The Big Wish by Brandon Robshaw

Chicken House, 2015. ISBN: 9781908435897
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Friendship, Wishes. Eleven year old Sam's life is about to change radically. The holidays are over and he's all set to start at Mary Seacole Comprehensive school, new uniform, new bag and school supplies. With his old friend Evan and dire warnings from older sister Maeve, they leave for their first day. All goes well until recess when there's an encounter with school bully Scorpus.
Sam's home life is unsettling as well, dad's job is a bit vulnerable, his sister Maeve's boyfriend has moved on and mum's worried about finances. That evening on a walk with his father and Billiam their dog, Sam looks into the sky and wishes on a shooting star. He asks for a million wishes, to fix all of his family's and school problems. Next morning to Sam's surprise, his wish has come true. Wishes come with responsibilities, Sam soon realises that there are consequences and some are not in the best interest of the person or people involved. There are humorous moments, when Evan and Sam turn into giants with the right size clothing, the incident with the giant hamburger and chips and also some hazardous moments. Sam changes into The Incredible Hulk and nothing Scorpus tries can hurt him.
In the end he comes to an understanding about decision making, population explosion due to no more deaths and has to work out a creative way to use up the final 998835 wishes.
Brandon Robshaw's novel could be used to read to a class, as a stimulus for debates about making moral choices and the consequences of Sam's actions.
Recommended for readers from 9 years.
Rhyllis Bignell