THE WISH by Gail Carson Levine, 2000

There's nothing wrong with Wilma Sturtz. She's perfectly nice. But nobody cares about nice at Claverford, her middle school. Wilma is left out, forgotten, ignored -- until she meets an extraordinary old lady who grants a wish: for Wilma to be the most popular kid in school. Presto! Everything changes. Now Wilma has more best friends than she can keep track of and forty dates to the Graduation Night Dance; and someone is writing her love poetry. What more could she want? Nothing! But will it last? How can Wilma make sure she is never unpopular again? (Amazon)

Reviewed by Julie, Children's lit enthusiast and pop culture geek

Eighth-grader Wilma Sturtz is ignored and miserable at school.  One day, she offers her seat on the bus to an old lady who offers to grant her one wish.  Wilma asks to be popular, and her wish is fulfilled. At first, her life changes for the better--then Wilma realizes her wish has an expiration date.  What can she do to remain loved by her new friends?

Gail Carson Levine is known for her fairy tale retellings, but THE WISH is a very realistic story with just a hint of magic.  In contemporary New York, Wilma is a regular girl--intelligent, average-looking, and a little bit awkward.  When she has the chance to become someone popular, well-known and liked, she takes it.  All of a sudden, she has a secret admirer, many not-so-secret admirers, and classmates falling at her feet in hopes of impressing her.  But this leads Wilma to question: What exactly do they like about her?  How can she remain true to herself if she doesn't know who that self is?

The Wish avoids the gossip girl/mean girl cliches by presenting even the "popular crowd" as real people with capacities to be kind. Although some characters are less likable than others, no "villain" overshadows Wilma's world.  Instead, The Wish presents an array of believable kids, trying to navigate the tumultuous waters of middle school.  Light humor and romance contribute to a fun and interesting story.

Market: Middle grade fiction
Violence: None
Language: Mild--one scene that refers to anatomy
Sensuality: Mild--kissing and hand-holding kinds of things
Adult Themes: Friendships, first romance, school, identity-building