The Wish Giver is part of the long literary tradition of the “ill-fated wish.” Compare Brittain’s treatment of this literary convention across the experiences of Polly, Rowena, and Adam. In what ways do their wishes produce different consequences, and what do these differences suggest about human desire?

Analyze the characters of the deceptive salesman Henry Piper and the hardworking farm boy Sam Waxman as foils. How does Brittain use their differences to shape Rowena’s understanding of herself?

Discuss the role of water in Adam’s story. How does its meaning change over the course of the narrative?

By referencing Cotton Mather and the Salem witch trials, Brittain grounds the novel in New England’s history of witchcraft beliefs. Analyze how these historical references influence the story’s atmosphere.

Compare the personal growth of Polly, Rowena, and Adam. In what ways do their experiences reshape their understanding of themselves and others? Do their journeys ultimately lead to a shared perspective, or does each character reach a different understanding of what it means to mature?

Blinn says that he values “respect” more than money. How do his motives shape your interpretation of his role in the novel?

Analyze the roles of minor characters throughout the novel. In what ways do their actions affect the protagonists’ journeys, and how do they contribute to the novel’s portrayal of relationships, responsibility, and community?

How does Brittain use the red-spotted wish cards and Blinn’s snake-like eyes to build suspense and shape readers’ expectations throughout the novel? What do these recurring details contribute to the story beyond foreshadowing the consequences of the wishes?