Fun Reads Friday: Joplin, Wishing

Have you ever been so lonely that you wished for a picture to come to life and be your friend?

Joplin is just such a girl. In Joplin, Wishing, by Diane Stanley, Joplin’s famous literary grandfather has died. After some nasty rumors and photos of her grandfather surface on the internet, the kids at school ratchet up their bullying. Soon, Joplin hears woofs and piles of dog food appear on her desk. Things at home are not much better. Her mom is depressed and not there for Joplin. She retreats into her room to type on a typewriter for hours every day. Joplin misses their connection.

Thankfully, when they were cleaning out her grandfather’s house, her mom did allow Joplin to take a cookie tin with the shattered pieces of a Dutch platter as a keepsake. She gets the beautiful platter repaired and hung on her wall, where she can see the beautiful scene of a pond and some geese with a girl about Joplin’s age. When Joplin wishes the girl would come out of the platter and be her friend, things get really interesting, and you will not want to put this book down.

Joplin, Wishing is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. It is at times suspenseful, sad, exciting, and heartfelt. The revelations gave me chills, and the conclusion was perfect. I got emotionally involved with all the characters, and the subject matter could bring up some interesting family conversations about immortality, ethical quandaries about right and wrong and how we treat others, and the importance of letting someone go, even when it’s hard. A great read for ages 10-14 and for families of all ages. Happy reading!