A Heartfelt Encounter with Wish by Barbara O’Connor
Sometimes, a book arrives in your life just when you need it most, and for me, Wish by Barbara O’Connor was that book. As a middle-grade reader myself, I’ve found that stories that explore themes of childhood, belonging, and personal growth resonate deeply with me, and O’Connor’s work does just that. From the moment I turned the first page, I was swept into Charlie Reese’s journey, and honestly, I couldn’t put it down.
At the heart of Wish is Charlie, an eleven-year-old girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is sent to live with relatives in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She’s been making the same secret wish since the fourth grade, believing fervently that something magical will come of it. However, her world flips upside down as she grapples with her new reality while desperately longing for the family she’s left behind. This book effortlessly captures the tumultuous emotions of young readers, highlighting the feeling of being adrift in unfamiliar surroundings.
O’Connor’s ability to breathe life into her characters is astounding. Each person—whether it’s Charlie’s big-hearted aunt and uncle, quirky local boy Howard, or the lovable stray dog, Wishbone—feels authentically human. It’s a mixed bag of emotions as Charlie learns that the love and support she craves may be found in strangers rather than her immediate family. I found myself nodding along with the sentiment that sometimes the family we create is just as meaningful as the one we are born into.
The plot is paced beautifully, allowing readers to journey with Charlie as she experiences heartbreak, joy, and the little victories of life. O’Connor’s writing flows with ease, painting the Blue Ridge Mountains in vibrant colors and weaving in small-town charm that feels familiar, even to those of us who haven’t lived in such places. There’s humor, wisdom, and, dare I say, a few teary moments that tug at your heartstrings—elements that make it stand out in the realm of middle-grade literature.
One standout aspect of the book is its openness about life’s less glamorous realities, such as Charlie’s father being incarcerated and her mother’s struggles. O’Connor tackles these themes delicately, ensuring they resonate without feeling overly heavy. This honest portrayal makes Wish an excellent choice for middle-grade readers grappling with similar issues, allowing them to see themselves in Charlie’s journey. The testimonials from readers echo this sentiment, praising O’Connor for her genuine grasp of human emotion—one review even mentioned how it brought tears to her eyes.
Wish is a beautifully written story about hope, family, and the unexpected places where we can find love. If you’re looking for a book that will not only entertain but also inspire thoughtful discussions with young readers about resilience and belonging, I wholeheartedly recommend it. In the end, this journey with Charlie stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I believe it can do the same for anyone willing to embark on this heartfelt adventure.