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The Reel Wish
After a panic attack prevents Florencia from performing as Clara in The Nutcracker and her best friend takes the lead, a new dance style helps her face her anxiety as well as a troubled friendship.
Ballet is Florencia del Lago’s entire world. After years of hard work, she is chosen as Clara in the winter production of The Nutcracker. Not only is she the youngest dancer to receive such an honor but also the first Latina. She’s on track to be recruited by the best ballet companies.
Unfortunately, she suffers a panic attack on opening night–on stage, in front of everyone. And then Selena, Florencia’s best friend, steps right into the role to replace her. Just like that, Florencia’s whole world falls apart–the ballet studio expels her, and her best friend turns on her, tormenting her on social media and in real life.
But even though the one thing she was driven toward has come to an end, therapy and family support help Florencia open up to new experiences. She notices people at school she’s never paid attention to before, and she even stumbles upon an Irish dance school and decides to give it a try. Can a new passion for Irish dance help Florencia find the joy of performing on the stage that she lost that fateful winter night?
Ballet is Florencia del Lago’s entire world. After years of hard work, she is chosen as Clara in the winter production of The Nutcracker. Not only is she the youngest dancer to receive such an honor but also the first Latina. She’s on track to be recruited by the best ballet companies.
Unfortunately, she suffers a panic attack on opening night–on stage, in front of everyone. And then Selena, Florencia’s best friend, steps right into the role to replace her. Just like that, Florencia’s whole world falls apart–the ballet studio expels her, and her best friend turns on her, tormenting her on social media and in real life.
But even though the one thing she was driven toward has come to an end, therapy and family support help Florencia open up to new experiences. She notices people at school she’s never paid attention to before, and she even stumbles upon an Irish dance school and decides to give it a try. Can a new passion for Irish dance help Florencia find the joy of performing on the stage that she lost that fateful winter night?
368 pages, Hardcover
Published April 22, 2025
13 people are currently reading
2914 people want to read
About the author
Yamile Saied Méndez
44 books727 followersYamile (sha-MEE-lay) is a fútbol obsessed Argentine-American. She’s the mother of 5 kids and 2 adorable dogs. Yamile’s an inaugural Walter Dean Meyers Grant recipient, a graduate of Voices of our Nation (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children program.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 24, 2024
I was lucky enough to be at Yamile's house the day she opened up her box of ARCs, and I immediately sidled over and offered her one of my children in exchange. She declined a child- though she did say they were very nice- and let me have an ARC for FREE!
I've been doing Irish dance for ten years now, and it's one of my favorite things. I'm always so happy when I find a book about my sport (if you don't think it's a sport, you've clearly never tried it). I was very excited to hear that Yamile was doing a book about Irish dance, loosely based on her own daughter's experience switching from ballet to Irish as a teenager- so she knows the lingo, the form, the wigs, and the sparkles! But there was so much more going on in this book, behind the lip gloss and the ringlets!
It was equal parts charming and bittersweet, as we follow Florencia on a rocky journey, from being a ballet star to an Irish dance beginner, from being secure in her place in her family, secure in her friendships, secure in herself, to struggling with anxiety, with friendships, bullying, family stress.
Yamile has always had such a wonderful way with her characters. From the first introduction you fee like you know them, and even if you don't like them, even hate them, you can understand their motivation and you can even feel a little bit of sympathy for them. Some more than others, of course. But her main characters, her vibrant and beautiful girls, I just always love them so much! I was absolutely cheering my heart out for Flor from the first page! This is such a great book for middle grade readers- and older readers, too. Flor's passion for dancing, how she deals with anxiety, and her rocky path through middle school friendships make this not just an enjoyable book, but an important one, too!
I've been doing Irish dance for ten years now, and it's one of my favorite things. I'm always so happy when I find a book about my sport (if you don't think it's a sport, you've clearly never tried it). I was very excited to hear that Yamile was doing a book about Irish dance, loosely based on her own daughter's experience switching from ballet to Irish as a teenager- so she knows the lingo, the form, the wigs, and the sparkles! But there was so much more going on in this book, behind the lip gloss and the ringlets!
It was equal parts charming and bittersweet, as we follow Florencia on a rocky journey, from being a ballet star to an Irish dance beginner, from being secure in her place in her family, secure in her friendships, secure in herself, to struggling with anxiety, with friendships, bullying, family stress.
Yamile has always had such a wonderful way with her characters. From the first introduction you fee like you know them, and even if you don't like them, even hate them, you can understand their motivation and you can even feel a little bit of sympathy for them. Some more than others, of course. But her main characters, her vibrant and beautiful girls, I just always love them so much! I was absolutely cheering my heart out for Flor from the first page! This is such a great book for middle grade readers- and older readers, too. Flor's passion for dancing, how she deals with anxiety, and her rocky path through middle school friendships make this not just an enjoyable book, but an important one, too!
May 24, 2025
When you’re an adult that reads children’s books as part of their job, you have to constantly try to keep your grown-up instincts in check. The goal is to read the book the same way a kid might. Sometimes that’s easy and oftentimes it’s hard. Really, it depends entirely on the book. That said, I had absolutely ZERO difficulty getting into Yamile Saied Méndez’s The Reel Wish recently. Part of that has to do with the fact that when I was the heroine, Florencia’s, age, I took ballet and then took Scottish country dancing and Irish step dance. Not competitively or anything, but enough so that when I discovered that Ms. Méndez had written a book about a girl who does the exact same thing (minus the Scottish country dances) I was immediately intrigued. The Black Swan-like premise was intriguing too, but as I started to get into the book I was struck by the strength of the main character. She’s dragged through the mud (metaphorically) and gets right back up again. The book is also incredibly readable. Un-put-downable. A little more complex than its cover implies, this is a title to hand to that kid that always has to be the best, even if it kills them.
It was supposed to be the greatest moment of her life. After years of yearning and hoping, Florencia has won the coveted role of Clara in her ballet school’s production of The Nutcracker. But when an ill-timed panic attack destroys her ballet career in one fell swoop, she’s devastated. Worse, while she’s fine that her best friend Selena has the part, something’s changing about Selena. She’s becoming cold, rude, and hanging out with the bullies the two of them used to despise. Yet the pull of dance is strong, and soon Florencia is discovering a new kind: Irish step dancing. Will she just fall into the same bad patterns, or is this the kind of dance she needs to be happy once again?
Have you ever disliked a character so much that when they finally get their comeuppance in a book there’s this nasty little part of you that wishes it was more? And worse? Worsely more? Morely worse? I had that with this book. On the one hand I am a grown woman who should not take pleasure in the suffering of middle schoolers. I acknowledge that Florencia’s friend Selena is going through some stuff of her own. But honestly? The 12-year-old in me read this book and didn’t care. Considering what Selena puts Florencia through, I wanted to see her go DOWN, man! Who cares if that is not a mature reaction? I found the author awfully accommodating of Selena. For those kids who, like myself, howl for revenge, they will not get that level of satisfaction. Though, honestly, I feel as if Selena’s mother was far worse to blame. Selena’s dealing with her parents’ divorce and her mother’s hyperdrive focus on getting a new man and moving in with him. Her mother, meanwhile, is ignoring her daughter, then making horrid cutting remarks about her own best friend’s daughter in earshot of the girl herself. NOT cool, madame!
There is a technique in writing where you make your hero feel an outsized amount of punishment so that your readers will sympathize with them more readily. And certainly Florencia’s suffering often felt over-the-top. I’m no fan of books with bullies, generally, but even I couldn’t tear myself away from this writing once it got going. In this particular case, I listened to the audiobook. It’s read by the excellent Maria Liatis, who brings quite a bit of verve to Florencia and her story. Still, I remember thinking to myself as I listened, “Why am I so into this? Isn’t this just another bully book?” It is and it isn’t. As I say, Florencia’s suffering is so outsized that after a while you’re just wondering what could possibly happen to her next. I should say that while the ex-friend Selena has some depth to her, the other bullying girls are fairly two-dimensional from the book’s start to its finish, rendering them less interesting. I did wish that the author could have spent a little more time on their backstories (or even included just one moment when you got a glimpse of their humanity) but no go.
Since I read a fair number of middle grade novels in a given year, I start to notice trends and similarities amongst them. In The Reel Wish, Florencia is taught a grounding technique by her therapist. Called the 54321 technique, when you’re feeling anxious or stressed you identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. It’s used to excellent effect not simply in this book, but also in Kate Messner’s fellow title The Trouble with Heroes. Anxious world that we live in today, it’s hard not to hope that when authors simultaneously share good advice, some kid somewhere may start to take it. And if that kid happens to read both of these books this year? Even better! I also liked comparing this book to It’s All or Nothing, Vale, by Andrea Beatriz Arango, since in both cases you’ve a heroine that can no longer do the thing she used to love most in precisely the same way, and has to learn what else is out there for her.
The librarians I work with are entirely gaga for this book, I should mention. Some of them said that they liked it “in spite of the cover”, which I take issue with. When I was a young ballerina-turned-Irish-dancer myself, this would have been the cover I gravitated towards without hesitation. Then I would have picked it up, read just a few sentences, and been fully hooked by the narrative as well. The author has a way of effectively putting you into the head of Florencia right from the get-go. Whether she’s wrong or right (and she’s plenty of both at different times) she is always interesting. I haven’t even gotten into how difficult it is, for any writer, to make a reader understand why a character loves a certain kind of art. So good it feels effortless, The Reel Wish is bound for bookshelves and to be read and reread multiple times by its intended audience. Step to it and grab yourself a copy.
It was supposed to be the greatest moment of her life. After years of yearning and hoping, Florencia has won the coveted role of Clara in her ballet school’s production of The Nutcracker. But when an ill-timed panic attack destroys her ballet career in one fell swoop, she’s devastated. Worse, while she’s fine that her best friend Selena has the part, something’s changing about Selena. She’s becoming cold, rude, and hanging out with the bullies the two of them used to despise. Yet the pull of dance is strong, and soon Florencia is discovering a new kind: Irish step dancing. Will she just fall into the same bad patterns, or is this the kind of dance she needs to be happy once again?
Have you ever disliked a character so much that when they finally get their comeuppance in a book there’s this nasty little part of you that wishes it was more? And worse? Worsely more? Morely worse? I had that with this book. On the one hand I am a grown woman who should not take pleasure in the suffering of middle schoolers. I acknowledge that Florencia’s friend Selena is going through some stuff of her own. But honestly? The 12-year-old in me read this book and didn’t care. Considering what Selena puts Florencia through, I wanted to see her go DOWN, man! Who cares if that is not a mature reaction? I found the author awfully accommodating of Selena. For those kids who, like myself, howl for revenge, they will not get that level of satisfaction. Though, honestly, I feel as if Selena’s mother was far worse to blame. Selena’s dealing with her parents’ divorce and her mother’s hyperdrive focus on getting a new man and moving in with him. Her mother, meanwhile, is ignoring her daughter, then making horrid cutting remarks about her own best friend’s daughter in earshot of the girl herself. NOT cool, madame!
There is a technique in writing where you make your hero feel an outsized amount of punishment so that your readers will sympathize with them more readily. And certainly Florencia’s suffering often felt over-the-top. I’m no fan of books with bullies, generally, but even I couldn’t tear myself away from this writing once it got going. In this particular case, I listened to the audiobook. It’s read by the excellent Maria Liatis, who brings quite a bit of verve to Florencia and her story. Still, I remember thinking to myself as I listened, “Why am I so into this? Isn’t this just another bully book?” It is and it isn’t. As I say, Florencia’s suffering is so outsized that after a while you’re just wondering what could possibly happen to her next. I should say that while the ex-friend Selena has some depth to her, the other bullying girls are fairly two-dimensional from the book’s start to its finish, rendering them less interesting. I did wish that the author could have spent a little more time on their backstories (or even included just one moment when you got a glimpse of their humanity) but no go.
Since I read a fair number of middle grade novels in a given year, I start to notice trends and similarities amongst them. In The Reel Wish, Florencia is taught a grounding technique by her therapist. Called the 54321 technique, when you’re feeling anxious or stressed you identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. It’s used to excellent effect not simply in this book, but also in Kate Messner’s fellow title The Trouble with Heroes. Anxious world that we live in today, it’s hard not to hope that when authors simultaneously share good advice, some kid somewhere may start to take it. And if that kid happens to read both of these books this year? Even better! I also liked comparing this book to It’s All or Nothing, Vale, by Andrea Beatriz Arango, since in both cases you’ve a heroine that can no longer do the thing she used to love most in precisely the same way, and has to learn what else is out there for her.
The librarians I work with are entirely gaga for this book, I should mention. Some of them said that they liked it “in spite of the cover”, which I take issue with. When I was a young ballerina-turned-Irish-dancer myself, this would have been the cover I gravitated towards without hesitation. Then I would have picked it up, read just a few sentences, and been fully hooked by the narrative as well. The author has a way of effectively putting you into the head of Florencia right from the get-go. Whether she’s wrong or right (and she’s plenty of both at different times) she is always interesting. I haven’t even gotten into how difficult it is, for any writer, to make a reader understand why a character loves a certain kind of art. So good it feels effortless, The Reel Wish is bound for bookshelves and to be read and reread multiple times by its intended audience. Step to it and grab yourself a copy.
April 23, 2025
Florencia is forced by circumstances to quit ballet and eventually discovers Irish dance as a way to continue her passion in a more encouraging environment. Florencia also copes with a group of mean girls, online bullying, and shifting friendships. It was tough stuff, but just the right balance, and I think a lot of readers will find the situations relatable. She struggles with anxiety and works with a counselor on strategies to control it.
The characters are likable and well-developed with a balance of positive traits and flaws. As a parent, I appreciate that Florencia was respectful and loving toward her parents and got along well (but not too well) with her brother. Many books in this category treat parents as adversaries, which is a view I don’t want encouraged. Also, I love that Florencia doesn’t have a phone!
My daughter is a competitive Irish dancer, and I know she will love this book and probably read and re-read it. I hope readers will get to see more of Florencia as she advances through Irish dance!
The characters are likable and well-developed with a balance of positive traits and flaws. As a parent, I appreciate that Florencia was respectful and loving toward her parents and got along well (but not too well) with her brother. Many books in this category treat parents as adversaries, which is a view I don’t want encouraged. Also, I love that Florencia doesn’t have a phone!
My daughter is a competitive Irish dancer, and I know she will love this book and probably read and re-read it. I hope readers will get to see more of Florencia as she advances through Irish dance!
January 12, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Florencia del Lago is heavily involved in ballet, and her mother is insistent that she can be the first Latine Clara in their Provo, Utah hometown's production of The Nutcracker. She aces the audition, but her best friend Selena draws the unpleasant ire of Madame Sophie. Fellow dancers Tenlee and Zoe make unpleasant, racist comments about Florencia's "suitability" to be Clara. Dance takes a lot of time, and not only are Florencia's grades suffering, but she has a lot of anxiety. When the family is running late for the final production because of a snowstorm, Florencia has a panic attack. In the end, she ends up dropping out of dance and starting therapy. Her mother gets a job to help with costs, and her father and older brother Ariel are there to support her. For her birthday, Florencia is looking forward to spending time at the mall with Selena, and invites Tenlee and Zoe as well, to be "the bigger person", since her long time bestie spends a lot of time with them. Things go badly wrong when Selena shoplifts and puts the blame on Florencia, and the resultant social media flurry about this seeps into Florencia's school, even though Selena goes elsewhere. The only thing that helps her deal with all of this is her therapist and her dog. There's plenty more to add to her anxiety, when Selena's dog gets out and Florencia almost gets running over helping, and there is a frightening lockdown drill at school. The drill, at least, puts Florencia in contact with Candy, a young social media influencer with diabetes whose fame isn't known at school, and Larkin, who does Irish dance. Florencia had been to the studio and liked the positivity, and ends up taking lessons there. She feels confident enough to compete in the local feis, and is glad to be back dancing.
Strengths: Many of my students take part in dance, but there are very few books about it. (Maybe the parents whose children are involved are too busy ferrying them about and bedazzling costumes to have time to write?) I'm a big fan of children being involved in activities, and it is understandable that when ballet ends poorly, Florencia wants to do something else but feels burned by her experiences. Her sessions with her therapist offer lots of good advice that readers in similar situations can take to heart. The online drama is a good cautionary tale. Shop lifting is another topic that doesn't get much coverage, and is oddly intriguing to read about and yet also a good cautionary tale. Mendez is really on a roll with her recent The Beautiful Game and her The Trouble with Sunshine, about soccer and equestrian pursuits, respectively.
Weaknesses: There is a LOT going on in this book. It almost would have been better as a two book series, since it is over 350 long. Also, I've never really read anything positive about being in ballet. Why, then, do so many tweens take part in it?
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked the combination studying dance and dealing with friend drama in Ziegler's The Audition or Kim's Make a Move, Sunnny Park.
Florencia del Lago is heavily involved in ballet, and her mother is insistent that she can be the first Latine Clara in their Provo, Utah hometown's production of The Nutcracker. She aces the audition, but her best friend Selena draws the unpleasant ire of Madame Sophie. Fellow dancers Tenlee and Zoe make unpleasant, racist comments about Florencia's "suitability" to be Clara. Dance takes a lot of time, and not only are Florencia's grades suffering, but she has a lot of anxiety. When the family is running late for the final production because of a snowstorm, Florencia has a panic attack. In the end, she ends up dropping out of dance and starting therapy. Her mother gets a job to help with costs, and her father and older brother Ariel are there to support her. For her birthday, Florencia is looking forward to spending time at the mall with Selena, and invites Tenlee and Zoe as well, to be "the bigger person", since her long time bestie spends a lot of time with them. Things go badly wrong when Selena shoplifts and puts the blame on Florencia, and the resultant social media flurry about this seeps into Florencia's school, even though Selena goes elsewhere. The only thing that helps her deal with all of this is her therapist and her dog. There's plenty more to add to her anxiety, when Selena's dog gets out and Florencia almost gets running over helping, and there is a frightening lockdown drill at school. The drill, at least, puts Florencia in contact with Candy, a young social media influencer with diabetes whose fame isn't known at school, and Larkin, who does Irish dance. Florencia had been to the studio and liked the positivity, and ends up taking lessons there. She feels confident enough to compete in the local feis, and is glad to be back dancing.
Strengths: Many of my students take part in dance, but there are very few books about it. (Maybe the parents whose children are involved are too busy ferrying them about and bedazzling costumes to have time to write?) I'm a big fan of children being involved in activities, and it is understandable that when ballet ends poorly, Florencia wants to do something else but feels burned by her experiences. Her sessions with her therapist offer lots of good advice that readers in similar situations can take to heart. The online drama is a good cautionary tale. Shop lifting is another topic that doesn't get much coverage, and is oddly intriguing to read about and yet also a good cautionary tale. Mendez is really on a roll with her recent The Beautiful Game and her The Trouble with Sunshine, about soccer and equestrian pursuits, respectively.
Weaknesses: There is a LOT going on in this book. It almost would have been better as a two book series, since it is over 350 long. Also, I've never really read anything positive about being in ballet. Why, then, do so many tweens take part in it?
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked the combination studying dance and dealing with friend drama in Ziegler's The Audition or Kim's Make a Move, Sunnny Park.
April 30, 2025
(I was sent a copy of The Reel Wish as part of a book tour with Hear Our Voices Tours...huge thank you to them for sending me a copy!)
I jumped at the chance to read this book...not only is Yamile Saied Méndez the author of one of my favorite books, Furia, but The Reel Wish tackles the topic of anxiety and panic attacks...which is a topic I am all too familiar with...and it is such an important topic for teens and tweens!
The Reel Wish is the story of Florencia del Lago. For years, Florencia has worked so hard to become the best dancer she can be...and her work has finally paid off...she is chosen as Clara in the production of The Nutcracker. She is the youngest dancer to have ever received this honor...and the first Latina. On opening night, everything goes wrong. She suffers a panic attack on stage in front of everyone...and to make matters worse...her best friend Selena seamlessly steps in to replace her. All of this leads to her being expelled from her ballet studio and Selena turning on her...even going so far as to torment her on social media. Her world feels like it is coming apart. Thankfully, with the help of therapy and the support of her family, Florencia begins to be open to new people and experiences. She begins to connect with people at school and even finds herself drawn to Irish Dance. Maybe she can reignite her love for performing...just in a different way than she expected!
I adored this story...not only did it shed light onto anxiety and panic attacks...but it did so so beautifully and accurately! It also delved into bullying and friendships and how they can change over time. So well done and will resonate with so many kiddos! The Latinx representation was fantastic and I adored the character of Florencia! 5 star Middle-Grade read!!
I jumped at the chance to read this book...not only is Yamile Saied Méndez the author of one of my favorite books, Furia, but The Reel Wish tackles the topic of anxiety and panic attacks...which is a topic I am all too familiar with...and it is such an important topic for teens and tweens!
The Reel Wish is the story of Florencia del Lago. For years, Florencia has worked so hard to become the best dancer she can be...and her work has finally paid off...she is chosen as Clara in the production of The Nutcracker. She is the youngest dancer to have ever received this honor...and the first Latina. On opening night, everything goes wrong. She suffers a panic attack on stage in front of everyone...and to make matters worse...her best friend Selena seamlessly steps in to replace her. All of this leads to her being expelled from her ballet studio and Selena turning on her...even going so far as to torment her on social media. Her world feels like it is coming apart. Thankfully, with the help of therapy and the support of her family, Florencia begins to be open to new people and experiences. She begins to connect with people at school and even finds herself drawn to Irish Dance. Maybe she can reignite her love for performing...just in a different way than she expected!
I adored this story...not only did it shed light onto anxiety and panic attacks...but it did so so beautifully and accurately! It also delved into bullying and friendships and how they can change over time. So well done and will resonate with so many kiddos! The Latinx representation was fantastic and I adored the character of Florencia! 5 star Middle-Grade read!!
August 20, 2025
Florencia loves ballet, and she is thrilled to be selected to play the part of Clara in this year’s production of The Nutcracker. Unfortunately, a series of less than ideal events take place, leading to Flor being ostracized not only from ballet but from long-time friendships, as well. Managing her anxiety is not easy, but with patience, persistence, and a willingness to step outside of her comfort zone, Flor begins to find her way back to a new normal. With supportive friends, family, and a fledgling love for Irish stepdancing, Flor is ready to face her fears and settle into an unexpected—but very welcome—kind of joy. This middle grade novel tackles big feelings that come with changing middle grade friendships, the intensity of athletic competition, and the inner turmoil that can overtake even the strongest of people. Frequent instances of discomfort, anxiety, and unfairness follow Florencia throughout the novel, increasing the empathy the reader shares with Flor as the story progresses. Anyone who has ever been a part of an intensive dance company will recognize those scenes from the novel, as well. Though there are some inaccuracies in the Irish dance component of the story, it is closer than most novels tend to get to the real experience of being an Irish stepdancer. Additionally, the reality that a person does not have to have Irish heritage to succeed as an Irish stepdancer is apparent in this story. Back matter includes a glossary and an author’s note encouraging readers with feelings of anxiety and/or depression to seek help from a trusted adult. Multifaceted and authentic to life, this moving novel is particularly well suited to serious middle grade dancers who find themselves embarking on a new life path.
April 29, 2025
I was really intrigued by this book’s Irish dancing. I didn’t know anything about that kind of dance so I thought it would be interesting to read about. I looked up videos and it’s so cool!
I loved seeing Flor going to therapy and managing anxiety. I also went to therapy when I was younger so I really felt connected to her in that sense. She was managing so much as an ELEVEN year old that I felt so sad for her. But, Flor found the light and herself again. It was interesting to see her relationship with her mom. To be honest, her mom really stressed me out with the way she kept hovering over Flor and dismissing her feelings. I’m glad they always worked things out, though. Reading about strained familial relationships is relatable but it’s incredibly soothing when bonds can be healed.
I also know what it’s like to have a falling out with a friend at a young age. Reading Flor’s heartbreak during the fallout with Selena was so sad. It’s shocking how Selena became so cruel to her. The flow of it was done so well that even though you can see the hurtful words and actions from Selena before Flor, you still hope that they will work things out.
This middle grade book really packs a punch as it touches on jealousy, bullying, cyber-bullying, losing long-time friends, making friends, learning new skills, managing anxiety, and more. I read this in basically like 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down!
I loved seeing Flor going to therapy and managing anxiety. I also went to therapy when I was younger so I really felt connected to her in that sense. She was managing so much as an ELEVEN year old that I felt so sad for her. But, Flor found the light and herself again. It was interesting to see her relationship with her mom. To be honest, her mom really stressed me out with the way she kept hovering over Flor and dismissing her feelings. I’m glad they always worked things out, though. Reading about strained familial relationships is relatable but it’s incredibly soothing when bonds can be healed.
I also know what it’s like to have a falling out with a friend at a young age. Reading Flor’s heartbreak during the fallout with Selena was so sad. It’s shocking how Selena became so cruel to her. The flow of it was done so well that even though you can see the hurtful words and actions from Selena before Flor, you still hope that they will work things out.
This middle grade book really packs a punch as it touches on jealousy, bullying, cyber-bullying, losing long-time friends, making friends, learning new skills, managing anxiety, and more. I read this in basically like 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
This is the kind of book I wish I had when I was younger because I would've been able to put words to my feelings way better. This book follows Florencia, a young Argentinian ballerina who must reevaluate her dreams after she has a panic attack onstage. We watch Flor navigate her complicated feelings towards dance and her ex-best friend, and how she learns to handle her anxiety. This book did not shy away from showing how intense an anxiety attack can be. I really appreciated Mendez's descriptive writing style; I could really feel everything Flor was going through. Even as an adult it can be so hard to navigate what happens when your passion doesn't fulfill you anymore, and seeing it from the perspective of a young person made it that much more emotional. I wanted to wrap Flor in a hug! I think many young people will be able to see themselves in this book, and I hope that they get the opportunity to read it.
Thank you to the publisher and to Hear Our Voices Tours for the advanced copy. These are all my own opinions.
Thank you to the publisher and to Hear Our Voices Tours for the advanced copy. These are all my own opinions.
April 22, 2025
The Reel Wish is a middle grade novel that really touched me. It’s an important read for young readers as it tackles many common issues such as mental health, online and offline bullying, drama, and pressure to be the best. I really appreciated how Méndez approached the topic of anxiety and depression in young people and how she gave realistic scenarios that many readers may possibly face themselves. The pressure to succeed and be the best in sports and school is a major source of anxiety in young people today and this is a wonderful look at how to deal with it in healthy and realistic ways and to find the help they need.
I loved how main character Flor finally found an outlet through a different form of dance and supportive friends that helped her through her issues and took some of the pressure off. And I loved the Latinx representation throughout.
I loved how main character Flor finally found an outlet through a different form of dance and supportive friends that helped her through her issues and took some of the pressure off. And I loved the Latinx representation throughout.
September 19, 2025
A book with Irish dancing?! A Hispanic dancer who swaps ballet for Irish!? Yes, please! I was ridiculously excited to have a book to recommend to the Irish dancers in my life. However, it's not really about the dancing but how a girl learns to deal with anxiety, family expectations, changing dreams, changing friendships, and, of course, bullying. More a coming of age in a modern world story and how to deal with complex social-emotional issues than a story about an Irish dancer. Honestly, you could have swapped the Irish dancing for soccer or basket weaving and it wouldn't have changed the story one bit. So, is my rating harsher than it needs to be? Probably, it is well written, but my whole draw, the Irish dancing, was mere window dressing rather than a foundational element, as I hoped it would be.
May 12, 2025
Huge thank you to Edelweiss + Lee&Low Books for the arc and letting me participate in the arc tour for this novel. I enjoyed this middle grade novel that reflects honestly about the pressures of dance (specifically ballet ) & the pressures from friends who you think have your back but really don’t. This also had an approachable easy to understand views of therapy and anxiety. I was delighted by the inclusion of a Brazilian character that didn’t portray any stereotypical traits. My only minor critique was the way in which the lockdown was portrayed (as an educator who has gone through lockdown drills myself) It wasn’t a fully realistic depiction. Minus that, the character development /growth we see Florencia go through was delightful.
May 23, 2025
I received an ARC through the Hear our Voices Tour. This is my honest review of the book. I would recommend this book to middle school aged children. Teachers or therapists can include this in the classroom as it focuses on the social emotional component. It highlights the unsteady friendships that can take place in middle school, highlights the love within the family. Normalizes seeking help for mental wellbeing which is appreciated. The book highlights the importance of finding strengths to overcome life struggles and how exploration of what brings us joy is just as important. Definitely a good book. The book includes a Latina as the main character
The main character struggles with anxiety when it’s her big debut….then the story begins to unfold
Enjoy!
The main character struggles with anxiety when it’s her big debut….then the story begins to unfold
Enjoy!
April 21, 2025
Our main character has a lot to juggle, not just dreams, school, ballet, playing Clara, friendships, parents arguing constantly... stress...
This explodes all in a panic attack, and she can't play Clara. A positive path to dealing with all.
It's so satisfying when we realize our true wish and stop trying to please others. Then it doesn't feel like hard work or chores, just passion.
Friendships, social issues, ballet, nutcracker
Helicopter Mom, putting all eggs in one basket. Very emotional. I love how the author wrote the panic attack and the weeks after that, interacting with the world, people, and the changes. Sad at sometimes but uplifting end.
Amazing cover.
This explodes all in a panic attack, and she can't play Clara. A positive path to dealing with all.
It's so satisfying when we realize our true wish and stop trying to please others. Then it doesn't feel like hard work or chores, just passion.
Friendships, social issues, ballet, nutcracker
Helicopter Mom, putting all eggs in one basket. Very emotional. I love how the author wrote the panic attack and the weeks after that, interacting with the world, people, and the changes. Sad at sometimes but uplifting end.
Amazing cover.
April 22, 2025
This middle grade book was absolutely adorable! My sisters and I have a yearly tradition of seeing The Nutcracker, but I’d never really thought about the dedication and hard work that goes on behind the scenes for ballerinas preparing for such a performance. Reading Flor’s story made me want to reach through the pages and give her the biggest hug. With relatable characters and heartfelt themes—like managing anxiety, navigating the effects of bullying, building friendships, and the pressures of competitive dance—this story was both beautifully written and emotionally resonant. A truly delightful read! I cant wait to share it with my sisters.
January 13, 2025
Thank you Lee & Low Books for the advanced review copy of this book. This fabulous middle grade book with realistically portrayed characters, strong themes of dealing with anxiety, effects of bullying, friendships, and competitive dance/sport was a well-written, wonderful read. Looking forward to sharing it with my students and am definitely recommending it to anyone who would like a a great contemporary middle-grade story.
May 13, 2025
I really enjoyed the author's middle grade debut about Florencia, a Latinx tween girl who loves to dance but gets kicked out of her ballet class when she has a panic attack getting ready to step onto the stage in their production of the Nutcracker. The book has excellent anxiety and therapy rep and also tackles mean girls and cyber bullying. Luckily Florencia finds new friends and a passion for Celtic dancing when she joins an Irish dance school. Good on audio and definitely worth a read!
September 9, 2025
Florencia and her best friend have been doing ballet since they were tiny, but things start to change when Florencia gets cast as Clara and it takes over her life to the detriment of school and friends. They get even worse when she has a panic attack on her first night, her best friend replaces her as Clara and ditches her as a friend, and she loses sight of who she is if not a ballerina. Engaging writing, interesting characters, and the ending was realistic and hopeful.
May 13, 2025
Kids who deal with middle school social drama will appreciate Flor as a character who is trying to be kind and true to herself while figuring out how to deal with her former bff who turned against her out of nowhere. It also does a good job of showing the difference between an unhealthy cutthroat dance instructor and one that focuses on kids having fun while learning a new skill.
June 10, 2025
Yamile has created a believable character in Florencia, as the pitfalls of losing one’s best friend, trying to create a new social life when one’s old life is in shambles, and bullying are often real parts of 6th grade. Read more about this book on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
July 5, 2025
A great look at how friendships change. There is bullying, even cyber, and how Flor deals with it.
Flor also deals with anxiety, meds, and going to a therapist. This is something that should be discussed at all ages.
Flor also deals with anxiety, meds, and going to a therapist. This is something that should be discussed at all ages.
July 14, 2025
An important read for tweens about super relevant topics for kids today: body image, bullying (digital and face-to-face), mental health, and speaking up for yourself!
August 21, 2025
"A beautifully realized book that reminds readers that there's more than one rhythm to dance to." [Kirkus]
did-not-finish
September 25, 2025DNF @ 31%
October 19, 2025
This was a great middle grade novel. It handles anxiety in a realistic and kid-accessible way while also introducing real coping strategies! Great stuff.
November 23, 2025
Audiobook
I wasn't planning on enjoying this one as much as I did. I loved the story and the dance theme.
I wasn't planning on enjoying this one as much as I did. I loved the story and the dance theme.
November 30, 2025
Daisy Girl Reviews
The Reel Wish was a great book that focused on dance, anxiety, friendships, and bullying. Selena was horrible, but I loved the way Florencia dealt with her. Candy and Larkin were great, and I wish the book focused a little more on them at school. Overall, a good book I discovered on Libby that was definitely worth reading!
The Reel Wish was a great book that focused on dance, anxiety, friendships, and bullying. Selena was horrible, but I loved the way Florencia dealt with her. Candy and Larkin were great, and I wish the book focused a little more on them at school. Overall, a good book I discovered on Libby that was definitely worth reading!
September 18, 2025
Yamile Saied Méndez delivers a powerful, heartfelt story about resilience, friendship, and rediscovering joy when everything seems lost. Florencia’s journey from the glittering world of ballet to the unexpected rhythms of Irish dance is inspiring, reminding readers that sometimes new passions grow out of heartbreak.
Méndez writes with warmth and honesty, capturing both the pain of betrayal and the healing power of therapy, family, and unexpected friendships. Florencia is a character you’ll root for from the very first page, and her courage to start over will resonate with anyone who has ever had to rebuild their dreams.
This book is equal parts emotional and uplifting—a beautiful reminder that even when one path ends, another can lead to joy you never imagined.
Méndez writes with warmth and honesty, capturing both the pain of betrayal and the healing power of therapy, family, and unexpected friendships. Florencia is a character you’ll root for from the very first page, and her courage to start over will resonate with anyone who has ever had to rebuild their dreams.
This book is equal parts emotional and uplifting—a beautiful reminder that even when one path ends, another can lead to joy you never imagined.
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