Editorial Content for The Seventh Wish

Whether it is a young girl with a talking pencil in ALL THE ANSWERS or a dog who can travel through time in her series Ranger in Time, Kate Messner has always been an author who can write a book that discusses multiple daily life topics smoothly with an element of magic. Her best book yet, THE SEVENTH WISH, exceptionally tackles the daily life of a 12-year-old girl and a serious family issue.

THE SEVENTH WISH --- packed full of Charlie’s extracurricular activities --- accurately represents the typical busy schedule of a pre-adolescent. Charlie’s time at school is spent Irish Step dancing, ice fishing (in order to earn money for her competition dress) and putting together a science fair project with her friends (who have other activities of their own such as coding club and participating on the basketball team).

While it may be criticized, the book’s straightforward presentation of such a heavy subject is also the reason why it qualifies as a possible contender for a major book award.

Messner adds a fantastical element to the plot that is based on an old traditional folktale. When Charlie is out ice fishing for the first time, she catches a small, talking fish with sparkling green eyes, who will grant her a wish in return for setting it free. Charlie tries to be selfless about what she wishes for, using her wish to help her mom get a full-time job, her friend, Dasha, to pass her English test and her friend, Drew, to have an amazing basketball tryout. However, even cautious Charlie quickly learns she needs to be careful what she wishes for. Charlie’s wish for her sister, Abby, to come home from college for the weekend turns into her sister coming home and being hospitalized.

While visiting Abby in the hospital, Charlie notices a bruise on Abby’s arm --- unfortunately, she later discovers her sister Abby is addicted to heroin. As Charlie is forced to face the fact that Abby has a problem and is very sick, her life is further disrupted by visiting Abby in rehab every Sunday instead of attending her dance competition or working on her science fair project.

Messner handles the topic of drug-use appropriately and realistically, informing Charlie and the reader about what Abby is going through in the same manner that an actual 12-year-old girl might react. Charlie doesn’t always understand what is going on as the adults in her life tend to brush over the truth and she is forced to ask direct questions.

Another strength in the way Messner presents the topic of drug use is by regarding it as a sickness --- addiction. While many drug programs for kids portray drug addicts as disgusting people whom other kids should avoid, this author points out that drug addicts are just regular human beings --- relatives, friends, siblings, daughters --- and that drug addiction is a sickness that could happen to anyone. Messner reveals that even good students, who went off to a great college, like Abby’s sister, can become addicted to drugs for one reason or another.

In the future, this book may be seen on the banned book list as Messner does not tiptoe around the fact that heroine is a very dangerous drug that will kill and that drug usage can hurt and change family relationships. For example, Charlie’s view of her sister completely changes as she feels like she has lost her completely --- including her trust. This book is a great conversation starter for parents and teens about the effects of drug-use. There is even more information about heroin and resources listed in the author’s note in the back of the book. While it may be criticized, the book’s straightforward presentation of such a heavy subject is also the reason why it qualifies as a possible contender for a major book award.