The Seventh Wish (by Kate Messner)

Publication Date: June 2016
                  

SYNOPSIS: One day while ice fishing, Charlie makes a discovery that will change everything - a floppy fish offering to grant a wish in exchange for freedom. Charlie can't believe her luck but soon realizes that this fish has a very odd way of granting wishes as even her best intentions go awry. But when her family faces a challenge bigger than any they've ever experienced, Charlie wonders if some things might be too important to risk on a wish fish.

THOUGHTS: Kate Messner gets it. She knows her audience very well, and has delivered yet again. Much like All the Answers, The Seventh Wish places an element of fantasy into a real world: this time, a wish-giving fish! Sounds awesome, and it will definitely make kids wonder what they might wish for given a similar situation. But real life intervenes for Charlie, and in a big (and sometimes uncomfortable) way. She grapples with selfish thoughts ("why is nobody paying attention to me?") like many of us do, but ultimately knows what the right thing to do is. This book definitely has more girl appeal (lots of dance dress talk), but boys will enjoy it too.

CARTWHEEL AWARD NOMINEE?: I'd be surprised if it wasn't. All the Answers was a semi-popular pick among committee members last year, and I think The Seventh Wish is a better book.