Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Summary:  A boy and his mom make their usual Sunday visit to the laundromat, but this week is different.  It’s their last time, because they have to leave their apartment and move in with his grandparents in their trailer.  While he tries to look at the bright side–being with grandparents, having a dog–he’s sad to be leaving his familiar home and his friends.  He pretends the washing machine and dryer are wishing machines, and he wishes to be able to stay.  While they wait for the machines to run, he asks his laundromat friends what their wishes are: a new scooter, a green card, a cat.  Finally, the laundry is done, and there are enough coins left for a bag of cookies from the vending machine, which he shares with his friends.  As he and his mom leave, she shares her wish with him–to be together and happy–and he realizes that being with his mom is the most important thing.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  A poignant story about a family facing hard times, with a resilient mom who helps her son stay focused on the good in their lives.

Cons:  Seems like pretty tough times for everyone at the laundromat.