Middle grade books can be tricky, because they are intended for an audience who is older than standard elementary school fare, but not quite old enough to tackle the issues we see in young adult literature. I mention this, because I suspect Wishes and Wellingtons might have received a higher rating from me if I was in middle school. I should quickly add that this is a charming book, even if it felt a bit juvenile for me (and appropriately so).
Maeve is an unconventional girl. She’s been sent by her parents to a boarding school to learn how to be a young lady, but she just gets in trouble. A lot. On one occasion, she’s been sent to sift through the trash (I should quickly add that this is set in Edwardian London), and in a sardine tin, she discovers…a djinni. Quickly, she realizes that she has the power to make things happen, but she must contend with others who want that same power, particularly an unsavory businessman and an orphan boy who lives across the street. It will take her friendships to help her avoid danger and start making dreams come true.
This book was fun and a quick read. Sometimes I yelled at Maeve, but I suspect that’s because I’m a grownup teacher lady who’s been adulting for awhile now. I think adventurous middle-school readers will find this a delightful adventure. And djinni lore is fascinating. I did find the choice to make the djinni grumpy and rude to be entertaining (and again, sure to be a hit with readers who like a bit of spice in their characters).
