Wish by Barbara O'connor

Summary:

Charlie has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. When she is shipped off to live with a family she doesn't know she's beginning to believe her wish will never come true. Charlie's family was a mess, her mom never got out of bed and didn't care whether Charlie went to school or not. Her dad was in jail again, and her big sister has already moved out. When Charlie is taken by social services she's beginning to fear her family will never get on its feet again. But when Charlie meets wishbone, a stray dog, and Howard, the neighbor boy, Charlie is beginning to discover that maybe she already has what she needs.

Word of Caution:

This book talks quite a bit about Charlie's dysfunctional family but O'Connor presents her family as nothing to be ashamed about. Charlie understands that it's not her fault and that she can't do anything about it. The book presents Charlie's family as wrong and shows how harmful it is. It is a good way to introduce our broken world.

Positive Notes:

Barbara O'Connor writes about real-life problems in a way that will steal the hearts of everyone. Wish teaches what true friendship is with the most unlikely of people and the true meaning of family in unexpected places.

Who:

Great for girls age 9-12.