 Beth Spinner | Welcome to our first Weekend Picks for March 2025! To kick things off this month, Beth Spinner from Grand Valley State University digs into the dystopian YA Literature world, with her first pick: A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Take a look at what Beth has to say about this YA Weekend Pick. Professor Spinner taught middle and high school English before obtaining her PhD in English Education from Western Michigan University. She is currently a teacher educator at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Her research focuses on fostering social justice in the English classroom using reading and writing. |
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
 | This fantasy novel takes place in a land inspired by Thai culture where social class differences are profound and the law doesn’t always protect those who need protection. The novel follows Pong, a young boy born imprisoned because his mother had him while a prisoner herself, as he escapes and begins to question the justice system. Because he was born in prison and is therefore a fugitive, Pong has a mark that identifies him in this way, just like all the other prisoners who are now outside of prison. These marks make it difficult to get a job and live a comfortable life. Pong learns more about this system and how too often, a difficult life leads to many people returning to prison. The governor of the land believes this system is just and keeps order. The governor is also the only one who can produce light. The wealthy are able to afford better lights while the lower social classes are not able to purchase the same quality lights. This system, too, perpetuates social class injustice. |
Alongside Pong’s story, readers also follow Nok, the prison warden's daughter. When they were young, Nok realized that Pong’s escape from prison caused her father to be punished. Nok firmly believes in the justice system supported by the governor, but when her own family secrets come to light, she begins to question everything she ever knew. Nok’s original goal was to find Pong and make sure he received the punishment he deserves. However, after realizing the injustice of the system, Nok has a change of mind and a change of heart. She has a direct encounter with the governor and realizes his motives are not about supporting justice so much as supporting the wealthy.
| Eventually Pong and Nok both take action to disrupt the system. They not only question the system, but take action to make change in order to create a more equitable world for everyone. Readers will be inspired by the young characters’ bravery to push back in a world that privileges only a few. Even though it is a fantasy novel, author Christina Soontornvat creates a plot with strong connections to the inequities and injustices that young people see all around them. Young readers will be encouraged to question systems including prison and justice. They will be encouraged to ask important questions like why some people have so much while others have so little. They will see connections to the world around them and be inspired to disrupt the world around them and be the light. |  Christina Soontornvat |
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