Wish By Barbara O Connor Novel Study
Introduction
If you are an avid reader and love to explore the world of children's literature, then you must have come across the book "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor. This book has gained immense popularity amongst children and adults alike, owing to its heartwarming story and relatable characters. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the novel "Wish" and explore its major themes and characters.
About the Author
Before diving into the story of "Wish," let's take a moment to get to know the author, Barbara O'Connor. She is an award-winning children's author who has written several books for children, including "How to Steal a Dog" and "Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia." Her books have been praised for their realistic portrayal of characters and their ability to connect with readers of all ages.
The Storyline
The story of "Wish" revolves around an eleven-year-old girl named Charlie Reese, who lives in a trailer park with her mother and younger brother. Charlie's father has left them, and her mother works odd jobs to make ends meet. Charlie is a loner and struggles to make friends at school, which further adds to her feelings of loneliness and isolation.
One day, Charlie meets a stray dog whom she names Wishbone. Wishbone becomes Charlie's companion and helps her overcome her loneliness. As the story progresses, we see Charlie's relationship with Wishbone grow stronger, and she learns some valuable life lessons along the way.
Themes
"Wish" explores several themes throughout the story, some of which are:
Loneliness
The book portrays the theme of loneliness through Charlie's character. She is a lonely child who struggles to make friends and connect with people. However, through her relationship with Wishbone, she learns that she is not alone and that there are people (or dogs) who care about her.
Friendship
Friendship is another major theme explored in the book. Charlie's friendship with Wishbone helps her overcome her loneliness and teaches her the importance of having friends in life.
Family
The book also explores the theme of family through Charlie's relationship with her mother and younger brother. Despite their financial struggles, Charlie's family is shown to be supportive and caring towards each other.
Characters
The characters in "Wish" are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them. Some of the major characters in the book are:
Charlie Reese
Charlie is the protagonist of the story, and the book is narrated from her perspective. She is a lonely child who struggles to make friends at school. However, her relationship with Wishbone helps her overcome her loneliness and teaches her valuable life lessons.
Wishbone
Wishbone is a stray dog whom Charlie meets and befriends. He becomes her constant companion and helps her through some tough times.
Howard
Howard is a boy from Charlie's class who becomes her friend towards the end of the book. He is shown to be caring and supportive towards Charlie.
Conclusion
"Wish" by Barbara O'Connor is a heartwarming and relatable book that explores several themes, including loneliness, friendship, and family. The book's well-developed characters and engaging storyline make it a must-read for children and adults alike. So, if you are looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, then "Wish" is the perfect book for you.