Description:

Wish by Barbara O’Connor is a novel about Charlie Reese, a young girl who is sent to live with relatives in a rural North Carolina community after her family faces difficult circumstances. Charlie spends years making the same wish every day, but she begins to discover that unexpected friendships, a loyal stray dog, and a caring new community may bring her something she needs even more than her original wish. The story explores themes of family, hope, and belonging.

Discussion Questions:

• Describe Charlie and what’s recently changed for her?
• What’s the biggest change you’ve ever experienced?
• What trick does Howard give Charlie to help her calm down?
• What do you do to calm down when you’re mad?
• What does Bertha say you should judge a person by? Do you agree with her?
• How is Bertha’s approach to parenting different from Charlie’s mother?
• What is Charlie’s real wish all along?

(Questions from Author’s Guide)