A review by maddiehansen
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

The book was a more positive version of The Westing Game, but not executed as well. The depiction of the foster care system did not seem quite accurate, the relationship between a teacher's aid and a student was not safe, Capri-sun is clear, it covered many deep issues with mere mentions (miscarriage, PTSD, addiction, trauma, foster care system, adoption, rape, incest, abuse, alcoholism, miscarriage, poverty, disability, abandonment etc). It needed more research.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Pedophilia, Cancer, Death of parent, Child death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Abandonment, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Rape, Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, and Death