This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Robert A. Groves for Readers' Favorite
The Wishbone by Adolphus Adams is a sweet children’s picture book that tells a story set over three days. As Marcus’ mother begins to prepare Thanksgiving dinner, she removes the turkey’s wishbone. Placing the wishbone on the mantle to dry, she teaches Marcus the tradition behind it. Each day, Marcus checks the wishbone’s condition to see if it is ready to be pulled apart. His mother has thoughts about what his wish might be if he wins the pulling contest. At bedtime, Marcus asks his mother if wishes really come true. She responds, saying, “Sometimes we make our wishes come true if we work hard enough.” In the meantime, Marcus is doing chores around the house and helping his mother get ready for the holiday. Finally, on the third day, the wishbone is ready to pull apart. What do you think Marcus’ wish might be?
Adolphus Adams has given us a tale that redefines what winning looks like. In The Wishbone, there are plenty of lessons for children. However, they quietly surface through the characters’ actions rather than the author’s words. The book, more than anything else, invites conversation. If approached as a read-aloud between adult and child, there will be natural opportunities to guess Marcus’ wish and reflect on what a wish is. While the wishbone game traditionally ends with a winner and a loser, the story quietly refuses that frame. Instead, it highlights the difference between wanting something and giving it. The illustrations by Nandi L. Fernandez are a stand-alone strength. If there were no words, children would absorb most of the book’s lessons simply by viewing these marvelous works of art. Adams has given children a book filled with joy and happiness. I highly recommend it.
