Wishing Season - by Anica Mrose Rissi (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A moving middle grade story by Anica Mrose Rissi that will appeal to readers who loved The Thing about Jellyfish and Hello, Universe, about the enduring bond between twins: Anders, who has recently died, and Lily, who has to balance her grief and confusion with a brother who isn't quite gone--and how to navigate a world that is moving forward without him."--

Book Synopsis

A moving middle grade story by Anica Mrose Rissi that will appeal to readers who loved The Thing about Jellyfish and Hello, Universe, about the enduring bond between twins: Anders, who has recently died, and Lily, who has to balance her grief and confusion with a brother who isn't quite gone--and how to navigate a world that is moving forward without him.

Of course Anders wasn't lonely in the afterlife. He still, like always, had Lily.

Lily doesn't believe in making wishes. Not anymore. Not since Anders died.

Wishes can't fix the terrible thing that happened. Wishing won't change how it feels.

But Lily does believe in the impossible. She has a secret so extraordinary, so magical, no one would believe that it's true.

No one except Anders, of course.

Nothing about this summer is turning out how Lily would have wished. But wishes, like seasons, can change.

Review Quotes

"Stack Wishing Season next to Bridge to Terabithia. Anica Mrose Rissi paints a picture and sings a song with a tremendous, unforgettable voice. As emotionally healing as it is ultimately joyful." -- Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor Author of One Crazy Summer

"Beautiful and moving, this book will make you cry. But it will also mend your heart. A story that reminds us that love will help see us through, even in the darkest of times." -- Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor Author of Other Words for Home

"Tender, heart-shifting, and deeply absorbing, Anica Mrose Rissi's latest novel is a magical exploration of what it means to love and let go. A truly beautiful and profoundly intimate story." -- Corey Ann Haydu, author of Eventown and One Jar of Magic

"With beautiful prose and quiet humor, Anica Mrose Rissi tells a story of grief and loneliness and love and joy, the meandering, maddening mess that is healing from a great loss, and the (kind, awkward, surprising) people who help you through it. A quietly powerful tale that feels like an ageless classic." -- Claire Legrand, author of Some Kind of Happiness

"A startlingly honest portrayal of grief, Wishing Season carries us through the bewildering beauty of a perfect Maine summer and a season of terrible loss. I loved this wise, lovely, delicate story of what we hold onto, and how we let go." -- Laurel Snyder, author of Orphan Island

"By turns gentle and forthright, this well-paced story leads readers to questions about loss and the durability of relationships. A droll, well-paced, and deeply moving book about loss and friendship." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A heartening portrayal of a resilient character." -- Booklist

"Building a small-town atmosphere via a frank third-person narration and concrete, considered prose, Rissi builds an empathetic voice that cradles Lily's grieving process and experience of change." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This achingly sad but also hopeful story set on a small Maine island poses questions about the power of our connections--to other people, to animals, and to the world around and beyond." -- Horn Book (starred review)

"In this beautifully written and character-driven novel, readers will identify with Lily and be immersed in coastal Maine scenery. Young readers dealing with grief or facing tough situations will find comfort in Lily's relationships and discover new ways to discuss their feelings; a must-purchase for any library." -- School Library Journal (starred review)