The Seventh Wish

by Kate Messner (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
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 quickly 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 . . . Acclaimed author Kate Messner expertly weaves fantasy into the ordinary, in an important story of self-reliance and hope that will open readers' eyes to the wonders and challenges of their world.
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Review quotes

An empathetic, beautiful, magical, fiercely necessary book that stares unflinchingly at the very real challenges contemporary kids face and gently assures them they are not alone. Kate Messner gives her readers a story to cherish. - Anne Ursu, author of BREADCRUMBS and THE REAL BOY

Hopeful, empathetic, and unusually enlightening. - starred review, Kirkus Reviews

Rich and daring . . . As she did in All the Answers, Messner lightens a heavy theme with a bit of magic. - Publishers Weekly

A charming fantasy story with threads of several deep themes that could serve as the basis for thoughtful discussion. - School Library Journal

Messner uses her particular brand of magical realism to face some tough but necessary stuff. . . . An enjoyable and informative story. - BCCB

Messner melds realism with a bit of magic for a charming middle grade story. . . . Charlie's determination and spunk will appeal to readers. - School Library Connection

Messner writes insightfully of Charlie's experiences. - Booklist

It's no surprise that Kate Messner's magic pen could write a charming, moving, funny, and ultimately very surprising story about a magic pencil! - Wendy Mass, New York Times best selling author of 11 BIRTHDAYS, on ALL THE ANSWERS

Messner (Manhunt) has created a relatable, sympathetic character in anxious Ava, and her story is at its best when Ava's life remains centered around the norms of her school, friends, and multigenerational family. - Publishers Weekly on ALL THE ANSWERS

Ava learns lessons about coping and bravery that should resonate with middle grade readers struggling with their own anxieties . . . An emotionally resonant portrait of a sweet girl whose struggles are firmly rooted in reality. - Booklist on ALL THE ANSWERS

Will appeal to Wendy Mass fans as well as those who love Messner's previous novels. - School Library Journal on ALL THE ANSWERS

Kate Messner
Kate Messner is passionately curious and writes books for kids who wonder, too. A former teacher, Kate Messner has written numerous picture books, chapter books, and novels for young readers. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family.

Heather Ross is an illustrator and fabric designer. She lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781681194318
Lexile Measure
720
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books
Publication date
June 20, 2017
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
JUV039040 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse
Library of Congress categories
Magic
Families
Family life
Wishes

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