Be Careful What You Wish For... by R.L. Stine is a thrilling (but not as scary?) addition to the always awesome Goosebumps series.

My life goal is to read all of the Goosebumps series, so I shall continue on this resolution! I remember reading this one over and over as a kid, because for some reason we only had a couple Goosebumps available to read in our little library. Still to this day, I don't find this one all that scary. It was thrilling, sure, because you didn't know what was going to happen but definitely not scary. A lot of the other Goosebumps books I live for the little cliffhangers and can see why younger audiences might be creeped out or scared. Just not... this one.

I will say, this is one of my favourite endings for a Goosebumps book. If you aren't already thinking of what might happen by the time the final wish comes about... well, it'll surprise you. It's a good ending that makes you wonder what happened next.

Two out of five stars. ( )

#12 "It might come true."
Samantha Byrd is awkward like most teenagers her age. She's also picked on a lot at school. But when she helps a strange "Crystal Woman" find her way one day she repays Samantha by granting her three wishes. What will Samantha wish for? ( )

So, I'm finally reading through all of the Goosebumps books if you couldn't already tell by how I'm spamming the updates feed on your GoodReads accounts. While my second grade classroom had some of them available, as well as friends and libraries, I never was able to read them all and now that I'm old and sick with a cold it seems like the appropriate time to dig in.

[b: Be Careful What You Wish For...] suffers from terrible title syndrome. Aside from that, though it's a generally pretty cool book. It doesn't suffer from a terrible ending like the bulk of the Goosebumps series, instead oddly faltering in the middle when Sam makes her second wish. I still don't understand how that one worked. Oh well.

This book's strength once more lies in the depiction of human cruelty rather than supernatural woes. The way Judith and Sam interact is more horrifying that the Crystal Lady and the wishes she grants, and it reminded me far too much of some bullying that I've experienced over my life. Still, at times I wish Sam would just stick up for herself... She could have done, you know.

Anyway, this is one of the stronger Goosebump books in my opinion. And kudos for a hilarious ending. ( )

## It might come true.

The cliche of Be Careful What You Wish For... is exemplified in its title. It's a predictable premise, but also a classic in the series, sticking to its simplistic roots to deliver effective spooks.

[N.B. This review includes images, and was formatted for my site, dendrobibliography -- located here.]

Despite being the tallest girl in school, Samantha Byrd's the gawkiest, clumsiest girl on her basketball team. Her height and lack of skill makes her an outsider, subject to frequent bullying by her team- and classmates (especially one cruel beast named Judith!). On her way from from school one day, Samantha extends a small act of kindness towards a lone gypsy woman named Clarissa, helping her get home. In gratitude, Clarissa offers Samantha three wishes. Just be careful....

The stereotyping of gypsy culture is perhaps benignly offensive today, showcasing an ignorance that's characteristic of '90s fiction (and R.L. Stine's work). Still, it's an excellent folktale for poor Samantha Byrd. She's a kindhearted character to the end, and nothing ever goes right for her, even when she is careful.

How can her three wishes go wrong? Imagine you want...:

1. To be the strongest player on your team....
2. To make that cruel bully disappear....
3. To simply make your bully like you....

Be Careful What You Wish For... is one of the darkest early Goosebumps tales, and features one of the series' best, darkest, most shocking twists -- Samantha doesn't deserve that! Goosebumps' twelfth entry may not feature the most original premise, but it's still a wonderful read.

R.L. Stine's Goosebumps (1992–1997):
#11 The Haunted Mask | #13 Piano Lessons Can Be Murder

N.B. Be Careful What You Wish For... is one of only two original Goosebumps books to not feature cover art by Tim Jacobus. (The other is Stay Out of the Basement.) ( )

Goosebumps. This is the series that kept me reading through my childhood. More than any other series, Goosebumps kept me interested in reading, and R.L. Stein is a wonderful children's writer. I applaud his efforts, and can't express enough my gratitude for the series. ( )