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Wishing Moon #1
Wishing Moon
When the evil princess throws a lamp at her head, Aminah, a penniless orphan living on the streets of Al-Kal'as, is stunned when a jinni appears, allowing her to make three wishes after each full moon, but her happiness is short-lived when the princess comes after the lamp.
266 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 27, 2012
'Wishing Moon' is a happily-never-after retelling of 'Aladdin', which stuck out to me for a couple of reasons. First, I liked the idea of redrawing some of the characters from the story. Second, while I love fairy tale retelling, some of them have been run ragged. How many Cinderella retellings are sitting at the library? Dozens, I'm sure. So this one seemed to promise something fresh and a little different.
In 'Wishing Moon', a poor orphan, Aminah, is out of money and out of options. Her father had once been a scribe in the palace, so Aminah decides to beg the princess for a job in the castle, anything to keep her off of the streets.
The princess is beautiful on the outside, but inside she is cold and heartless. Aminah's pleas irritate her, and she grabs the shabbiest thing in the room to throw at the beggar girl -- a dirty old lamp. Aminah leaves with a crack on the head, a lamp, and no job.
But Aminah soon discovers that this lamp is...special. At first, she is thrilled by the idea of being able to live the sort of life she always dreamed of, but as she wanders the places she used to live, the poverty and suffering disturbs her. Maybe wishes don't have to be selfish...
What I liked about this book:
This was a fresh retelling/reimagination of 'Aladdin'. I loved the premise, and Tunnell did a fantastic job with creating a rich setting. When he describes the streets of the city, I could smell the filth--when he described the rich food that the new Aminah ate, I could taste it. It was vivid, description, a perfect painting of this fantasy world.
I also liked how this book gently handles the ethics of making wishes. Is it wrong to have everything your heart desires when others have nothing? Aminah's character arc is incredible, and her journey from poverty to richness and the confusion it brings her is realistic. She faces several moral dilemmas, and the way she handles them is both thoughtful and realistic.
What I didn't like about this book:
Love triangles. I'm kinda sick of them. Aminah has a complicated relationship between one of her friends, and a handsome shop owner.
There was also one scene in the book where the genie does something completely inexplicable, and I just wanted to scream [sorry for the vagueness -- I don't want to spoil it!]
Final Verdict:
Put this one next to your volume of 'Arabian Nights'. It's an enchanting tale that will transport you to the hot deserts of the middle east and throw you into a world where wishes can certainly come true. This is a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
In 'Wishing Moon', a poor orphan, Aminah, is out of money and out of options. Her father had once been a scribe in the palace, so Aminah decides to beg the princess for a job in the castle, anything to keep her off of the streets.
The princess is beautiful on the outside, but inside she is cold and heartless. Aminah's pleas irritate her, and she grabs the shabbiest thing in the room to throw at the beggar girl -- a dirty old lamp. Aminah leaves with a crack on the head, a lamp, and no job.
But Aminah soon discovers that this lamp is...special. At first, she is thrilled by the idea of being able to live the sort of life she always dreamed of, but as she wanders the places she used to live, the poverty and suffering disturbs her. Maybe wishes don't have to be selfish...
What I liked about this book:
This was a fresh retelling/reimagination of 'Aladdin'. I loved the premise, and Tunnell did a fantastic job with creating a rich setting. When he describes the streets of the city, I could smell the filth--when he described the rich food that the new Aminah ate, I could taste it. It was vivid, description, a perfect painting of this fantasy world.
I also liked how this book gently handles the ethics of making wishes. Is it wrong to have everything your heart desires when others have nothing? Aminah's character arc is incredible, and her journey from poverty to richness and the confusion it brings her is realistic. She faces several moral dilemmas, and the way she handles them is both thoughtful and realistic.
What I didn't like about this book:
Love triangles. I'm kinda sick of them. Aminah has a complicated relationship between one of her friends, and a handsome shop owner.
There was also one scene in the book where the genie does something completely inexplicable, and I just wanted to scream [sorry for the vagueness -- I don't want to spoil it!]
Final Verdict:
Put this one next to your volume of 'Arabian Nights'. It's an enchanting tale that will transport you to the hot deserts of the middle east and throw you into a world where wishes can certainly come true. This is a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
February 10, 2017
5 things I wish I had known before starting Wishes on the moon:
~ This book is actually a duology. Wishing Moon and Moon With Magic are the two titles.
~ It’s not really a retelling of Aladdin, but more of a sequel. A continuation of the original story, if you like. I was hoping to find the Princess Jasmine in here, but was disappointed. Perhaps I should hunt down a copy of the original tale?
~ The characters were cardboard cutouts. The detail given about the characters seemed to be there just to drive the plot, the rest of the time they just faded into the background and twiddled their thumbs. I mean maybe they were out performing marvellous deeds or plotting world domination*, but there is no indication of that.
~ It doesn’t have a map of the world. No good retelling is complete without a bookish map.
~ These two stories were middle-grade. I thought they were YA, they are shelved that way on Goodreads. Don’t be fooled by this 500-page tome! It contains two novels, and has quite large font.
*This book contains exactly 0% of our characters plotting world domination. Sorry folks.
~ This book is actually a duology. Wishing Moon and Moon With Magic are the two titles.
~ It’s not really a retelling of Aladdin, but more of a sequel. A continuation of the original story, if you like. I was hoping to find the Princess Jasmine in here, but was disappointed. Perhaps I should hunt down a copy of the original tale?
~ The characters were cardboard cutouts. The detail given about the characters seemed to be there just to drive the plot, the rest of the time they just faded into the background and twiddled their thumbs. I mean maybe they were out performing marvellous deeds or plotting world domination*, but there is no indication of that.
~ It doesn’t have a map of the world. No good retelling is complete without a bookish map.
~ These two stories were middle-grade. I thought they were YA, they are shelved that way on Goodreads. Don’t be fooled by this 500-page tome! It contains two novels, and has quite large font.
*This book contains exactly 0% of our characters plotting world domination. Sorry folks.
March 20, 2020
Enjoyable middle grade reading. This reenvisioned version of Aladdin’s story is creative and engaging. You won’t find Jasmine, though. Instead, Aladdin marries a selfish princess who seeks power above all.
My biggest complaint is that the female protagonist was intelligent and wise, but ultimately she was not the hero. However, I recognize that this book is well over a decade old and is a product of its time. Regardless, it is still a book that I’d recommend to my students. Fun, lighthearted, happy ended.
My biggest complaint is that the female protagonist was intelligent and wise, but ultimately she was not the hero. However, I recognize that this book is well over a decade old and is a product of its time. Regardless, it is still a book that I’d recommend to my students. Fun, lighthearted, happy ended.
March 21, 2024
i can't explain it but reading this book felt akin to a parent telling a kid a bedtime story
December 6, 2010
Did you ever wonder what happened after Aladdin was through with the lamp? Here's how Michael O. Tunnell envisions it. (He's my new favorite author -- Candy Bomber, Mailing May and now I discover that he wrote this book which I read this several years ago and remember so fondly.) I noticed it today looking for stories about generosity (which this suits beautifully) and think I'm going to have to re-read it this weekend.
Later: I did and it is just as charming as the first time. Check it out: Girl meets Genie and embarks on a mission to help people, bringing Genie along for the ride -- and an eye-opening ride it will be, for both of them.
Later: I did and it is just as charming as the first time. Check it out: Girl meets Genie and embarks on a mission to help people, bringing Genie along for the ride -- and an eye-opening ride it will be, for both of them.
January 7, 2023
I *adored* this when I was younger. Alas, one favourite that I like a lot less as an adult (most of my others aged well). This is clumsily written and a painful example of an attempt to stitch American children’s literature into other cultures that have a rich and rewarding tradition of their own. Also, if you’re going to write a book about a girl discovering a lamp with a djinn, for heavens sake don’t make Aladdin your source material.
However, good role model I guess. Gee, it’s like that was the point of the book all along instead of actually writing a good story. Should I be surprised that the author was the head of the children’s lit dept at BYU?
However, good role model I guess. Gee, it’s like that was the point of the book all along instead of actually writing a good story. Should I be surprised that the author was the head of the children’s lit dept at BYU?
July 18, 2025
I may be slightly biased since I was gifted this book when I was 10 & the protagonist shares my name. I can feel the words and live the scenes vividly and completely with every page I turn. no matter how many books I read, this one will always remain my comfort book
October 5, 2017
This book was a pretty good book. I'd recommend this book to fantasy, action, adventure and romance readers.
February 23, 2019
A good, quick read. Great for older elementary or middle school reading at a higher level.
February 4, 2022
It took me a while to read, but it was good. It didn't grab me and refuse to let go, but I did enjoy the story!
September 3, 2024
A fun duology. I recommend it.
August 21, 2016
Not really a re-telling, but a story of what comes after the tale of Aladdin... Amina is an orphan, living off the streets, and unfortunately starving as well. When she decides to beg from the princess in the palace where her father worked, the haughty royal throws her husband's prized "piece of junk" at her... not knowing that it is a lamp containing a genie. Amina soon discovers her good fortune, but has to learn how to cope with the genie's tricky nature while avoiding the princess's desperate search. And she learns about trust, love, friendship, and family on the way...
I found this book to be very entertaining... the story was fascinating, and the way Amina dealt with her wishes was very smart, I thought. After taking care of herself and making some friends, Amina struggles with what she should do with her good fortune, and as she decides to help others, it is interesting so see how that intention develops in the story. I thought it was a very well executed and paced idea.
Meanwhile, the story kept its focus as well, developing all the characters (except, unfortunately, Aladdin, who I would've liked to see more of but who was in only one short scene) and the themes listed above as Amina uses her wishes and deals with the consequences. The only downside, I thought, was the penchant the genie had for mentioning things offhandedly from other decades, like "pizza" and "New York", for instance. There was no reason for this, and I found it very distracting and a little like copying the genie from Disney's Aladdin. I also didn't love the very last part of the book (the last page) and I felt the romance was a little bit rushed and it might not work out, but overall, it was okay.
Entertaining enough, and I would recommend it as a light fantasy, Arab-flavored read.
I found this book to be very entertaining... the story was fascinating, and the way Amina dealt with her wishes was very smart, I thought. After taking care of herself and making some friends, Amina struggles with what she should do with her good fortune, and as she decides to help others, it is interesting so see how that intention develops in the story. I thought it was a very well executed and paced idea.
Meanwhile, the story kept its focus as well, developing all the characters (except, unfortunately, Aladdin, who I would've liked to see more of but who was in only one short scene) and the themes listed above as Amina uses her wishes and deals with the consequences. The only downside, I thought, was the penchant the genie had for mentioning things offhandedly from other decades, like "pizza" and "New York", for instance. There was no reason for this, and I found it very distracting and a little like copying the genie from Disney's Aladdin. I also didn't love the very last part of the book (the last page) and I felt the romance was a little bit rushed and it might not work out, but overall, it was okay.
Entertaining enough, and I would recommend it as a light fantasy, Arab-flavored read.
February 22, 2014
In the book "Wishing Moon" the author does a good job creating a diverse and fresh plot. the plot has many elements of suspense that will have the reader on the edge of there seat. some suspense build up a the book goes, and other times it just pops up randomly. I feel as the authors purpose has been fully achieved. the author described the various elements of plot so well, that when you read the book, it feel like you're watching a movie in your head. the introduction is not over done with full details, the climax is not dull, and seems to be the biggest and most dramatic in the book, and the conclusion leaves the reader thinking: "what would I do with a Jinni if I was Aminah?". yes, the book has a few subplots that at suspense in the plot. it is greatly related to the main plot because the different characters still have the same desires: to have the jinni lamp in there hands. the plot is also secondary. the settings, style and the characters change in the book, but only for a while, before getting back on track with the main character. the secondary plot can focuses on Aminah going from being homeless to owning a house with a great family, to Aladdin's daughter, a princess, in the dungeons mocking prisoners. the book explains a fascinating story of what happens to the lamp after Aladdin with a wonderful and suspense plot making the book impossible to put down.
April 28, 2008
This book was fun and fluffy. I enjoyed the idea of what happens after Aladdin and the lamp, a backstory for how the jinni came to be who he is, etc. I think that the idea of the story deserves much more though - for example, some of the relationships need more explanation (especially Aladdin and the Princess), and the resolution to the chief problem (i.e., the villain who is trying to track down the lamp) is just too easy and too sudden. There should have been more suspense, more impending doom, more sacrifice (in my opinion). I also thought that the author didn't carry forward the voice he started the story with (for example, there is much more about the culture of the part of the world at the beginning of the story - Aminah has a hard time buying things because she is a woman in a man's world for example, but about 1/3 of the way into the book it is as though the author completely forgets any of this.)
That said, it was still an enjoyable book - light, easy reading with a good message.
That said, it was still an enjoyable book - light, easy reading with a good message.
September 27, 2013
In this thoroughly delightful tale, the beggar girl, Aminah, acquires the very lamp (and jinni) that changed the life of the fabled Aladdin. This story takes many surprising twists and turns. All the while the reader may entertain thoughts of what he or she would do should they find such a lamp. Are Aminah's actions and choices believable, realistic, predictable? The reader decides for him or herself.
There were a few editorial "woops!" such as a word appearing twice in a sentence -- the first (very unfortunately) on the very first page, which is really too bad because it may be just enough to stop one from pressing forward. Another misfortune is the cover art doesn't do much to "sell" the book.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book from beginning to end! I would give it 3.5 stars, or 3.95 if I could. There is a hint of romance in the story--pushing it towards YA. I especially loved the author's treatment of the "jinni" character. Here's me thinking, "This needs to be a movie!"
There were a few editorial "woops!" such as a word appearing twice in a sentence -- the first (very unfortunately) on the very first page, which is really too bad because it may be just enough to stop one from pressing forward. Another misfortune is the cover art doesn't do much to "sell" the book.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book from beginning to end! I would give it 3.5 stars, or 3.95 if I could. There is a hint of romance in the story--pushing it towards YA. I especially loved the author's treatment of the "jinni" character. Here's me thinking, "This needs to be a movie!"
January 2, 2012
Aminah is a beggar girl barely surviving each day when a brass lamp is thrown at her head for her impertinence. The lamp - the legendary lamp from the tales of Aladdin - turns out to contain a Jinni. With each new moon comes the opportunity to have 3 wishes. And while her life changes dramatically in the first few moons, it is others lives that change as she realizes the power she has to help others. But with the princess hot on her heels and the scary after-effects of 'doing good', how long can it last?
I found this an interesting side tale - one worthy in many ways of Lloyd Alexander's praise, although it doesn't quite compare of course. I think that I would have given this 5 stars if I was 12. This is definitely a juvenile book, and one that I can see many children loving - perhaps as a recommendation after Alexander's works have been exhausted? Recommended for ages 10 - 14.
Graded a B, but only because I'm a crusty old woman. :)
I found this an interesting side tale - one worthy in many ways of Lloyd Alexander's praise, although it doesn't quite compare of course. I think that I would have given this 5 stars if I was 12. This is definitely a juvenile book, and one that I can see many children loving - perhaps as a recommendation after Alexander's works have been exhausted? Recommended for ages 10 - 14.
Graded a B, but only because I'm a crusty old woman. :)
Read
January 30, 2011This book was very interesting and it's a good book. It is about this girl Aminah, she is an orpahn. Her parents died, poor Aminah now lives on the street with her friends as beggars. She then recieves a lamp from Princess Badr. The lamp turned out to be magival, it contained a Jinni inside. Aminah can make three wishes on every full moon.
Everything is going great for Aminah, but she doesnt have full happiness because she cannot help the others. And meanwhile, the princess finds out about the lamp and wants it back. More trouble then happens. But at the end, she lives hapily and had found her love.
This book is great, took me a while to read this, but I really recommend this book to people who likes fantasy and magic.
Everything is going great for Aminah, but she doesnt have full happiness because she cannot help the others. And meanwhile, the princess finds out about the lamp and wants it back. More trouble then happens. But at the end, she lives hapily and had found her love.
This book is great, took me a while to read this, but I really recommend this book to people who likes fantasy and magic.
September 23, 2015
A retelling of the Aladdin story-or what happens after Aladdin. Cute. The writing was at times disjointed, but the plot was interesting enough to make the book still worth reading.
Aminah is an orphan living on the streets. She appeals to the Princess Badr for work, and in her anger, Badr throws the unsightly lamp (Aladdin's) out the window straight into Aminah's lap. Aminah makes friends with the jinni, finds friends, and a place for herself in the city, and looks for ways to make the world a better place. But, will the Princess find her and take away the lamp?
Aminah is an orphan living on the streets. She appeals to the Princess Badr for work, and in her anger, Badr throws the unsightly lamp (Aladdin's) out the window straight into Aminah's lap. Aminah makes friends with the jinni, finds friends, and a place for herself in the city, and looks for ways to make the world a better place. But, will the Princess find her and take away the lamp?
May 25, 2015
A clever and engaging tale of Aladdin's lamp post-Aladdin. Aminah is a strong main character whose flaws make her believable and whose attempts to overcome those flaws make her lovable. The princess is wonderfully deplorable (this is not Disney's Aladdin), and the Jinni is a delightful conundrum. My one complaint is the love triangle conflict: I am so absurdly fed up with those. But in all other aspects, "Wishing Moon" both entertains and inspires with its stories of how just one act can change many lives.
March 4, 2016
This is the story of Aminah who procures Aladdin's magic lamp when it's mistakenly thrown at her for begging at the palace. This story started slowly for me and I found the characters a little flat, but was pleasantly surprised when the second half of the story saw some growth in the characters and touched on some interesting themes of wealth and the moral use of power (aka a genie's wish granting abilities.) The School Library Journal recommends this for grades 5-9 and I agree as there are light references to adult content and some romance.
April 21, 2009
This is a middle grade novel/fantasy. It’s set in the Middle East long ago and far away. Aladdin’s famous lamp falls into the hands of an orphan girl who learns how to use it to bless others. Charming story. Not flawless but very readable. And the author’s a local guy, which I thought was cool. I enjoyed looking at how the author used the setting—foreign but not too much so. Magic and fantasy but still relatable. The main character is strong but not too perfect.
March 9, 2011
I enjoyed this continuation of the Aladdin's lamp story very much (though I think that Tunnell's best writing came at the beginning of the book). When Jinni did some very Jinni-like thing in the middle of a chess game, I smiled and knew that this was a keeper. The very last part of the ending was a little weird- kind of like drinking a glass of orange juice after finishing dessert. But this book ranks up pretty high on my list of YA fantasy reads.
March 24, 2011
Aminah is a street beggar who was the daugher of a scholar of the sultan. She goes to beg from the Princess Badr, wife of Aladdin. Instead of compassion, Aminah is given a worthless lamp when Princes Badr throws it at her. Now Aminah has a magic jinni to grant her three wishes a month. Instead of only wishing for herself, Aminah's kind heart lets her help others. Along the way she finds friends and family. Now if she can only escape the revenge of Prncess Badr . . .
April 5, 2007
What happens to Aladdin's Lamp after Aladdin loses it? This is the story of the beggar girl whose life is transformed. The author is a big fan of Lloyd Alexander, and it shows here with a similar style. Characters aren't very complex and the moral issues are a bit heavy handed, but there is plenty of humor and a fun adventure.
September 26, 2007
This is a quick read (juvenile fiction). It is a story about what happens after Aladin gets the lamp and marries the princess. (The princess in this story is nothing like the Disney one.) It is a great read and well thought out. It doesn't have the holes in logic in it that many fairy-tales do. A great book!
August 5, 2008
Again, here is another cute tail that I love to read. This is the story of what happens to Aladdin's lamp after Aladdin moves into the palace. Jasmin (who isn't as sweet as the Disney version) throws the lamp unknowingly to a beggar girl. I really enjoyed the main characters growth and what she chooses to do with her wishes in the end. Its a fun fairytale read.
February 13, 2012
This book was really good! I liked the new version of Aladdin's story and the possibility of what could happen after he became a prince. The characters are all interesting and mysterious, especially the jinni. There was surprises in the plot that kept the story going and I can't wait for the next book.
November 25, 2014
This was a really good book! I liked the story line, and especially the ending. I liked it because when you thought something was going to happen, something else happened. This book was very clean, and had really good description. The only thing that I didn't like was that my copy of the book had LOTS of typos!!! In all, this was a great book!
August 30, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fun light read. Perfect for any audience especially young teen girls. Maybe I loved it so much because the writing was so much better than the selection series. Think a female Aladdin but instead of trying to get the girl learns how to use her wishes to benefit those suffering around her and finds a family and love along the way.
January 26, 2008
Aladdin's is found by a poor beggar girl who with jinni's help gets riches and comfort from life. She also uses the jinni to help others.
This is a very good book, if you like the adventures of Aladdin pick this up.
This is a very good book, if you like the adventures of Aladdin pick this up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews