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دختر آرزو
پیتر استون دلیلی میخواهد تا زندگی کند
آنی بلایت نمیخواهد بمیرد
آیا میتوانند آرزوهای همدیگر را برآورده کنند؟
پیتر استون پسری است ساکت در خانوادهای برونگرا، موسیقیدان و اهل داد و فریاد. هرچه سروصداشان بیشتر میشود، پیتر ساکتتر میشود تا اینکه عملاً مثل سنگ میشود.
وقتی خانوادهاش به دهکدۀ تگزاسهیل نقلمکان میکنند، پیتر درهای اسرارآمیز، پر از صلح و آرامش مییابد و درنهایت میتواند افکار خودش را بشنود. در آنجا با دختری همسن خودش به نام آنی بلایت آشنا میشود که هنرمندی پرشور است و به پیتر میگوید که دختر آرزوست، ولی آنی مثل هر دختر آرزویی نیست. او دختری است که فقط یک آرزو میکند و آن برآورده میشود. آنی باید دو هفتۀ دیگر برای متوقف کردن سرطانش تحت معالجات خطرناکی قرار گیرد. اگر معالجه نکند، سرطان او را میکشد و اگر معالجه کند، ممکن است به مغزش آسیب جدی برسد و تواناییاش را برای کارهای هنری از دست بدهد.
آنی بلایت نمیخواهد بمیرد
آیا میتوانند آرزوهای همدیگر را برآورده کنند؟
پیتر استون پسری است ساکت در خانوادهای برونگرا، موسیقیدان و اهل داد و فریاد. هرچه سروصداشان بیشتر میشود، پیتر ساکتتر میشود تا اینکه عملاً مثل سنگ میشود.
وقتی خانوادهاش به دهکدۀ تگزاسهیل نقلمکان میکنند، پیتر درهای اسرارآمیز، پر از صلح و آرامش مییابد و درنهایت میتواند افکار خودش را بشنود. در آنجا با دختری همسن خودش به نام آنی بلایت آشنا میشود که هنرمندی پرشور است و به پیتر میگوید که دختر آرزوست، ولی آنی مثل هر دختر آرزویی نیست. او دختری است که فقط یک آرزو میکند و آن برآورده میشود. آنی باید دو هفتۀ دیگر برای متوقف کردن سرطانش تحت معالجات خطرناکی قرار گیرد. اگر معالجه نکند، سرطان او را میکشد و اگر معالجه کند، ممکن است به مغزش آسیب جدی برسد و تواناییاش را برای کارهای هنری از دست بدهد.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2015
51 people are currently reading
2237 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Loftin
10 books175 followers Nikki Loftin is the author of The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy, which Publishers Weekly called "mesmerizing," and Kirkus called "irresistible," and Nightingale's Nest, which received a starred review from Kirkus. She lives with her Scottish photographer husband just outside Austin, Texas, surrounded by dogs, goats, and small, loud boys.
Nikki is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin graduate writing program (MA, '98). She has been a popcorn seller, waitress, bookstore employee, Music and Gifted/Talented teacher, and a Director of Family Ministries.
Nikki teaches Zumba dance/aerobics in a mostly vain attempt to combat the ever-threatening Writer's Butt. When under extreme stress, or on submission with a novel, she bakes obsessively as a coping technique. Her favorite food/obsession is ice cream, preferably Blue Bell Moo-llenium Crunch. On very good days, she prefers writing even to ice cream.
Nikki is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary Agency.
Nikki is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin graduate writing program (MA, '98). She has been a popcorn seller, waitress, bookstore employee, Music and Gifted/Talented teacher, and a Director of Family Ministries.
Nikki teaches Zumba dance/aerobics in a mostly vain attempt to combat the ever-threatening Writer's Butt. When under extreme stress, or on submission with a novel, she bakes obsessively as a coping technique. Her favorite food/obsession is ice cream, preferably Blue Bell Moo-llenium Crunch. On very good days, she prefers writing even to ice cream.
Nikki is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
March 30, 2015
Wish Girl is one of those special books that so clearly demonstrates the magic and agelessness of children's literature. This third novel from Nikki Loftin is an incredibly beautiful novel, filled with characters and prose that will undoubtedly wriggle deep into your heart.
“Turns out, it's not running away when no one notices you're gone.”
Peter Stone is a quiet boy who feels perpetually adrift. Quiet and introspective, he struggles to make friends and bullies find him an easy target. Even at home Peter feels alienated; his family, loud and extroverted, struggle to understand and connect with him. After his mother discovers dark and hopeless entries in his journal, the family packs up and leaves the city behind, hoping that escaping the bullies and negativity will allow Peter to start over. Of course, Peter can't outrun what's in his head. The pressing need to be alone drives him out into the nearby tranquil valley, where he finally feels like he has escaped and can be himself. I love that it is through nature, this beautiful but sometimes dangerous valley, that Peter finally finds and accepts himself.
“'It's part of the art,' she explained, motioning toward the stream. 'The bringing together of the pieces, then the way they disappear when it time - the wind, or water, or gravity, whatever - makes the art lose its hold. It's not meant to stay forever. Some people,' and she paused. 'Some people wouldn't get it. They'd do all sorts of unnatural things to make it stay just like it was. Glue it, staple it, cement it. Even though that would ruin it.'”
When Peter first encounters Annie Blythe, he's angry. Finally, finally he has found a place that is his, where he can be alone, and there she is. But, despite his initial reaction, he finds he likes Annie. Instead of cutting conversations short, he can't help but ask her questions and, before he knows it, he's aiding in her crazy artistic pursuits. Much to Peter's surprise, with Annie he finds companionable silence and reflective conversation. She isn't like the people Peter wants to escape and she isn't quite like Peter either. Instead, she is just unapologetically herself. Artistic, opinionated, bossy, and devoted to living the fullest, most artistic life she can in the time she has left. The friendship between Peter and Annie is hands down one of my absolute favorites. It's honest and deep and powerful.
The valley where Peter and Annie meet begins as a way for each of them to escape the 'real' world, where they feel overwhelmed and unwelcome. Readers soon realize, however, that the valley is more than just a place, it's a character in its own right - a unique, stubborn, magical character, just like Peter and Annie.
"'No,' she said again, 'I don't want to die. Not at all! But don't you see, I'm going to anyway?' She pointed at her chest. 'What is death, Peter? It's when you stop being you, right? When that something, that spark or whatever, goes out. And that's what's coming for me.'”
Because Annie is terminally ill and Peter struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, conversations of death do play an important part in this novel. While Annie doesn't want to die, she thinks it preferable to the brain damage and loss of self and autonomy her impending treatment will likely cause. Peter's friendship with Annie, seeing her fear and lack of choice, forces him to confront his own depression and thoughts of self harm. I often hear adults protesting to the inclusion of these themes and discussion in MG literature because they feel their young readers need something lighter or cannot handle talk of illness, depression, and death, but I truly feel that younger readers need books like Wish Girl. As much as these difficult and often taboo topics are uncomfortable and scary to talk about, they are real and they affect people everyday. Hiding from them, choosing ignorance, benefits no one.
“'Sometimes,' she said, after a few more seconds of silence, 'sometimes you got to act. You can't wait. You got to do what needs doing, before the world makes the decision for you.'”
I know it's early, but I feel this book is a likely 2015 Newbery contender... It's one I'll be recommending for years to come, award or no.
Highly recommended.
“Turns out, it's not running away when no one notices you're gone.”
Peter Stone is a quiet boy who feels perpetually adrift. Quiet and introspective, he struggles to make friends and bullies find him an easy target. Even at home Peter feels alienated; his family, loud and extroverted, struggle to understand and connect with him. After his mother discovers dark and hopeless entries in his journal, the family packs up and leaves the city behind, hoping that escaping the bullies and negativity will allow Peter to start over. Of course, Peter can't outrun what's in his head. The pressing need to be alone drives him out into the nearby tranquil valley, where he finally feels like he has escaped and can be himself. I love that it is through nature, this beautiful but sometimes dangerous valley, that Peter finally finds and accepts himself.
“'It's part of the art,' she explained, motioning toward the stream. 'The bringing together of the pieces, then the way they disappear when it time - the wind, or water, or gravity, whatever - makes the art lose its hold. It's not meant to stay forever. Some people,' and she paused. 'Some people wouldn't get it. They'd do all sorts of unnatural things to make it stay just like it was. Glue it, staple it, cement it. Even though that would ruin it.'”
When Peter first encounters Annie Blythe, he's angry. Finally, finally he has found a place that is his, where he can be alone, and there she is. But, despite his initial reaction, he finds he likes Annie. Instead of cutting conversations short, he can't help but ask her questions and, before he knows it, he's aiding in her crazy artistic pursuits. Much to Peter's surprise, with Annie he finds companionable silence and reflective conversation. She isn't like the people Peter wants to escape and she isn't quite like Peter either. Instead, she is just unapologetically herself. Artistic, opinionated, bossy, and devoted to living the fullest, most artistic life she can in the time she has left. The friendship between Peter and Annie is hands down one of my absolute favorites. It's honest and deep and powerful.
The valley where Peter and Annie meet begins as a way for each of them to escape the 'real' world, where they feel overwhelmed and unwelcome. Readers soon realize, however, that the valley is more than just a place, it's a character in its own right - a unique, stubborn, magical character, just like Peter and Annie.
"'No,' she said again, 'I don't want to die. Not at all! But don't you see, I'm going to anyway?' She pointed at her chest. 'What is death, Peter? It's when you stop being you, right? When that something, that spark or whatever, goes out. And that's what's coming for me.'”
Because Annie is terminally ill and Peter struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, conversations of death do play an important part in this novel. While Annie doesn't want to die, she thinks it preferable to the brain damage and loss of self and autonomy her impending treatment will likely cause. Peter's friendship with Annie, seeing her fear and lack of choice, forces him to confront his own depression and thoughts of self harm. I often hear adults protesting to the inclusion of these themes and discussion in MG literature because they feel their young readers need something lighter or cannot handle talk of illness, depression, and death, but I truly feel that younger readers need books like Wish Girl. As much as these difficult and often taboo topics are uncomfortable and scary to talk about, they are real and they affect people everyday. Hiding from them, choosing ignorance, benefits no one.
“'Sometimes,' she said, after a few more seconds of silence, 'sometimes you got to act. You can't wait. You got to do what needs doing, before the world makes the decision for you.'”
I know it's early, but I feel this book is a likely 2015 Newbery contender... It's one I'll be recommending for years to come, award or no.
Highly recommended.
August 8, 2016
O Vale Encantado
Esta é a estória da Amizade entre um Rapaz buscador de Silêncio e uma Miúda com cancro que gostava de arte
O Rapaz é estranho, introvertido, não sabe lutar e adora fundir-se com a Paz do Vale , onde se refugia do mundo e formula desejos
A Miúda tem dores de cabeça e desenha, cria Arte naquele Vale Mágico, onde foge do mundo e mergulha no Mundo
O Vale é Belo, Poderoso, Especial...
Castiga o Mal , recompensa o Bem e só comunica com aqueles que com ele se fundem...
Esta é a estória da Amizade entre um Rapaz buscador de Silêncio e uma Miúda com cancro que gostava de arte
O Rapaz é estranho, introvertido, não sabe lutar e adora fundir-se com a Paz do Vale , onde se refugia do mundo e formula desejos
A Miúda tem dores de cabeça e desenha, cria Arte naquele Vale Mágico, onde foge do mundo e mergulha no Mundo
O Vale é Belo, Poderoso, Especial...
Castiga o Mal , recompensa o Bem e só comunica com aqueles que com ele se fundem...
May 24, 2016
A magical valley
A wish girl
A misunderstood boy
And all you have to do is be still,
And listen.
December 28, 2017
Nikki Loftin has realistic, gritty plots with a touch of magic in her books. Her first book, "Nightingale," shows poverty and how it affects lives and decisions tied in with the Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. This book shows two kids that don't fit in with their peers and a protagonist that isn't accepted by his family. The magic in this story is an oasis where nature soothes the soul and heals. While entertaining, this one doesn't come together particularly well in character development and plot.
Peter Stone's family has moved from the city to the countryside so Peter can get a fresh start. Something terrible happened to him and while his family is supportive on the outside, they keep trying to change him on the inside. His mom and dad fight more than is healthy and Peter has to get away from the noise. While wandering the countryside he finds a peaceful valley that literally speaks to him through the animals and insects. He meets Annie Blythe, artist extraordinaire, with a cancer riddled body. Together they face their problems trying to overcome bullies and adults that subvert their voices.
Peter's family comes off as neglectful at first then overly protective later. They don't communicate with Peter and the parents are having marital problems since his dad lost his job. The beginning presents the parents as not really caring about Peter who goes off for hours and no one notices. Then they suddenly notice and everyone is worried to the point he is grounded. Peter is supposedly fragile but his internal voice seems awfully clear-headed to me. I didn't see him as having serious problems. The author shows his fears and inability to speak, but that is it. I wanted more. The one-dimensional bullies never really come to life either and while it is revealed their parents abuse them and one of them is not as cruel as the other, I thought the accident would expose them and their parents with a telling scene. That action is left hanging and unresolved.
Sometimes the plot is predictable and other times it is not. The magic is conveniently used when the plot needs to move forward or the humans make a bad decision. This made it feel contrived and at the end when Peter talks to his family he doesn't come across as a broken kid that has learned life lessons, he comes across as a kid that has been wronged by the adults in his life who have misunderstood him and forced him to do things that he didn't want to do. He says some mean things to Annie but I think the first person narrative worked against giving the reader a well-rounded view of who Peter really was and what he had dealt with in the past. He's not very melancholy or raw emotionally. Instead he tells too much versus showing it.
The artistic Annie has some interesting insights into art. She tries to teach Peter that art transforms and he is transformed to some extent by their friendship. At the end the resolution happens off the page and the wrap up was a bit anti-climatic. The bullying Annie endures doesn't make sense either. Again, I think the point of view worked against rounding out the characters in a more sympathetic way or in a way that I could get sucked into the storyline. As is, I kept noticing the craft which kept me from magically disappearing into the story.
I kept thinking the story might be like "The Fault in Our Stars," but it does not look at cancer in the way that one does. It does remind me of the Romantic writers of the 1800's, such as Frances Hodgeson Burnett's, "The Secret Garden," that uses nature to the extent where it is almost a religious experience for the characters in its power to heal. While I like Loftin's word choices and voice, I just couldn't get into this one like her other one.
Peter Stone's family has moved from the city to the countryside so Peter can get a fresh start. Something terrible happened to him and while his family is supportive on the outside, they keep trying to change him on the inside. His mom and dad fight more than is healthy and Peter has to get away from the noise. While wandering the countryside he finds a peaceful valley that literally speaks to him through the animals and insects. He meets Annie Blythe, artist extraordinaire, with a cancer riddled body. Together they face their problems trying to overcome bullies and adults that subvert their voices.
Peter's family comes off as neglectful at first then overly protective later. They don't communicate with Peter and the parents are having marital problems since his dad lost his job. The beginning presents the parents as not really caring about Peter who goes off for hours and no one notices. Then they suddenly notice and everyone is worried to the point he is grounded. Peter is supposedly fragile but his internal voice seems awfully clear-headed to me. I didn't see him as having serious problems. The author shows his fears and inability to speak, but that is it. I wanted more. The one-dimensional bullies never really come to life either and while it is revealed their parents abuse them and one of them is not as cruel as the other, I thought the accident would expose them and their parents with a telling scene. That action is left hanging and unresolved.
Sometimes the plot is predictable and other times it is not. The magic is conveniently used when the plot needs to move forward or the humans make a bad decision. This made it feel contrived and at the end when Peter talks to his family he doesn't come across as a broken kid that has learned life lessons, he comes across as a kid that has been wronged by the adults in his life who have misunderstood him and forced him to do things that he didn't want to do. He says some mean things to Annie but I think the first person narrative worked against giving the reader a well-rounded view of who Peter really was and what he had dealt with in the past. He's not very melancholy or raw emotionally. Instead he tells too much versus showing it.
The artistic Annie has some interesting insights into art. She tries to teach Peter that art transforms and he is transformed to some extent by their friendship. At the end the resolution happens off the page and the wrap up was a bit anti-climatic. The bullying Annie endures doesn't make sense either. Again, I think the point of view worked against rounding out the characters in a more sympathetic way or in a way that I could get sucked into the storyline. As is, I kept noticing the craft which kept me from magically disappearing into the story.
I kept thinking the story might be like "The Fault in Our Stars," but it does not look at cancer in the way that one does. It does remind me of the Romantic writers of the 1800's, such as Frances Hodgeson Burnett's, "The Secret Garden," that uses nature to the extent where it is almost a religious experience for the characters in its power to heal. While I like Loftin's word choices and voice, I just couldn't get into this one like her other one.
February 25, 2015
I gave this book five stars only because there was no option to give it six.
WISH GIRL is a truly special book and I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s about friendship, it’s about self-discovery, but really it’s about two beautiful characters (Peter and Annie) who manage to be solidly real while maintaining more than a hint of magic. It is the kind of book you will think about for a good, long time after you have read it. Read it with a box of Kleenex and read it when you have some time to get truly lost in its pages (because you will!) – but read it. It will lift you up.
WISH GIRL is a truly special book and I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s about friendship, it’s about self-discovery, but really it’s about two beautiful characters (Peter and Annie) who manage to be solidly real while maintaining more than a hint of magic. It is the kind of book you will think about for a good, long time after you have read it. Read it with a box of Kleenex and read it when you have some time to get truly lost in its pages (because you will!) – but read it. It will lift you up.
April 17, 2022
فک نمیکردم کتابهایی با این ژانر یا با این توضیحات پشت جلد، منو جذب خودش کنه. (چون من کلا ژانر متفاوتی میخونم)
ولی کرد.
خیلی برام خاص بود داستانش. منو یاد فیلم پل ترابیتیا مینداخت
یه جورایی سورئال بود. برعکس تصوراتم اصلا و ابدا کلیشه ای نبود و همین جذابش میکرد
حالمو عجیب خوب کرد.
واقعا پیشنهادش میکنم
ولی کرد.
خیلی برام خاص بود داستانش. منو یاد فیلم پل ترابیتیا مینداخت
یه جورایی سورئال بود. برعکس تصوراتم اصلا و ابدا کلیشه ای نبود و همین جذابش میکرد
حالمو عجیب خوب کرد.
واقعا پیشنهادش میکنم
April 18, 2015
This book should be a Newbery contender for 2015! I loved every magical word on the page!
A tender story about a young boy's internal fight to be seen and understood by his family and the special wish girl who gives him the
courage to reveal who he is to himself and his family. Peter Stone is bullied so horribly that his family relocates just outside
of Austin to give him a fresh start. Unfortunately, Peter's inner demons along with a new set of bullies follow him into the magical valley
surrounding his hillside home. But with the help of Annie, the wish girl battling cancer, he opens his heart and learns to trust himself and
his family again. Loftin is a master at creating stories that tug at your heart and WISH GIRL is full of hope and promise
even in the face of life's unfairness.
A tender story about a young boy's internal fight to be seen and understood by his family and the special wish girl who gives him the
courage to reveal who he is to himself and his family. Peter Stone is bullied so horribly that his family relocates just outside
of Austin to give him a fresh start. Unfortunately, Peter's inner demons along with a new set of bullies follow him into the magical valley
surrounding his hillside home. But with the help of Annie, the wish girl battling cancer, he opens his heart and learns to trust himself and
his family again. Loftin is a master at creating stories that tug at your heart and WISH GIRL is full of hope and promise
even in the face of life's unfairness.
May 27, 2018
"You have to learn to let go when it's time."
"You've got to learn that sometimes you have to fight back. If you don't, your whole life is going to be one long series of losing--maybe more than just fistfights."
"Have you ever had the people around you make a decision for you? One they don't think you can make, one they won't trust you to make? Not even the tiniest little part of it? They just tell you what's going to happen and expect you to fall in line?"
Soundtrack: Wilderness by Jon Bryant
"You've got to learn that sometimes you have to fight back. If you don't, your whole life is going to be one long series of losing--maybe more than just fistfights."
"Have you ever had the people around you make a decision for you? One they don't think you can make, one they won't trust you to make? Not even the tiniest little part of it? They just tell you what's going to happen and expect you to fall in line?"
Soundtrack: Wilderness by Jon Bryant
January 4, 2016
I love the beautiful imagery in this book - the magical valley and the art that Annie and Peter create, I feel like I could see it in my mind. It's interesting to see two young characters struggling with the impermanence of life but in vastly different ways. I do kind of wonder about the portrayal of depression in the novel - it kind of seemed like Peter wanted to kill himself because he's an introvert? (I mean, I guess because his family didn't like introverts?) But that's really beside the point, I guess.
Would hand to kids who liked The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart or the strong beautiful setting of Keeper by Kathi Appelt.
Would hand to kids who liked The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart or the strong beautiful setting of Keeper by Kathi Appelt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2015
Oh my goodness, I loved this book!!!! Such a beautiful story that shows the power of faith, the magic of nature and the spirit of will. This is a great book for all readers.
January 28, 2017
If I could spend my life in this valley, I would. Beautiful description and cute, likable characters.
January 25, 2019
I cried. I'm emotionally scarred. A beautiful story.
January 28, 2018
4 1/2 precious stars❤️❤️❤️
There will be some minor spoilers but big ones will be hidden. :)
So, first off, EVERYONE needs an Annie in their life. EVERYONE.
I'm not so good at writing very organized reviews but I'll try....
CHARACTERS:
Annie- I loved Annie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is a girl with cancer who came to the area where Peter lives because she is about to have a life-saving cancer treatment involving radiation. Which could have really dangerous effects (more about this later). So she wanted to go to an art camp that summer because she loves art, but the camp was really bad. That's as nice as I can say it. So instead she goes down into this valley to create art from nature.
Peter- Peter is very QUIET. So I'm going to tell you why now but it's going to have spoilers so Peter feels like he doesn't really fit in with his family, because they are all loud. His family doesn't really accept him for who he is, and only want him to be what they think he should be. So Peter keeps being quiet and pretty much isolates himself. One day Peter wanders off and finds this valley where he can be quiet and it just feels right. To be continued after I introduce the other characters. But also, Peter's character developed so much!!!
Peter's Family: His parents are so.... not understanding. They just wanted to force Peter to be the son they thought they should have- enrolling him in sports and camps when he doesn't want to change at all. I REALLY felt Peter's feelings on this end and all his frustrations about never being understood. His sisters were Laura, the teen, and Carlie, the baby. They were interesting, I guess.
Doug & Jake: They are these neighbor kids who like to go down into the valley to shoot at the animals. They pretty much carry guns around with them. Without reading the spoiler, long story short: I HATE THEM. Just NO.
The Colonel's Wife: She was supposed to be crazy because she said the valley was magical but My favorite thing about her was when she was speeding like a crazy person.... on a go-cart. That scene was just funny.
SETTING:
I loved this setting so much!!!!!!!!!! The valley is so interesting and magical, and it never gets old. I really felt like I was there myself. I really don't know what else to say so..... IT WAS GREAT.
PLOT:
So going back to where I left off with the characters, Peter and Annie both find the valley and they meet each other. Annie is pretty excited because she doesn't really have any friends, but Peter is upset because he thinks that Annie is annoying and will disrupt the peace. Then fast-forward...... They become friends, start doing art together, and Peter learns about Annie's cancer. More fast-forwarding.... Annie wants to run away before her treatment so that the thing I said in the spoiler won't happen. Peter doesn't want her to die, because... BECAUSE. But Annie thinks that if she has to die eventually, she wants to do it her own way.
Peter & Annie's friendship was AMAZING. It developed so much and I liked how they really understood each other. They made each other's characters develop in the best ways. And I loved their relationship with the valley, which I can't even really describe.
I loved how this book was centered around their friendship and how it had real-world things like the cancer mixed with magic in the valley. IT WORKED SO WELL.
And I'll just leave off with a quote (one of my favorites from it) because that's the best way I can think of to end it:
They wanted to change my mind, to make me see their way. Make who I was disappear and replace it with who they wanted me to be.
They never wanted to listen.
Maybe I couldn't stand up to them, but I didn't have to be them.
I wasn't going to do that to Annie. I was going to listen, and more. And if she didn't want to change her mind, if she was set on running away, I was going to help her do it.
There will be some minor spoilers but big ones will be hidden. :)
So, first off, EVERYONE needs an Annie in their life. EVERYONE.
I'm not so good at writing very organized reviews but I'll try....
CHARACTERS:
Annie- I loved Annie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is a girl with cancer who came to the area where Peter lives because she is about to have a life-saving cancer treatment involving radiation. Which could have really dangerous effects (more about this later). So she wanted to go to an art camp that summer because she loves art, but the camp was really bad. That's as nice as I can say it. So instead she goes down into this valley to create art from nature.
Peter- Peter is very QUIET. So I'm going to tell you why now but it's going to have spoilers so Peter feels like he doesn't really fit in with his family, because they are all loud. His family doesn't really accept him for who he is, and only want him to be what they think he should be. So Peter keeps being quiet and pretty much isolates himself. One day Peter wanders off and finds this valley where he can be quiet and it just feels right. To be continued after I introduce the other characters. But also, Peter's character developed so much!!!
Peter's Family: His parents are so.... not understanding. They just wanted to force Peter to be the son they thought they should have- enrolling him in sports and camps when he doesn't want to change at all. I REALLY felt Peter's feelings on this end and all his frustrations about never being understood. His sisters were Laura, the teen, and Carlie, the baby. They were interesting, I guess.
Doug & Jake: They are these neighbor kids who like to go down into the valley to shoot at the animals. They pretty much carry guns around with them. Without reading the spoiler, long story short: I HATE THEM. Just NO.
The Colonel's Wife: She was supposed to be crazy because she said the valley was magical but My favorite thing about her was when she was speeding like a crazy person.... on a go-cart. That scene was just funny.
SETTING:
I loved this setting so much!!!!!!!!!! The valley is so interesting and magical, and it never gets old. I really felt like I was there myself. I really don't know what else to say so..... IT WAS GREAT.
PLOT:
So going back to where I left off with the characters, Peter and Annie both find the valley and they meet each other. Annie is pretty excited because she doesn't really have any friends, but Peter is upset because he thinks that Annie is annoying and will disrupt the peace. Then fast-forward...... They become friends, start doing art together, and Peter learns about Annie's cancer. More fast-forwarding.... Annie wants to run away before her treatment so that the thing I said in the spoiler won't happen. Peter doesn't want her to die, because... BECAUSE. But Annie thinks that if she has to die eventually, she wants to do it her own way.
Peter & Annie's friendship was AMAZING. It developed so much and I liked how they really understood each other. They made each other's characters develop in the best ways. And I loved their relationship with the valley, which I can't even really describe.
I loved how this book was centered around their friendship and how it had real-world things like the cancer mixed with magic in the valley. IT WORKED SO WELL.
And I'll just leave off with a quote (one of my favorites from it) because that's the best way I can think of to end it:
They wanted to change my mind, to make me see their way. Make who I was disappear and replace it with who they wanted me to be.
They never wanted to listen.
Maybe I couldn't stand up to them, but I didn't have to be them.
I wasn't going to do that to Annie. I was going to listen, and more. And if she didn't want to change her mind, if she was set on running away, I was going to help her do it.
June 27, 2015
Wish Girl, by Nikki Loftin, was not the book I was expecting. It was not a young adult book as some users have suggested but a middle school book. The writing was decent but not deep enough. I didn't connect with the characters at all. Annie wasn't a make-a-wish girl. Peter has an incident in his past, one big enough for his parents to move their family away for a new start, that is treated like a big mystery, but the reveal was a letdown. Peter's thoughts, and Annie's for that matter, were way too mature for their ages and I didn't buy it. I liked the resolution at the end of the book but the changes felt too sudden and disjointed. The "magic" in this book was from a valley that was "alive" and reactive to wishes. I had trouble suspending disbelief. I disliked Peter's family and hated the 2 neighbour boys who were cruel and served little purpose but to stir up trouble. The only character I really liked was crazy Mrs. Empson. In all honesty, the only reason I finished this book was because it was counting towards my 2015 real book challenge.
August 31, 2015
A compelling novel about the transformational power of art and nature in healing the body and soul. Annie and Peter are hurting and find strength and comfort in a hidden valley. Reminiscent of The Secret Garden and The Bridge to Terabithia, Loftin uses magical realism deftly and is able to convey much using the wind, fireflies, snakes, and bugs. Peter and Annie are well defined characters and their connection to the land is understood. Unfortunately, the secondary characters aren't. The bullies in particular are frightening, but stereotypes nevertheless. The bullying is pretty intense and stories about children coping with dying is always tough reading, but this is a life affirming story that is about resilience, hope, and ultimately love.
October 30, 2016
I really loved this book ! The story in it was just beautiful. I think anyone can relate with the characters at some point in their lives because I know I did. This story has very vivid imagery. It describes how the characters feel and how accepting one each other can really really help one person. In this story all the things happen in this magical valley we're peter and Annie meet. Every time they go in the valley and they have a wish it comes true. After there both dealing with some problems at home everything turns out fine for them in the end. If this book was good I can imagine how the other ones the author wrote are. I highly recommend this book for anyone who feels that magic really exists in this world.
June 5, 2021
There isn't enough words to describe how i feel now! Confused , sad , depressed , amazed ...... This book was just amazing! One of the most beautiful places my head have been.
And now it's just me and emotions that i can't even explain! I offer everyone to read it and relax while QUEEN nikki loftin takes you to a whole world ; a world with birds and flowers , lakes and fireflyes , a colorful world that is full of love.....
I wish i could read this book for the first time again but unfortunately i finished my fav stand alone book ever :( :)
And now it's just me and emotions that i can't even explain! I offer everyone to read it and relax while QUEEN nikki loftin takes you to a whole world ; a world with birds and flowers , lakes and fireflyes , a colorful world that is full of love.....
I wish i could read this book for the first time again but unfortunately i finished my fav stand alone book ever :( :)
March 21, 2017
Such a magical book. I was sold on it at page 41 when the work of artist Andy Goldsworthy was introduced. There are many angles for discussion for readers. I can see a teacher assigning students to write an epilogue.
And if you aren't familiar with Goldworthy's work, check out the documentary "Rivers And Tides" to give you a way looking at the world of nature.
And if you aren't familiar with Goldworthy's work, check out the documentary "Rivers And Tides" to give you a way looking at the world of nature.
May 1, 2015
Nikki Loftin is just awesome! The new queen of magical realism!
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August 17, 2015I enjoyed it, no surprise there. I like YA fiction (this could be good for upper elementary) and it's set out in the Texas hill country.
May 24, 2024
Um livro muito emocional que me deixou presa a ele nos capítulos finais ;)
May 17, 2017
The setting alone pulled me in. I was captivated. But then came the characters and the understated beauty from the characters and story line. I expected to be drawn to "Wish Girl" as the character and though I loved "Annie Blythe" and her precocious Anne of Green Gables feel, I really came to love and care the deepest for our Peter Stone lead in the story. I don't think I have ever met a character quite like Peter, which made him all the more interesting to get to know over the course of the story. Thank goodness writers are still writing beautiful and poignant stories like this one. I love Captain Underpants and the rip roaring adventures from graphic novels, fractured fairy tales and fantasy. But there is a lot to love and learn from quiet tales that take place in your own backyard, with just the small community around you and the people that briefly come into your path and change everything in subtle but tremendous ways.
June 7, 2024
Este es el tipo de libro que tiene una historia conmovedora. Y que posiblemente te podrás sentir identificado con uno o ambos protagonistas, porque lo veo tan familiarizado con la realidad que muchos podemos afrontar, sea ahora o en nuestro pasado, a esa corta edad.
Sinceramente la historia llegó a ciertos rincones de mi ser que aunque creí que estaban sepultados porque crecí, pero siguen ahí, intactos, lastimando nuevamente. Entonces, muchos de los pensamientos y acciones del protagonista fueron bien entendidas por mi propio ser e incluso quise abrazar a ese pequeño yo, a ese pequeño Peter.
Disfruté mucho de este libro, uno que fue cómodo y muy ligero, sin abandonar el sentimiento fuerte, ese ambiente de soledad y triste con los protagonistas. Así que pienso que siendo hijos, hermanos y padres se debería leer.
Sinceramente la historia llegó a ciertos rincones de mi ser que aunque creí que estaban sepultados porque crecí, pero siguen ahí, intactos, lastimando nuevamente. Entonces, muchos de los pensamientos y acciones del protagonista fueron bien entendidas por mi propio ser e incluso quise abrazar a ese pequeño yo, a ese pequeño Peter.
Disfruté mucho de este libro, uno que fue cómodo y muy ligero, sin abandonar el sentimiento fuerte, ese ambiente de soledad y triste con los protagonistas. Así que pienso que siendo hijos, hermanos y padres se debería leer.
August 10, 2018
*دختر آرزو*
*نشر ویدا*
یک کتاب middle grade که تو سبک کتاب های نشر پرتغال است.
پیتر یک پسر درونگرا در یک خانواده تمام برونگراست.
جنبه های bullying داستان وااااقعا خیلی کلیشه ای بود یعنی به شخصه دیگه حوصله ی خوندن صحنه هایی ک نقش اول داستان بهش زور گفته میشه و اونم ساکت میمونه رو ندارم ولی تمام دیالوگ های آنی و پیتر خوب بود و همین هم داستانش رو جالب میکرد
البته نکته ی مهم اینه ک سه ماه طول کشید تا این کتاب ۲۵۶ صفحه ای تموم شود😁
*نشر ویدا*
یک کتاب middle grade که تو سبک کتاب های نشر پرتغال است.
پیتر یک پسر درونگرا در یک خانواده تمام برونگراست.
جنبه های bullying داستان وااااقعا خیلی کلیشه ای بود یعنی به شخصه دیگه حوصله ی خوندن صحنه هایی ک نقش اول داستان بهش زور گفته میشه و اونم ساکت میمونه رو ندارم ولی تمام دیالوگ های آنی و پیتر خوب بود و همین هم داستانش رو جالب میکرد
البته نکته ی مهم اینه ک سه ماه طول کشید تا این کتاب ۲۵۶ صفحه ای تموم شود😁
June 20, 2020
"Me estrechó fuertemente entre sus brazos y yo le devolví el abrazo, preguntándome si alguna otra persona podría sentir lo mismo por mi. Por el estúpido, callado, cobarde y tímido Peter Stone."
"El mundo, el mundo entero, sería un lugar mucho más sombrío sin ti, tu eres para mí... como una luz"
En serio, este libro me hizo sentir demasiadas emociones.
Ame demasiado a los personajes y me encantaron todos los momentos que pasaron.
Un gran libro.
"El mundo, el mundo entero, sería un lugar mucho más sombrío sin ti, tu eres para mí... como una luz"
En serio, este libro me hizo sentir demasiadas emociones.
Ame demasiado a los personajes y me encantaron todos los momentos que pasaron.
Un gran libro.
January 25, 2025
This was so beautiful... I ended the book in tears. The way the valley is written made me wish I could spend childhood summers there. The story itself is sad and beautiful and makes one reflect. I related to the main character in a lot of ways but prompted me to reflect on how parents can feel that they are doing everything they can while still doing harm and that sometimes we need to slow down and listen.
March 16, 2018
beautifully done and does not butcher cancer like other books have.
May 20, 2024
One of the few books that has made me cry. I relate to Peter and this book reminded me what I have to live for.
April 13, 2019
É do mesmo género de A Culpa é Das Estrelas, mas muito melhor. Só queria saber oque aconteceu à Annie, e se ela conseguiu realmente recuperar, mas o livro não deixa de ser fantástico na mesma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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