A Wish in the Dark

This is a great story about a boy helping the people of his city. Pong lives in Nawmon Prison, where he was born, and he longs to escape. However, he can’t leave until he turns thirteen. Pong has always been good at noticing small things, such as the small pop of a mango stem before a ripe mango falls.

He escapes from Nawmon and later meets a monk, who gives him many blessings. Pong is pursued by Nok, the prison warden’s daughter, who wishes to restore her family’s name. Pong flees to the city, where he uses his gift to help the poor, who can only afford the dimmest of orbs rather than the bright gold orbs that the rich have. Pong must choose between leaving Chattana to avoid capture and helping those in need.

A Wish in the Dark is an amazing story. I like that Pong helps his friend when he returns to the city, and that he makes the right choice in the end. I also like all of the different orbs, which are used to cook, power motors, and provide light. I recommend this book to kids in junior high and to young adults.