Witch Wish by Jacqueline Seewald

          Val Williams believes she will never be as pretty or popular as her older sister Ailene. When Ailene dumps her on an unfamiliar road after an argument, Val decides to ask directions of the only person she sees, an old woman engaged in a garage sale. Val purchases a music box which the old woman claims has magical qualities and will grant Val one wish. Val wishes that that her sister would stop being so perfect.

         When Ailene starts acting weird, breaks up with her boyfriend, stops talking to her friends, starts dating a “bad” boy, and cuts classes, Val is troubled. Val begins to fear she caused all this to happen by making her wish. She suffers a guilty conscience. How she goes about setting matters right makes for some unusual complications and surprises.

     If we weren't a younger sister, we all know someone who was. We knew their struggles, their hopes and dreams as well as the conflicts connected with having a “perfect” older sister.

     If we didn't come from a dysfunctional family, we all know someone who did. We remember the everyday rejection, shame, guilt and blaming tactics common among such toxic systems--all too well.

     Witch Wish is a blend of hopes and dreams, struggles and triumph. While we watch Val struggle to carve her place in this world, we see her work through the normal stressors of adolescence. It is a joy; it is a heart breaker. If you know a young person in a similar situation, do them and yourself a favor: give them a copy of Witch Wish. You'll be better for it, as we are for having read it.

On a scale of 1 out of 5, Witch Wish earns a 4

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews