The Carnival of Wishes & Dreams

Gr 4-6-Grace Chang, Audrey McKinley, and Harlow Carlson used to be the best of friends, but that was before, when the small town of Clarksville really was "the place where the people who love you live." Clarksville just hasn't been the same since the fire that burned the factory to the ground, taking numerous jobs and the life of Grace's dad. So much has changed since then. Now the former friends barely speak, Harlow is a social outcast, and Grace is about to move across the county. But the Carnival of Wishes and Dreams has arrived for its annual visit and everyone agrees there is something magical about the carnival. That's why the three girls are each determined to respond to the secret messages they've received asking them to meet someone at the Ferris wheel at midnight. Lundquist offers a touch of young romance, a dab of friendship and family drama, and a happy ending that tweens will gobble up. However, like a day at the carnival, this story can be a bit too sweet at times. Ethnic diversity is implied through the cover art and some of the character surnames but is not central to the character development. VERDICT Recommended for medium to large collections in need of light friendship stories.-Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH

December 1, 2018
Grades 4-7 Audrey, Harlow, and Grace haven't been friends since a factory fire killed Grace's father and left most of the town unemployed. But when the carnival comes to town, each girl receives a mysterious pumpkin gram to meet at the Ferris wheel at midnight. The carnival gives them a magical second chance at friendship while they embark on their own adventures. Each girl has her own story that is realistic and relatable: Grace struggles with moving by acting out, Harlow deals with loneliness after being cast out due to her family's wealth, and Audrey is placed into a role as the adult of the house. The carnival provides opportunity for them to work through a variety of situations including bullying, popularity, friendship, money problems, and family issues. Lundquist (The Charming Life of Izzy Malone, 2016) offers up a story where a carnival is a place for wishing and hope, allowing three friends to reconnect and face the changes in their lives.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)