Leaving Wishville
Mel Torrefranca
Winner of the 2021 Reader’s Favorite Bronze Metal Award, Adapted into a Short Film by Sebastian Delgado
Ten years after his father’s disappearance, Benji plans to escape from his self-isolated coastal town—but leaving Wishville may cost him his life.
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Adiòs, Wishville
Translated by Sowon Kim
Edited by Maria Grazia Huapaya
As of 2021, the ebook edition of Leaving Wishville is now available in Spanish.
Short Film Based on the Book
Cowritten by the author, Mel Torrefranca, and the director, Sebastian Delgado.
Behind the Scenes of “Leaving Wishville”
Official Book Trailer by Mel Torrefranca
Book Store Launch Party
Themed Music Playlist
About the Book
Ten years ago, Scott Marino disappeared from town without a trace.
His son Benji, now fourteen, is the only person daring enough to approach the border. Although his best friends are eager to help him move on, he can’t shake the feeling that his father is still out there.
Everyone in town says it’s impossible. They believe Scott’s disappearance proves the world outside of Wishville is unsurvivable, but he questions their reasoning.
When his friend’s sickly little sister claims to know what others don’t, Benji’s life is thrown into chaos. With time against him, and his curiosity stronger than ever, he knows what he must do. Leaving Wishville might be his only chance for freedom – but it may also cost him his life.
A colorful and chilling debut, Leaving Wishville dives into a sea of forbidden curiosity, unavoidable grief, and the dangers of discovering the truth.
About the Release
Publication Date: February 8, 2020
Genre: Mystery, Magical Realism
Paperback Pages: 290
Praise for Leaving Wishville
“Fans of The Giver will be immediately enraptured by the magical and mysterious world of Wishville.”
— Abbie Emmons, bestselling author of 100 Days of Sunlight
“Leaving Wishville by Mel Torrefranca exhibits intensity unique in contemporary young adult fiction.”
— Readers’ Favorite
“Torrefranca presents a gripping tale, complete with a compelling cast of characters. Her captivating use of language keeps the pages turning.”
— Erin Forbes, bestselling author of the Fire & Ice book series
“If you need to visit somewhere else for a bit, and you feel there is something missing, then Leaving Wishville might have some solutions.”
— Nina Martineck
“Leaving Wishville will lead you into a middle grade/young adult adventure to savor.”
— Melanie Weiss, author of Spoken
"Montgomery High School should be very proud of this 17-year old author. Mel Torrefranca is a talent from whom I hope we will receive many more literary gifts.”
— K.M.
“Torrefranca’s writing is beautifully lyrical, and the story is a compelling read. All in all, this made it a very hard book to put down!”
— Eleanor, blogger at Three Lonely Clouds
