Wishing for Washington

by Shelley Sly

As punishment for playing doorbell ditch, twelve-year-old Tallia Thompson and her goofball brother Isaiah are shipped off to their grandparents’ house for half the summer. There’s nothing fun about being stuck in Maryland, a.k.a. Snore-a-land, except for one thing: the close proximity to Washington, D.C.

Tallia would do anything for Isaiah, and what he wants most is to meet the President of the United States. So together, they formulate a plan to get to the White House—-a plan that involves spending a bit of money and concocting a bunch of lies. And, ultimately, a plan that ends up changing Tallia’s perception of her family forever.

194 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

Shelley Sly grew up in New Jersey, but considers the suburbs of Washington, D.C. her "hometown." She now lives in the hot, dry desert of the southwest with her husband and their chocolate lab mix. Three things she's a huge nerd about are children's books, indie music, and RPGs.

She writes middle grade novels about friendship, family, and figuring out where you fit in. She loves meeting new people, so feel free to message her, or visit her website at http://www.shelleysly.com for more ways to get in touch!

Reviews

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallia and Isaiah’s mother is tired of their neighborhood antics. When they ring people’s doorbells and run away, she decides that they shouldn’t stay with her during the summer when they have no school and are so restless. She sends them to their grandparents’ house for a month.

Their grandparents aren’t the most exciting people, but on the plus side they’ll be close to Washington, D.C. Isaiah is eager to meet the president. Along with some new friends, they go on this adventure to D.C., with tween mishaps of course.

This is a delightful and engaging book, sure to please young readers. Tallia is a wonderful big sister and Isaiah is a cute little brother. I liked his ambition to become president of the country. The trouble both of them encounter with others is innocent. There was also interesting family dynamics going on when the two interacted with adults.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local author's first book about tight siblings visiting their strict grandparents in Maryland over the summer and concocting a scheme to get into Washington DC to meet the President. Written for middle schoolers but fine for older elementary ages as well.

[Miriam Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing for Washington

I liked the book, it was a page turner and had you wishing for more. The ending was not what I wanted. Is their a sequence to this book. Good read.

[Adrienne Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to grandma’s for the summer has never been this fun!

Tallia and Isaiah always find a way to have fun together—unfortunately it always seems to land them in trouble. After getting caught in a game of doorbell ditch, they get two one-way train tickets to their grandmother’s house in Maryland, AKA “Snore-a-land,” for the summer. But it may not be so bad if they can make it to the Whitehouse and fulfill Isaiah’s dream of meeting the president. Armed with two new friends and a surefire plan to get to D.C., they discover much more than they bargained for.

Tallia and Isaiah are a spunky and mischievous brother-sister duo unafraid to go after what they want and be there for each other. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Isaiah—a big dreamer who doesn’t listen to naysayers and can make a good time out of any situation. I found Wishing for Washington to be both funny and heartwarming, and recommend it as great middle grade read that is sure to entertain.

[Dawn Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

When sister and brother team Tallia and Isaiah go to their grandparents' home for the summer in Washington, D.C, trouble ensues. Tallia juggles the task of keeping her younger brother out of trouble during his single-minded mission of meeting the President, and befriending the neighbor kids, including the cute yet serious Spencer. When Isaiah falls short of his goal, it's Tallia who comes up with an idea for Isaiah to run for his school election, a small step in his quest for future political fame. Wishing for Washington is a fun, action-packed story about sibling relationships, and the sometimes surprising connections we make with family members when we least expect it.

[Jemi Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Tallia is a great character and the author's MG voice is excellent. The story is full of fun and mischief but full of heart as well. Watching Tallia grow as she and her brother keep their eye on their goal is a whole lot of fun. One of my favourite things about the book was the realistic yet varied relationships between the kids and the adults in their lives. I hope we get to see more adventures from Tallia & Isaiah in future books! A great read!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the privilege of being able to read this book at many stages-- I have to say, holding it in my hands and reading in it's completed, printed form was the best!

The characters pop off the page and I love the setting and premise. Well done, Shelley Sly! I can't wait to read many, many more! x

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

edge of the seat reading for pre-teen audience (and some a little older too!) It's almost as though the author was a co-conspirator to the plan and was writing from her recollections of a time past with a smile on her face. The insight into three generations of family, the bond between siblings all lead to enjoyable summer reading.

[Linda Dre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down! I found myself fully invested in what was going to happen to Tallia and Isaiah next. I laughed at Isaiah's comedic comments, and found myself thinking about them even after I had finished the book. I highly recommend this book for even a wider age range than it was intended.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaiah is a hoot, and Tallia is an independent, loyal big sister to Isaiah. I enjoyed their adventures (and misadventures) in the big city of DC! I loved Isaiah's positive attitude no matter what he encounters. His smile is contagious!

[Dan Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this was an enjoyable story I didn't find it to be memorable. A voracious reader might enjoy but the reluctant reader, the ones I'm trying the hardest to reach, would likely find it not captivating enough for them.

[Shelley Sly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I guess I can give my own book five stars. :)