Wish by Barbara O’Connor is one of my favorite middle-grade novels that I read in 2018. It was on the Sunshine State Younger Reader Award list that year, and I read it because I knew a lot of my students would check it out, too. This children’s book tells the story of a young girl named Charlie Reese who lives with her aunt and uncle in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Summary of Wish
Charlie’s mother did not care for her properly, leading to her removal from custody and forcing their family separation, a sensitive topic often explored in children’s literature. Her mom made poor lifestyle choices instead. I appreciate that the author does not go into detail about the mother’s way of life. O’Connor simply alludes to the fact that she is extremely self-absorbed. She spends a lot of time sleeping and promises to call Charlie, but doesn’t follow through.
Thankfully, Charlie is able to live with her aunt and uncle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, the young girl is still internally battling with the desire to have a complete family. She superstitiously makes wishes whenever an opportunity arises: a shooting star, a ladybug flying away, or saving the tip of the piece of pie to eat last. This becomes a daily practice as she navigates her emotional struggles and hopes for a better life.
Charlie sometimes finds herself saying hurtful things to others but doesn’t know how to control her anger. She is taken by surprise when her aunt and uncle are quick to forgive her. They remind her that people shouldn’t be judged by the wrongs that they do. Instead, we should see the ways that they try to correct their mistakes.
Learning Opportunities
There is a beautiful relationship cultivated between Charlie and a stray dog, highlighting the theme of animal companionship in children’s books. I love to have students compare and contrast the characteristics seen in the two as they begin to grow closer, emphasizing the themes of friendship and emotional healing. She also finds a great friendship in her neighbor, Howard, who is able to teach her a lot about life with his simple but loving family.
Charlie learns that what she frequently wishes for may not be what she really needs. This book lends itself to excellent conversations about the importance of foster care in our communities and the role they play in supporting kids. It also opens up opportunities to discuss ways to manage your anger and why others may have difficulty doing so.
My students warn that it’s “super emotional at the end.” However, they also say that it’s worth reading.
What Age is Wish Appropriate For?
Wish by Barbara O’Connor is best suited for readers aged 8-12, making it an ideal middle-grade novel. The themes of family, friendship, emotional growth, and personal challenges resonate well with children in this age range, making it a popular choice for classroom discussions and independent reading.
Discussion Questions for Wish
- Why do you think Charlie makes so many wishes throughout the story?
- How does Charlie’s relationship with Howard help her grow?
- What role does the stray dog play in Charlie’s emotional journey?
- How do Charlie’s aunt and uncle influence her view of family?
- What emotions does Charlie struggle with most, and how do they affect her relationships?
- How does Charlie change from the beginning to the end of the story?
- Why is the setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains important to the story?
- What lessons does Charlie learn about forgiveness and empathy?
- How does Charlie’s relationship with her mother influence her view of trust and reliability?
- What does the act of wishing represent for Charlie throughout the story?
About Barbara O’Connor
Barbara O’Connor is a celebrated author who writes heartfelt middle-grade novels. She has a talent for crafting stories with emotional depth and relatable characters that resonate with young readers. Her ability to explore complex topics like family separation and personal growth makes her books stand out in children’s literature.
Other Books by Barbara O’Connor
What Parents Need to Know
While Wish by Barbara O’Connor is a heartfelt and positive story. It does touch on difficult topics such as neglect, emotional struggles, and family separation. However, these themes are handled with sensitivity and can open meaningful discussions with young readers. You’ll have opportunities to talk about empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of supportive family environments.
Barbara O’Connor’s New Book: Dream
Fans of Wish by Barbara O’Connor will be excited to hear that her new book, Dream, is set to be released in August 2025. I was excited to see the author’s announcement about this book on Instagram the other day! Here is what she described:
Dream will be a standalone companion novel. It follows Idalee Lovett, a young girl living in small-town Colby, North Carolina, in her family’s large house with rooms for rent. While her mother tours for the summer with her cover band, Lovey Lovett and the Junkyard Dogs, Idalee works on her dream of becoming a songwriter. She has hopes of hearing her country songs on the radio.
When a local songwriting contest offers the chance for the winning song to be recorded, Idalee sets her sights on buying a special guitar from a music shop in Asheville. With the help of her friends Odell, Howard, Charlie, and a lovable dog named Wishbone, she searches for a hidden treasure left behind by her late granddaddy to make her dream come true. Ultimately, Dream promises themes of friendship, self-belief, and the power of chasing your dreams—echoing the heartfelt storytelling found in Wish.
Thanks for reading our book review of Wish by Barbara O’Connor. You can find other reviews in our Library, including books similar to Wish by Barbara O’Connor and other middle-grade novels perfect for young readers.
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