“The Wish Giver” by Bill Brittain

For just fifty cents, a strange little man in a black hat will sell you a card that grants any wish you want. What could possibly go wrong?

Plenty! At the church social in the little town of Coven Tree, the mysterious Thaddeus Blinn sells three wish cards to three young people. Polly wishes the snooty kids would notice her. Rowena wishes a handsome traveling salesman would put down roots. Adam wishes for water on his family’s dry farm. Every wish comes true, just not quite the way they imagined.

Stew Meat, who runs the general store, tells the story in his own folksy voice. It’s funny, a little spooky, and full of surprises, a great reminder to be careful what you wish for. It’s perfect for readers ages 9 to 12, and terrific for reading aloud.

This Trophy Newbery paperback is in Acceptable condition, and you can find it at Dead Tree Dreams.