Wish
Beth Bracken
Wish
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Beth Bracken
Illustrated by Sawyer, Odessa, illustrator
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The soft rustle of leaves hides a secret that changes everything. Lucy and Soli have been inseparable—until one wish sends Lucy far away. Now, the air is thick with magic and mystery, but the ache of lost friendship lingers.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy explores the power of friendship and the consequences of secrets through the story of Lucy and Soli, whose bond is tested by a magical wish. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book features themes of royalty and fairy magic without intense content. Parents can expect a gentle exploration of childhood relationships with imaginative elements.
Why we rated Wish 11LE
Wish is written at a Level 6 reading level across 264 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wish works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Wish as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Wish explores friendship, fantasy world-building, secrets, and kings and rulers — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, fantasy world-building, secrets.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781623700034
- Pages
- 264
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction