“Dreams are meant to be chased, even if it takes time to catch them.” ― Barbara O’Connor, Wish

Wish by Barbara O’Connor is a heartwarming and inspiring middle-grade novel that explores the complexities of dreams and desires and the lessons life teaches us.

It follows a young girl named Charlie as she tries to navigate life’s challenges in a small town. With themes of friendship, hope, and personal growth, this book touches the heart in a way that only a story about a young girl’s wishes and struggles can.

In this blog, we’ll explore the plot, key themes, and reasons why this book has resonated with readers of all ages. If you enjoy relatable, uplifting stories that teach life lessons, this one might be for you.

Plot Summary

“Sometimes, wishes don’t come true. But sometimes, they do.” ― Barbara O’Connor, Wish

Wish follows Charlie, a young girl who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a small town after her mother is unable to take care of her. Charlie has big dreams of finding a home and a sense of belonging, but she doesn’t exactly fit in with the other kids at her new school. With her head full of wishes and hopes, Charlie longs for a better life, one where she can have friends, feel accepted, and maybe even have a dog to call her own.

As the story unfolds, Charlie befriends a stray dog she names Wishbone, and together, they form a bond that helps her work through her feelings of loneliness and abandonment. Throughout the book, Charlie faces personal challenges, learns the importance of self-acceptance, and finds that sometimes the greatest lessons come from the things we don’t expect.

By the end of the story, Charlie learns that her wishes may not always come true in the way she imagines, but life has a way of offering her something even better. Wish is a beautiful exploration of the idea that happiness and fulfillment often come when we least expect it.

What Genre is Wish?

Wish is primarily a middle-grade novel, which means it’s written for younger readers but offers lessons and emotional depth that can resonate with readers of all ages. The book falls under the genres of contemporary fiction and coming-of-age, as it focuses on Charlie’s growth and the way she deals with real-life struggles like fitting in, family, and finding a sense of home.

This book is also a slice-of-life story that highlights the simple yet powerful moments of everyday life. It’s about the little things—like making a friend, caring for an animal, or discovering that not all wishes come true the way we think they will—that make life worth living. Wish is full of heart, and its real-world connections make it a relatable read for anyone who has ever had big dreams or faced tough challenges.

Readers’ Ratings and Reviews for Wish

“You can’t always choose what happens to you, but you can always choose how you react.” ― Barbara O’Connor, Wish

Wish has been praised by both critics and readers alike for its emotional depth and its relatable portrayal of a young girl trying to find her place in the world.

Ratings:

• Goodreads: Over 15,000 ratings with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

• Amazon: Approximately 1,200 ratings averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reader Comments:

“A beautiful story about a young girl learning to cope with tough situations while discovering the power of friendship.”

“Charlie’s journey of self-discovery is one that will resonate with any reader who has ever had a dream or a wish that didn’t turn out the way they expected.”

“This book is a must-read for kids and adults alike. It teaches important lessons about life, resilience, and the importance of being true to yourself.”

Criticisms:

• Predictable Plot: Some readers have mentioned that the story’s ending is a bit predictable, but the emotional payoff still makes it worthwhile.

• Slow Pacing: A few readers felt that the book could have picked up the pace, particularly in the middle sections where the plot slows down.

Overall, Wish has received high praise for its relatable characters, strong emotional themes, and the life lessons it imparts.

Is Wish worth Reading?

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and emotional story about a young girl’s journey toward self-acceptance, Wish is definitely worth reading. It deals with important themes like loneliness, dreams, family, and the power of resilience.

Charlie is a character who will stay with you long after you finish the book. Her growth from a lonely girl with big dreams to someone who learns to embrace life as it is is both inspiring and comforting. The writing is clear and accessible, and the book’s themes are universal, making it a great choice for readers of all ages.

While Wish might feel predictable at times, the emotional payoff and the lessons learned make it a fulfilling read. It’s a great book for younger readers, but it also has a lot to offer for older readers who appreciate stories about personal growth, dreams, and the beauty of life’s little moments.

Age Rating and Content Warnings

Age Rating:Wish is suitable for readers aged 8 to 12, but it can also be appreciated by older readers who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age stories.

Content Warnings: This book contains themes that may be emotionally heavy for some readers. Here are some of the topics covered:

• Family struggles and separation

• Loneliness and feelings of abandonment

• Mild violence (such as animal harm)

• Themes of loss and emotional pain

While the book does address some difficult topics, it does so in a way that is accessible and appropriate for younger readers. It’s a story about overcoming adversity and finding hope, and its positive message of resilience makes it a great read for anyone looking for an uplifting story.

Books Similar to Wish

If you enjoyed Wish, you might also like the following books that explore similar themes of growth, dreams, and life’s challenges:

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo: A heartwarming story about a girl and her dog that explores themes of friendship, community, and finding family in unexpected places.

• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin: This novel deals with themes of grief, friendship, and self-discovery as a young girl tries to understand the world around her.

• A Dog’s Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron: A story about a dog and her journey to find her way back to the family she loves. It’s full of hope and lessons about loyalty and perseverance.

• The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall: A lovely series about four sisters who face life’s challenges with humor, love, and a strong sense of family.

These books share similar themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of staying hopeful, making them great reads for anyone who enjoyed Wish.

Conclusion

Wish by Barbara O’Connor is a heartwarming and meaningful story about a young girl named Charlie who is learning to navigate life’s challenges. Sent to live with relatives in a small town, Charlie struggles with feelings of abandonment and anger. Her friendship with a stray dog she names Wishbone becomes a source of comfort and healing.

Through her journey, Charlie begins to understand the true meaning of family, friendship, and belonging. The story gently explores themes of resilience, hope, and the power of kindness, all through the eyes of a child longing for something more. As Charlie makes her daily wish, she slowly realizes that love and connection often come from the most unexpected places.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you reflect, feel deeply, and appreciate life’s quiet, meaningful moments, Wish is a beautiful and uplifting read for all ages.

About the Author

Barbara O’Connor is a beloved author known for her heartfelt middle-grade novels. With a gift for writing relatable stories about young people dealing with real-world issues, O’Connor’s books are celebrated for their emotional depth and relatable characters. She often focuses on themes of friendship, family, and personal growth.

O’Connor’s books have touched the hearts of young readers worldwide, and her ability to write stories that combine humor with important life lessons has made her one of the most respected voices in children’s literature.

Other books by Barbara O’Connor:

• How to Steal a Dog

• Greetings from Nowhere

• Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia

Her stories continue to inspire readers with their warmth, wisdom, and ability to capture the complexities of growing up.