He’s an escaped convict. She’s the warden’s perfect daughter. When their paths cross, they’ll uncover a darkness that light alone cannot fix.
“A Wish in the Dark” offers a compelling Thai-inspired retelling of Les Misérables for middle-grade readers. In the floating city of Chattana, all light is controlled by the Governor, who creates magical orbs that illuminate the lives of citizens based on their social status. Born in Namwon Prison, young Pong escapes and discovers that society outside is just as unfair; the wealthy enjoy bright illumination while the poor struggle in dim light. When Nok, the prison warden’s determined daughter, pursues him to restore her family’s honor, both children begin questioning the truths they’ve accepted about justice and fairness.
Soontornvat’s novel provides an exceptional entry point for teaching about SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), with its central metaphor of light as both a literal resource and symbol of power. The Governor’s monopoly on light illustrates how access to energy can perpetuate social divides.
Educators can use this text to develop students’ Principled and Thinker attributes by facilitating discussions about what constitutes just laws versus ethical action. The book’s rich themes of privilege, protest, and personal responsibility make it ideal for cross-curricular units connecting literature with social studies and environmental science.
