The Wishing Spell

About this book

Frustrated by all the happy goofy representations of fairy tales? (Note: Chris began the concept for this book in his late high school years, which were much earlier than the copyright date of 2012.) Well, so was Chris. So, he decided to mix them up a little. This book has several of the standard fairy tale characters, such as Red Riding Hood, the witch who liked to eat children (Hansel & Gretel), Snow White, the Frog Prince, and more.

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See all books like The Wishing Spell→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Fantasy title, typically at grades 3–8. Written in the 1990s; pairs with curriculum units on fairy tales and characters in literature; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Blue Hen Book Award

  • recommended·3rd grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·4th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·5th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·6th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·7th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·8th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.

Common questions

What grade level is The Wishing Spell?

The Wishing Spell is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read The Wishing Spell?

It takes about 8h 15m to read The Wishing Spell (448 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 495 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The Wishing Spell?

The Wishing Spell appears on reading lists for Blue Hen Book Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Wishing Spell banned in schools?

The Wishing Spell does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.

What themes does The Wishing Spell explore?

Central themes in The Wishing Spell include fairy tales, characters in literature, magic, brothers and sisters. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.