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89 pages 2 hours read

Wish

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Barbara O'Connor

Wish

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

850L

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Super Short Summary

In Barbara O'Connor's Wish, 11-year-old Charlie Reese moves to the small town of Colby in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina to live with her relatives Bertha and Gus due to family difficulties. Struggling to adapt, Charlie finds solace in befriending a boy named Howard and attempts to catch a stray dog she names Wishbone, leading her to redefine her understanding of family and friendship. The novel touches on issues such as parental incarceration, the foster care system, bullying, and physical disabilities.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Hopeful

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

37,253 ratings

89%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Wish by Barbara O'Connor is highly praised for its heartfelt narrative and well-developed characters, particularly the protagonist Charlie. Readers appreciate the book's exploration of family, friendship, and personal growth. However, some critics note that the plot can be predictable and may not offer enough complexity for older readers. Overall, it's a touching story suitable for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wish?

Readers who enjoy Wish by Barbara O'Connor are typically 8-12-year-olds who appreciate heartfelt stories about friendship, resilience, and family. Fans of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo or The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate will likely find this book appealing due to its emotional depth and relatable characters.

4.5

37,253 ratings

89%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

850L

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