About the Book & Author

What others are saying…

"A thrilling fantasy, set in a fresh, original world, with a vital message at its heart. A Wish in the Dark is incandescent."

—Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor's Tale

"Soontornvat artfully builds up to a triumphant confrontation, weaving in important themes about oppression and civil disobedience along the way."  

—Publisher's Weekly

"Nuanced questions of morality, oppression, and being defined by one's circumstances are compounded with exciting action in this novel inspired by Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. The characters are resonant, and the action is enhanced by the fantastical Thailand-like setting. The original storyline and well-developed characters make this a standout novel. Highly recommended."  

—School Library Journal

Hear from the Author…

Awards and Honors

  • 2021 Newbery Honor Book

  • Winner, Jane Addams Peace Association Children’s Book Award

  • Winner, Best Middle Grade Book by the Texas Institute of Letters

  • Named a Best Book of the Year by The Washington Post and School Library Journal

  • Junior Library Guild Selection

  • NPR 100 Favorite Books for Young Readers

  • Indie Next Pick

  • Austin Mayor’s Book Club Selection

  • Project LIT Book Club Selection

  • Florida’s Sunshine State Young Readers Award list

  • Shortlisted, Singapore’s Red Dot Book Awards 

  • Rhode Island Middle School Book Award List

  • Spirit of Texas Book Award

Discussion Guide