The folk tale about a magic fish who gives wishes became part of the Brothers Grimm collection long ago. The theme in that tale is about not being too greedy. For if you are, you may end up in a worse position than when you started. In her tale about Charlie, a middle-schooler who is obsessed with Irish dance and also dealing with a family issue, Kate Messner gives readers a different take on the tale.

Charlie’s a little afraid of walking onto the frozen lake near her home does so anyway because she can catch fish and earn money for a performance dress. When she catches the magic fish, he promises to grand her wish for his freedom. Her first wish is to not be afraid of the ice and she’s thrilled when her wish comes true. She soon starts wishing for her friend’s problems to be solved. And she learns that some of friends don’t appreciate her help. She didn’t understand everything the friend was dealing with. Sometimes wishes backfire when she’s not specific enough and the wrong boy at school develops a crush on her.

In the family story, the problems with her sister, who’s gone off to college, build. The main character’s biggest want and most important wish is to have her sister cured of her drug addiction. She even goes out onto the ice in dangerous conditions to have her wish granted.

The topic is dealt with sensitively but realistically. No matter how many wishes might come true, not all of them can.

Middle schoolers need to understand that and in the end Charlie realizes this truth.

Messner develops her other characters and setting well. Mom and Dad play great role models with their own issues but remind solidly in the background, so that Charlie’s story dominates. Great read.