Wish Monster

When middle schooler Violet Park’s beloved dog Midnight is brought back from the dead by the mysterious creature that inhabits the wilds of Haywood, N.J., she discovers that reality has also been rewritten. No one else remembers Midnight’s death except for forgettable sixth grader Hudson Causeway. After Violet gets the monster in the woods to grant a wish for down-on-his-luck corner store owner Mr. Kazem, Hudson is once again the only one who remembers life before Mr. Kazem’s city-block spanning superstore—and before his best friend Quinn Taylor disappears, along with everyone else who used to live where the store now stands. Unfortunately for Hudson, it means he may also be the singular individual who understands the true threat of the wishes. This slow-building, suspenseful tale by White (Gravebooks) boasts a clever and surprising twist on the “Monkey’s Paw” concept. Without shying away from the off-putting emotional element of facing down the consequences of even seemingly innocuous hopes and dreams, White presents a thoughtful exploration of friendship, complex family dynamics, and grief, resulting in a treat for budding horror fans. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)