The Seventh Wish
Kate Messner, Author
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Fiction, Jun. 7, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Magic, Wishes, Ice Fishing, Irish Dancing, Siblings, Family Relationships
Opening: “I’ve only seen the ice flowers once.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: When Charlie Brennan goes ice fishing on her town’s frozen lake, she’s hoping the fish she reels in will help pay for her dream: a fancy Irish dancing dress for her upcoming competition. But when Charlie’s first catch of the day happens to be a talking fish offering her a wish in exchange for its freedom, her world turns upside down, as her wishes go terribly — and hilariously — wrong.
Just as Charlie is finally getting the hang of communicating with a magical wishing fish, a family crisis with her older sister brings reality into sharp focus. Charlie quickly learns that the real world doesn’t always keep fairy-tale promises and life’s toughest challenges can’t be fixed by a simple wish.
Why I like this book:
Kate Messner’s charming coming of age book, The Seventh Wish, is appropriate for all middle grade students. Her imagery is beautiful as she cleverly weaves magic into the story with Charlie’s catching a talking fish that grants her wishes. The wishes may at first seem like an easy way to help herself and her friends, but she soon discovers that life’s challenges aren’t always easy. Especially when Charlie discovers her older sister has a drug addiction and overdoses.
Messner bravely addresses some meaty issues, like heroin addiction, in an age-appropriate manner. I know this has caused some controversy. But I believe it is an issue that siblings may face with older brothers and sisters. And as in any family health crisis, Charlie feels invisible when her parents’ focus shifts to concern about Abby’s addiction and Abby’s treatment. Because of Abby, Charlie dreams are put on hold as she has to adjust her life, make excuses to her science fair team and dance friends, misses an important Irish dance competition and can’t buy her new glittery costume. I know some families who would appreciate this book.
The story is character-driven, with Charlie narrating. Her voice is an authentic and typical of a middle grade girl and a younger sister. She loves school and is interested in her friends and boys. Her passion is Irish dancing and she’s working hard to move up to higher levels of difficulty. She overcomes her fear of the ice and spends a lot of time ice fishing on the pond with her neighbor, Drew, and his grandmother, Mrs. McNeill, who bring some balance to Charlie’s life. She catches a lot of perch and realizes that she can earn enough money to buy her first real dance glittery Irish dress.
The strong plot is clever and engaging. In the first half of the story we really get to know Charlie and her relationship with her family and friends. After the fateful call about sister’s overdose, the second half focuses on Abby and the family in crisis mode. The pace is fast-moving with many unexpected twists that will have reader fully engaged and surprised. This is an excellent book that will help teens to discuss drugs and addiction with family and teachers.
Kate Messner is a former middle-school English teacher and the author of All the Answers, Wake Up Missing, Eye of the Storm, Sugar and Ice, The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. and its e-book companion, The Exact Location of Home, Capture the Flag, Hide and Seek, and All the Answers. She has also written chapter and picture books. Follow Kate Messner at her website.
Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like a lovely book.
LikeLike
It really is a much needed book with real life issues. I enjoyed the family dynamics.
LikeLike
Sounds like a very good middle grade book about real life in these modern times. An excellent review.
LikeLike
Thank you! The book caused some controversy, but it is a very realistic story for today. There will be teens who will find the story helpful.
LikeLike
I’m glad someone has written a book about this topic. Messner is also the author of the wonderful Ranger in Time series.
LikeLike
Yes, I’m glad Messner tackled the topic of drug over dose of a sibling. Haven’t read the Ranger in Time series.
LikeLike
This is a wonderfully written book. Masterful braiding of fairy tale and contemporary life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy to know you enjoyed the book. She written a wonderful piece of magical realism.
LikeLike
I’ve heard a lot about this book and it’s already been on my TBR list for some time. Yes, I think it’s important to address these issues in an MG novel, because real kids are faced with this in their older siblings (or parents) all the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I share your thoughts. Many real kids are faced with the issues of drugs and overdoses with siblings and parents. The has received some criticism, but I’m glad Messner bravely published this important book.
LikeLike
Sounds interesting with the combination of fairy tale and reality. I look forward to reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is a nice blend. I enjoyed reading the book and know that it addresses a problems for many kids.
LikeLike
I was disappointed by the last one of Kate’s books that I read, but if I see this one, I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once you get beyond the talking fish, I think you’ll enjoy the story. It is a wonderful combination of realism with a touch magic.
LikeLike
I’m glad you liked this one as much as I did. Heroin addiction is a growing problem in communities and this book at least brings it to the surface for discussion. There are so many other things to love about the book as you noted. I hope people won’t avoid a great story just because of the undercurrents of drug use. Thanks for your insightful review.
LikeLike
Thanks Greg for your thoughtful comments. I think the timing of this book is important for teens, because many are facing similar situations at home. And, I know there has been some controversy about the book, but I applaud Kate Messner for writing this important story!
LikeLike
I’ve enjoyed some of her other books and my son is a Ranger in Time fan! The juxtaposition of the real with the fantasy sounds intriguing. I tend to shy away from books about heavy themes myself, but this sounds like a timely book. Heroin addiction, unfortunately, is a growing problem.
LikeLike
The author weaves the magic with a realistic topic right now. It is handled very well. I hope you check it out.
LikeLike
This book sounds very powerful. I wonder if my library has it.
LikeLike
I would think so. It is a good read!
LikeLike
Such an important book. So happy you are helping to get the word out.
LikeLike
Yes, I was drawn to it for many reasons. One, I like magical realism. And, Ohio is one of the top states with heroin overdoses and other drug overdoses. I hear a lot daily in the news I see in Dayton and Cincinnati. It is a big topic here, as throughout the state. Never have seen anything quite like it!
LikeLike