The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

This is the book for all those kids who wanted to run away not to the circus but to the land of their favorite stories.
Lucy is a hard working teacher's assistant with an oversized heart and one wish - to officially adopt the little boy in the foster system that she has come to love. There is one catch and that is that Lucy is not financially able to care for Christopher yet and she is saving every cent she can. She and Christopher have gotten through the dark times by reading a children's book series about Master Mastermind and Clock Island where wishes are granted if you prove yourself worthy. The author of the series has become a recluse but he is holding a contest for a select few with a prize so special that it will grant more than a couple of wishes. Lucy is invited and if she wins she will finally be able to have Christopher call her mom. Reminiscent of all those childhood classics complete with a quest, hidden clues, riddles and bravery with the adult bonus of making amends. Kudos to all the unsung heroes who make wishes come true without looking for recognition. Brilliant story writing with emotional ups and downs that will appeal to fans of THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY and THE READING LIST.  4 1/2 stars