Wish by Barbara O'Connor
At a Glance: Wish is a middle-grade novel by Barbara O'Connor about a tough girl named Charlie who learns the meaning of family and friendship in a small mountain town. The story is told from Charlie's first-person perspective.
Eleven-year-old Charlemagne "Charlie" Reese is a force of nature, much like her father. When her father lands in jail and her mother retreats into depression, Charlie's world is upended. Sent to live with relatives she's never known in Colby, North Carolina, Charlie clings to a single wish: to reunite her fractured family. Through unexpected friendships and the unwavering love of a stray dog, Charlie discovers that family isn't always defined by blood, but by the bonds we forge along the way.
Plot Overview
Charlie's arrival in Colby marks the beginning of a new chapter, one she initially resists. She dismisses the town and its people, feeling abandoned and resentful. Her father, Scrappy, is incarcerated, and her mother, Mama (Carla), is unable to care for her. While her older sister, Jackie, finds refuge with a friend, Charlie is sent to live with her Aunt Bertha and Uncle Gus. Anger becomes her shield, leading to a fight at school. Her only comfort lies in her daily wish, a desperate plea for her family's reunion, as detailed in the Chapter 1-5 Summary.
A turning point arrives when Charlie meets Howard Odom, a kind, quirky boy with a limp who becomes her "Backpack Buddy." Despite Charlie's initial resistance, Howard's persistent friendship begins to chip away at her defenses. Another pivotal moment occurs when Charlie encounters a skinny, stray dog. Recognizing a kindred spirit, she names him Wishbone and resolves to make him her own. With Howard's help, she sets a trap and eventually coaxes the dog into her care, as described in the Chapter 11-15 Summary.
Wishbone becomes Charlie's constant companion, offering unconditional love and helping her to heal. Simultaneously, she finds herself embraced by the quiet affection of Gus and Bertha and the boisterous warmth of Howard's large family. These relationships stand in stark contrast to the instability she experienced in Raleigh.
The climax arrives when a social worker informs Bertha that Charlie must return to Raleigh. The news, which once represented her deepest desire, now fills her with dread. She realizes that Colby—with Gus, Bertha, Howard, and Wishbone—has become her true home. In a heartbreaking twist, her mother proves she hasn't changed by impulsively running off to Chattanooga, abandoning her parental responsibilities once again. This event is covered in the Chapter 26-30 Summary.
Bertha seizes the moment to fight for Charlie, convincing the social worker that staying in Colby is in Charlie's best interest. In the final chapter, it's decided that Charlie will remain with Gus and Bertha permanently. Overjoyed, Charlie realizes her wish has come true, though not as she imagined. She didn't get her old family back; she found a new one.
I looked up at that star twinkling over the mountains, but instead of wishing, I just closed my eyes and breathed in the piney air. My wish had finally come true.
Major Themes
Wish explores several profound themes that resonate with young readers. A broader discussion can be found on the Theme Overview page.
- The Meaning of Family: The novel challenges the traditional definition of family, as Charlie initially believes her happiness depends on reuniting with her biological family. However, she finds love, stability, and belonging with her aunt and uncle, Howard, and his family, illustrating the concept of a "found family."
- Wishing and Hope: Charlie's daily wishing ritual symbolizes her resilience and hope in the face of adversity. It evolves from a passive desire to an active appreciation for the love she finds.
- Healing and Overcoming Trauma: The story gently explores Charlie's healing process from neglect and instability. A stable environment, patient love, and the bond with Wishbone help her process trauma and learn to trust again.
- Friendship and Acceptance: The friendship between Charlie and Howard is central to her transformation. Howard accepts Charlie without judgment, offering the companionship she needs and demonstrating the impact of acceptance.
Character Analysis
The characters in Wish are authentic and contribute to Charlie's emotional journey. For a complete list of characters, visit the Character Overview page.
- Charlie Reese: As the protagonist, Charlie's journey from a guarded, angry girl to a loving and hopeful one is central to the story. Her "fiery red temper" stems from her unstable upbringing, but her capacity for love, especially for Wishbone, reveals her true nature.
- Howard Odom: Howard serves as the story's moral compass, offering kindness, perceptiveness, and loyalty. He teaches Charlie the meaning of true friendship and provides a model of quiet strength and acceptance.
- Bertha and Gus: As Charlie's guardians, Bertha and Gus offer gentle, patient love, creating the "stable family environment" she has always lacked. They give her space to be angry while consistently showing her love.
- Wishbone: More than just a pet, Wishbone mirrors Charlie's journey. As she cares for the stray dog, she tames her own anger and learns to care for herself, symbolizing healing and unconditional love.
Literary Significance
Wish is significant in middle-grade literature for its honest yet hopeful handling of difficult themes. Barbara O'Connor addresses parental incarceration, mental illness, and neglect with sensitivity, making it accessible to young readers. The novel exemplifies the "found family" narrative, offering comfort to children who feel like outsiders. O'Connor's authentic voice, emotionally resonant storytelling, and vivid depiction of rural Southern life have made the book a favorite among readers.
Critical Reception
Upon its release in 2016, Wish received critical acclaim, becoming a New York Times bestseller and earning numerous accolades. Critics praised its memorable characters, particularly Charlie, and its heartfelt message. Kirkus Reviews called it "a worthy addition to the classic-girl-and-her-dog genre," while Publishers Weekly noted O'Connor's gift for showing goodness and the healing power of love. The book is celebrated for sparking conversations about empathy, resilience, and the diverse forms a family can take. You can find some of the most impactful lines on the Quotes page.