The Wish and the Peacock

by Wendy S Swore

[sstaley]

Author Wendy Swore's new book is a Middle-Grade novel written for kids aged 8-12 but this story is for people of all ages. I loved the characters, the setting (it's where I grew up!!), and the life lessons learned in this novel.

Paige is a twelve-year-old going on twenty-one. She was her dad's favorite helper and he taught her everything about running their South-Eastern Idaho farm. Sadly, her father died in an accident and now the family farm faces foreclosure. This novel is a mixture of sadness, humor, intrigue, and heartwarming moments. Honestly, there were moments I couldn't stop laughing as Paige and her younger brother, Scotty, tried many ways to sabotage potential buyers of their farm. I loved how each person in Paige's life helped her learn and grow in a different way. Her two best friends Mateo and Kimana, are there for her during the hard times but also give her a little tough love when Paige is having a hard time facing reality.

The supporting cast of characters is large and wonderful! Paige's grandfather, the mysterious reporter Mr. Ferro, and of course Royal the Peacock were quick favorites of mine. This novel is another book that would make a great family read-aloud with your kids or grandkids. I can't wait to see what else Author Wendy Swore writes next. Her two first books have been classical winners!