I feel like I want to share this with everyone I know. A blend of middle-school fiction, historical fiction, free verse poetry, and magical realism. I felt inspired to start writing again.
July 30, 2025
Writing for middle-graders is tricky. “Betweenagers” yearn to be grown up while still seeking safety and security when things go sideways; they want to make their own decisions and solve their own problems but often need help making wise choices. In
Wishes, Dares, and How to Stand Up to a Bully,
a novel written in free verse, Darlene Beck-Jacobson threads the needle with compassion, eloquence, and honesty.
Set during the Vietnam War, the story focuses on eleven-year-old Jack, whose soldier father has been declared MIA. His mother decides she, Jack, and his four-going-on-five-year-old sister Katy should spend the summer with his father’s parents for mutual support and comfort. Jack is less than thrilled—stuck deep in his own grief and fear, he’s incapable of seeing how holding together as a family can lighten even the heaviest load.
Everything changes when Jack meets Jill, a girl with troubles of her own that center around her overbearing stepfather Dale and bullying brother Cody. With the help of a might-be-magical fish, Jack, Jill, and Katy work together to right wrongs, confront injustice, and keep moving forward no matter what. The ending is both realistic and hope-filled; Jack and his squad don’t know what the future holds, but they are confident they can meet whatever challenges they face with courage, camaraderie, and humor.
Beck-Jacobson’s facility with language shines throughout the hundreds of brief chapters, each exploring a different single-word topic. Lost, Safe, Believe, Help—the lyrical verses tell standalone stories that, taken together, create a summer-long narrative of friendship and forgiveness. Both intimate and epic, Wishes, Dares, and How to Stand Up to a Bully delivers an important message with a light, loving touch. It will change readers in the best possible way.
Set during the Vietnam War, the story focuses on eleven-year-old Jack, whose soldier father has been declared MIA. His mother decides she, Jack, and his four-going-on-five-year-old sister Katy should spend the summer with his father’s parents for mutual support and comfort. Jack is less than thrilled—stuck deep in his own grief and fear, he’s incapable of seeing how holding together as a family can lighten even the heaviest load.
Everything changes when Jack meets Jill, a girl with troubles of her own that center around her overbearing stepfather Dale and bullying brother Cody. With the help of a might-be-magical fish, Jack, Jill, and Katy work together to right wrongs, confront injustice, and keep moving forward no matter what. The ending is both realistic and hope-filled; Jack and his squad don’t know what the future holds, but they are confident they can meet whatever challenges they face with courage, camaraderie, and humor.
Beck-Jacobson’s facility with language shines throughout the hundreds of brief chapters, each exploring a different single-word topic. Lost, Safe, Believe, Help—the lyrical verses tell standalone stories that, taken together, create a summer-long narrative of friendship and forgiveness. Both intimate and epic, Wishes, Dares, and How to Stand Up to a Bully delivers an important message with a light, loving touch. It will change readers in the best possible way.
December 23, 2019
Eleven year old Jack misses his Dad who is MIA in Vietnam. It’s been months since he and his family had word of his whereabouts. The last thing Jack wants to do is spend summer with his grandparents. Mom believes it will be good for them all – Jack, his sister Katy, Mom, Gran and Pops – to be together while they wait for word about Dad. Keeping busy will keep them out of trouble and help them think of other things.
Jack expects the worst summer of his life. The first summer without. Without Dad, without friends, without his room and all the things that remind him of Dad. When Jack meets a girl named Jill - a girl with a brother who makes trouble for both of them – things they believe are turned upside down. Welcome to a summer of fishing, camping, bullies, and a fish who grants wishes. A fish that could be the answer to Jack’s problem. But when Jill makes wishes of her own, things don’t turn out the way they expected. Every wish has a consequence. Will the fish grant Jack’s biggest wish? Will Jack be brave enough to ask?
Plenty of topics for discussion on bullying, Vietnam War era, early years of space flight, sixties pop culture and more. The verse format allows even reluctant readers an opportunity to engage in this easy-to-read page turner. An emotional and heart-felt tale of kindness, friendship, and family. Perfect for students in grades 3 and up, or as a read aloud for younger students.
Jack expects the worst summer of his life. The first summer without. Without Dad, without friends, without his room and all the things that remind him of Dad. When Jack meets a girl named Jill - a girl with a brother who makes trouble for both of them – things they believe are turned upside down. Welcome to a summer of fishing, camping, bullies, and a fish who grants wishes. A fish that could be the answer to Jack’s problem. But when Jill makes wishes of her own, things don’t turn out the way they expected. Every wish has a consequence. Will the fish grant Jack’s biggest wish? Will Jack be brave enough to ask?
Plenty of topics for discussion on bullying, Vietnam War era, early years of space flight, sixties pop culture and more. The verse format allows even reluctant readers an opportunity to engage in this easy-to-read page turner. An emotional and heart-felt tale of kindness, friendship, and family. Perfect for students in grades 3 and up, or as a read aloud for younger students.
April 24, 2025
Can a fish grant a wish? If so, what are the proper words to use? Can Jack find the right wishing words to bring his dad home from the Vietnam war? Jack's mom takes him and his little sister, Katy, to their dad's parents' home for the summer. There, Jack meets and befriends Jill, and they become friends and fishing partners--until her brother Cody comes around and bullies them. Throughout the summer, Jack's grandparents give him glimpses of his dad as a youngster. When he finds his dad's journal, he knows he's hit the jackpot. The wisdom he finds from his dad as a child helps him do the right thing in the here and now. This sweet novel in verse evokes the Vietnam era, with a focus on navigating difficult situations among family and friends.
August 9, 2025
This book has so many feels - love, loss, hope, forgiveness, fun! Doing the right thing isn’t always easy but pays off in the end!
December 29, 2019
Darlene Beck Jacobson has taken the old saying “Be careful what you wish for” and given us a creative heartwarming story in Wishes, Dares, and How to Stand Up to a Bully. What makes this book very special is that the story is also creatively written using lyrical prose. The rhythm of the words makes the reader sail through the book wanting to turn each page to the end.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews