Wishing Season

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.

But as Lily clings to her one connection, the magical space she shares with Anders begins to shrink, threatening to take him away forever.
Magical Realism for Kids: Discover the overlap, a secret pocket of the world where Lily can still talk to her brother, even after he’s gone.An Unbreakable Sibling Bond: A moving portrait of twins, one in this world and one in the next, whose connection is tested by grief and fading magic.An Unlikely Friendship: Meet Quinn, a prickly but kind teenager who helps Lily find her way back to the world, one chore and jam jar at a time.Dealing with Loss: A gentle and honest exploration of grief, perfect for young readers navigating their own feelings about loss, family, and what it means to move forward.Small Town Summer: Set on a small island in Maine, this story is filled with the scent of pine and salt air, the freedom of summer vacation, and the warmth of a close-knit community.