Don't miss Barbara O'Connor's other middle-grade work—like Wonderland; How to Steal a Dog; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester; and more! A touching, New York Times–bestselling story about a girl and her dog, perfect for young animal lovers. Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. She even has a list of all the ways there are to make the wish, such as cutting off the pointed end of a slice of pie and wishing on it as she takes the last bite. But when she is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to live with family she barely knows, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is until she meets Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be what she needs at all. From award-winning author Barbara O'Connor comes a middle-grade novel about a girl who, with the help of a true-blue friend, a big-hearted aunt and uncle, and the dog of her dreams, unexpectedly learns the true meaning of family in the least likely of places. This title has Common Core connections.
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About the author
Barbara O'Connor
Author
Barbara O'Connor may refer to:Barbara O'Connor, author and academic at Dublin City University Barbara O'Connor (author), author of children's books
Wish
by Barbara O'Connor
Books Like Wish
If you're looking for books similar to Wish, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Wonder
R.J. Palacio
A powerful story about a boy with facial differences navigating school and acceptance. Auggie Pullman faces challenges of fitting in and being understood by his peers. Like 'Wish', the novel explores themes of personal growth, empathy, and finding one's place. The book offers a touching narrative about resilience and human connection.
How to Steal a Dog
Barbara O'Connor
Another heartwarming story by O'Connor about a young girl facing challenging family circumstances. Georgina Hayes decides to steal a dog to help her family's financial situation, exploring themes of desperation, morality, and hope. The novel delves into complex emotional landscapes similar to 'Wish', focusing on a child's resilience and moral growth. It offers a touching narrative about family, survival, and making difficult choices.
The War That Saved My Life
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
A powerful story about a disabled girl finding hope during World War II. Ada escapes London and discovers a new life. Similar to 'Wish', the novel explores themes of personal transformation and finding family. The book offers a touching narrative about resilience.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo
A heartwarming story about a lonely girl who finds connection through a stray dog. Opal Buloni adopts a scruffy dog from a supermarket, which helps her build relationships in her new community. Like 'Wish', this novel centers on a young protagonist finding belonging through an unexpected animal companion. The book explores themes of friendship, healing, and community.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Kate DiCamillo
A magical story about a porcelain rabbit learning empathy and love. Edward experiences various owners and learns about connection. Similar to 'Wish', the novel explores themes of personal transformation. The book offers a profound narrative about emotional growth.
One for the Murphys
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
A poignant story about a foster child learning to trust and love again. Carley Connors enters a new foster home and gradually discovers the meaning of family and belonging. Like 'Wish', this novel explores themes of unexpected connections, personal transformation, and finding home in unexpected places. The book sensitively portrays a young protagonist navigating complex emotional terrain.
Bridge to Terabithia
Katherine Paterson
A profound story about friendship, imagination, and loss. Jess and Leslie create an imaginary kingdom and develop a deep friendship. Similar to 'Wish', the novel explores themes of personal growth and unexpected connections. The book offers a sensitive portrayal of childhood relationships and emotional complexity.
The Great Gilly Hopkins
Katherine Paterson
A classic novel about a tough, guarded foster child who learns to open her heart. Gilly Hopkins initially resists her new foster family but gradually develops meaningful connections. Similar to 'Wish', the story focuses on a child's journey of emotional growth and understanding family in unconventional ways. The narrative explores themes of resilience, acceptance, and unexpected love.
Counting by 7s
Holly Goldberg Sloan
A unique story about a gifted girl finding family after tragedy. Willow Chance navigates loss and discovers unexpected connections. Similar to 'Wish', the novel focuses on personal growth and finding belonging. The book offers a touching narrative about resilience and human connection.
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
A heartwarming story about a young immigrant girl helping her family. Mia manages a motel and navigates challenges. Like 'Wish', the novel focuses on personal growth and unexpected connections. The book offers a touching narrative about family and perseverance.
The Penderwicks
Jeanne Birdsall
A charming story about four sisters spending a summer adventure together. The Penderwick sisters navigate family dynamics, friendship, and personal growth during their vacation. Similar to 'Wish', the novel focuses on family relationships and personal discovery. The book offers a warm, engaging narrative about sisterhood and unexpected connections.
Rules
Cynthia Lord
A thoughtful story about a girl with a brother with autism. Catherine learns about acceptance and friendship. Like 'Wish', the novel explores themes of personal growth and understanding. The book offers a sensitive portrayal of family dynamics and personal development.
The Tiger Rising
Kate DiCamillo
A poignant story about a boy dealing with grief and discovering hope. Rob finds a caged tiger that becomes a metaphor for his emotional journey. Like 'Wish', the novel explores themes of personal transformation and unexpected connections. The book offers a nuanced exploration of childhood emotions.
Hoot
Carl Hiaasen
An engaging story about a boy fighting to protect endangered owls. Roy discovers environmental activism and personal courage. Like 'Wish', the novel focuses on personal growth and unexpected connections. The book offers a narrative about making a difference.
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