If I Had One Wish ...
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
The book 'If I Had One Wish ...' by Jackie French Koller explores the themes of friendship, consequences, and the power of wishes through the story of a young protagonist named Alec, who is granted a single wish by a mysterious bag lady. As Alec navigates the complexities of his desire and its impact on his life and the lives of others, he learns valuable lessons about appreciating what he has and the importance of careful consideration before making choices. The narrative takes readers on an emotional journey that highlights the significance of personal growth and understanding.
Age
9-12
Length
172 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alec
Mother
Old Man
Laurie
Discussion points
If you had one wish like the main character, what would you wish for and why?
How do you think the story would change if the character made a different wish?
What did you learn about making choices from this story?
How do you think the character felt when their wish was granted?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personally to the book by asking them to think about their own wishes.
Discuss the consequences of choices, just like in the book, to teach valuable life lessons.
Have your child imagine alternative endings to the story to stimulate creative thinking.
Explore feelings and emotions experienced by the characters to enhance empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of selflessness
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist learns that the joy of giving can be more fulfilling than receiving. This is demonstrated when the character makes a wish that benefits someone else rather than for personal gain.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in acts of kindness, such as sharing toys with friends or helping a family member, which teaches them the importance of thinking about others' needs.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of decisions
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character's wish leads to a series of unexpected outcomes, showing how every decision can have larger impacts. This is illustrated when the wish changes not just one thing, but brings about a chain reaction.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think carefully before acting, helping them to weigh potential outcomes of their choices in situations like resolving conflicts or making promises.
Example Lesson: The power of contentment
Explanation: By the end of the book, the character realizes the importance of being content with what one has. This lesson unfolds as the character sees that their initial desire might not have been what they truly needed.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own possessions and circumstances, fostering gratitude and reducing envy towards others.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses innovative thinking to resolve the situations caused by the wish, demonstrating that sometimes unconventional methods are necessary to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome challenges they face in school or in play.