Eleven-year-old Jack misses his dad who is MIA in Vietnam. It’s been months since he and his family had word of his whereabouts. The last thing Jack wants to do is spend summer with his grandparents. Mom believes it will be good for them all – Jack, his sister Katy, Mom, Gran and Pops – to be together while they wait for word about Dad. Keeping busy will keep them out of trouble and help them think of other things.

Jack expects the worst summer of his life. The first summer without. Without Dad, without friends, without his room and all the things that remind him of Dad. When Jack meets a girl named Jill – a girl with a brother who makes trouble for both of them – things they believe are turned upside down. Welcome to a summer of fishing, camping, bullies, and a fish who grants wishes. A fish that could be the answer to Jack’s problem. But when Jill makes wishes of her own, things don’t turn out the way they expected.  Every wish has a consequence. Will the fish grant Jack’s biggest wish?  Will Jack be brave enough to ask?

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Creston Books, April 2020

• NCTE Notable Verse Novel 2021
• CBC Summer Showcase featured book 2021
• Featured in the 3rd edition of WRITING CHILDREN’S BOOKS FOR DUMMIES (2022)

“The heartwarming story of how Jack learns to cope with a bully despite the aching absence of his father. Darlene Beck-Jacobson expertly blends the magic of childhood wishes with the realities of when good choices go bad. Her use of blank verse keeps the pace moving and evokes just the right amount of details to capture the joys and sadness of summer.”
—Jane Kelley, Author of THE BOOK OF DARES FOR LOST FRIENDS

“A big-hearted tale about the need for family, friends, magic, and the courage to wish for what you really need.”
—Laurie Calkhoven, author of ROOSEVELT BANKS, GOOD-KID-IN-TRAINING

“Provides wisdom that can guide readers with their own challenges as they become a part of this well crafted tale of childhood in the 1960s. The free verse format makes this book easy to read even for struggling readers and yet filled with ideas to ponder.”
—Darlene Andre 5th grade teacher

“A poignant novel told entirely in verse. Uniquely original and with an important underlying social message for children ages 8-12.”
—Midwest Book Review

Racial intolerance, social change, sweeping progress. It is a turbulent time growing up in 1908. For twelve-year-old Emily Soper, life in Papa’s carriage barn is magic. Emily is more at home hearing the symphony of the blacksmith’s hammer, than trying to conform to the proper expectations of females. Many prominent people own Papa’s carriages. He receives an order to make one for President Theodore Roosevelt. Papa’s livelihood becomes threatened by racist neighbors, and horsepower of a different sort.  Emily is determined to save Papa’s business even if she has to go all the way to the President.

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Creston Books, September 2014

• Notable Social Studies Trade Book 2015
• Mighty Girl Pick 2015
• Grateful American Book Prize Honorable Mention 2015
• NCSS/CBC Notable Studies Trade Books for Young People list 2014
• Licensed to the State of New York for use in its statewide Standardized Language Arts test

“This superb work of historical fiction features a delightful protagonist and a likable cast of supporting characters. Jacobson’s writing is simple, elegant, and clever. The story’s pacing helps build to an exciting conclusion, and gives a great window into an important time in American history.”
—School Library Journal

“The strength of the text lies in Jacobson’s ability to evoke a different era and to endear readers to the protagonist. The prose is straightforward and well-researched, heavily peppered with historical references and containing enough action to keep readers’ attention. Readers will empathize with Emily as she goes through her own changes, and they will applaud her heroism in more than one chapter.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A moving and quietly beautiful story whose simple surface hides deep lessons.”
—Kermit Roosevelt III, great-great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, law professor, and author of In the Shadow of the Law and The Myth of Judicial Activism

“Sparkling writing, meticulous research, and a brave, bright girl who learns which changes in her world truly matter.”
—Joanne Rocklin, award-winning author of The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook

“Courage in the face of life-altering changes, both large and small, is at the heart of this captivating novel. Brimming with lifelike characters and vivid historical details, readers will cheer for gutsy 12-year-old Emily as she goes from one adventure to the next, finding her place in an ever-changing world.”
—Gabrielle M. Casieri, Library Media Specialist, Lawrence Intermediate School, Lawrenceville New Jersey

“Wheels of Change is a wonderful, heartwarming story that captures a pivotal time in history. Using her own family’s story, Darlene Beck Jacobson shows how people struggle with and overcome change.”
—Bronwen Anderson-Sanders, Executive Director, Mifflinburg Buggy Museum

“The superbly researched Wheels of Change is an engaging peek at the pivotal transition from carriage to car. Young readers will delight in the character of Emily Soper, a plucky girl facing change with an iron will.”
—Janet Fox, author of Forgiven and Sirens

“I love a good historical read, and this one hauled me in from the very beginning. I especially relished the sensory details in the opening pages. I also really enjoyed the family dynamics, and the smaller moments really sparkled in the pages. Highly recommended.”
—Holly Schindler, Novel Anecdotes

“I enjoyed this middle grade story not only because of the skilled storytelling of the author, but also because Emily is a character that kids today can easily relate to.”
—Bubblews reviews

“This book was great.”
—LitPick

“This is a great book filled with history and what was going on in 1909. I give this book a 5 out of 5.”
—Deal Sharing Aunt

“Important social issues that still resonate today are explored in a historical context and include racism, women’s rights, and gender roles. . .Positive, educational messages abound about adapting to change and treating others equally and respectfully.”
—Common Sense Media

“I loved every minute I spent with Emily and her family.”
—John Schu, Watch, Connect, Read

“I really enjoyed this book, from start to finish. I found myself swept up by the plethora of compelling characters, the interesting yet believable setting, and a story line I couldn’t resist.”
—LitPicks Reviews