The Seventh Wish summary

The Journey of Wishes

In The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner, we meet Charlie, a twelve-year-old girl who loves Irish dancing. She goes ice fishing with her best friend, Drew, and her brother, Peter, and catches a talking fish. The fish offers her a wish in exchange for its freedom. Charlie is skeptical but decides to give it a try. She wishes for a new dress for her Irish dance competition, and the wish comes true.

Charlie is thrilled and starts making more wishes. She wishes for her parents to stop fighting, for her brother to get a job, and for her best friend to stop being mad at her. However, each wish comes with unexpected consequences. Her parents stop fighting because her dad moves out, her brother gets a job but starts using drugs, and her best friend stops being mad at her because she finds a new friend.

Wishes and Reality

Charlie realizes that her wishes are not solving her problems but creating new ones. She also learns that her brother is addicted to heroin. She feels guilty for not noticing the signs earlier and for not being able to help him. She tries to help him by wishing for him to get better, but the wish doesn't work. She understands that addiction is a complex issue that can't be solved with a simple wish.

As Charlie's life becomes more complicated, she finds solace in her Irish dancing. She practices hard and wins the competition, but her happiness is short-lived. Her brother's addiction worsens, and he ends up in the hospital. Charlie feels helpless and blames herself for not being able to help him. She realizes that she can't rely on wishes to solve her problems and decides to take action.

Acceptance and Hope

Charlie starts attending support group meetings for families dealing with addiction. She learns about the disease and how to support her brother. She also finds support from her friends and family. She accepts that she can't control her brother's addiction but can be there for him. She also learns to accept the changes in her family, like her dad moving out.

In the end, Charlie catches the talking fish again and wishes for her brother to be safe. The wish doesn't come true, but Charlie feels a sense of peace. She understands that she can't control everything in her life, but she can face the challenges with courage and hope. She continues to dance, finding joy and strength in her passion.

Conclusion

In The Seventh Wish, Kate Messner beautifully weaves a story about the complexities of life, the power of family, and the importance of acceptance. Through Charlie's journey, we learn that wishes can't solve our problems, but facing them with courage and seeking support can help us navigate through tough times. The book provides a sensitive and honest portrayal of addiction and its impact on families, making it a valuable read for young readers.