 The
Wish Book
An epic tale of tragedy ... a sweeping historical drama with
hundreds of characters ... a gritty political thriller set in a country you've never heard
of--The Wish Book is none of these. What The Wish Book actually is,
well that's something you'll have to decide for yourself.
Is it one of the funniest books of the year? Some readers say so. Is it a sweet,
romantical story that’ll remind you of your first big high school crush? Some readers
say that, too. Is there a hero, a villain, a pretty girl, a guy with a 665 (not quite a
666) on his head, a mysterious mystery and a fantastic finish? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and
yes. Is it an epic tale of tragedy, a sweeping historical drama, a gritty political
thriller? No, no, and definitely no, and we won't keep bringing them up.
The Wish Book takes you deep into the California redwoods to the weird 'n' wacky
world of Lake Giardia County, where a surprising discovery by one of the locals leads to
all kinds of merry mix-ups and madcap shenanigans. We think you’ll agree that this is
one of the most inventive books you'll ever have the pleasure of owning and displaying
prominently.
"I just love The Wish Book! It made me laugh numerous times.
The 'chapsters' are so well- written that you feel like the characters are your friends.
An extraordinary, lovable book! I can’t wait to read it again."
Holly Cook, student,
San Lorenzo Valley High School, Santa Cruz County, California
"A contemporary jest on high school life. A fast-paced novel with humor, romance, and
originality."
Joshua D. Augustin, student,
The Dunham Academy, Marin County, California
"You're in for a treat--this book is amazing in detail, honesty, and imagination.
When reading it, dare to dream."
Kayla Bruni, student,
San Lorenzo Valley High School, Santa Cruz County, California
"The Wish Book plunges you into a world of humor, mystery, and mangled
language. An excellent read."
Severin Victor, student,
The Dunham Academy, Marin County, California
"Readers will be completely enthralled by this 'sophisticuffed' yet hilarious read.
Chris Strodder does it again!"
Sam Notelovitz, student,
The Dunham Academy, Marin County, California
"I started reading one chapter aloud each day, but the kids begged for more. We
laughed out loud throughout. It is a sensitive, humorous book for kids and adults
alike."
Jennifer Dunham, teacher,
The Dunham Academy, Marin County, California
"Hilariously good, will keep you amused and engrossed the whole way through and head
over heels for what will happen next."
Tyler Murphy, student,
The Dunham Academy, Marin County, California
"An outrageous experience for the whole family."
Aaron Harris, student,
The Dunham Academy, Marin County, California
The Author: Chris Strodder has written three previous books: the children’s
story A Sky for Henry (Red Hen Press), the adventure novel Lockerboy (Red
Hen Press), and the biographical anthology Swingin’ Chicks of the ’60s
(Cedco Publishing). The Wish Book has a long past. It was born in the 1980s and
’90s as a series of unpublished character sketches and historical anecdotes, all of
them set in fictional Lake Giardia County, all of them narrated by Duane Stickey and other
imaginary locals. The nautical secret of Ferman the Fantastic’s Wish Book
wasn’t created until the mid-’90s, when the earlier tales all came together into
one extended story. "Curse of the Werehippo," the short story described in The
Wish Book, is based on a handmade comic book created by the author when he was in
seventh grade.
The Illustrator: Cover artist David Shearer lives in Connecticut with his wife
Susan, daughters Erin, Kelly and Lauren, and beagle Phoebe. David illustrated Plato's
Fine Feathers and Lockerboy for Red Hen Press. He works as a graphic arts
designer in Hartford.
The Wish Book is available direct from us (send us an e-mail for info) and from Amazon.com.
Recommended ages: 12 and up
Dimensions: 5.25" wide x 7.5" tall, 209 pages, softcover
Price: $6.95
First published: March, 2004
ISBN: 0931093198
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