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A Wish with Wings
A tender tale of courage, hope, and holding onto yourself even when everything around you seems to be falling apart — perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Barbara O'Connor.
Everyone says twelve-year-old Evan Calais is feral. She likes to spend her time outside, fishing and having mud fights in her small town of Little John Island, Louisiana. But when a sinkhole causes the town mine to collapse, trapping all forty-eight miners, everything in her life comes to a standstill. Because Evan's dad is one of the miners trapped inside.
Evan seeks solace the only way she knows how—in the outdoors—and comes upon the most peculiar thing. An egg.
It's a large egg. And it's alone. So while Evan waits for her dad to come home, she also finds herself caring for the strange, abandoned egg. If this egg can hatch...maybe her dad has a chance of coming home, too. But as she incubates the egg, Evan will need to make a big decision. For she has a secret—she might know what caused the cave-in.
Sarah Guillory's latest middle grade novel is a deeply heartwarming exploration of the importance of imagination, the freedom in nature, and the power of the truth.
Everyone says twelve-year-old Evan Calais is feral. She likes to spend her time outside, fishing and having mud fights in her small town of Little John Island, Louisiana. But when a sinkhole causes the town mine to collapse, trapping all forty-eight miners, everything in her life comes to a standstill. Because Evan's dad is one of the miners trapped inside.
Evan seeks solace the only way she knows how—in the outdoors—and comes upon the most peculiar thing. An egg.
It's a large egg. And it's alone. So while Evan waits for her dad to come home, she also finds herself caring for the strange, abandoned egg. If this egg can hatch...maybe her dad has a chance of coming home, too. But as she incubates the egg, Evan will need to make a big decision. For she has a secret—she might know what caused the cave-in.
Sarah Guillory's latest middle grade novel is a deeply heartwarming exploration of the importance of imagination, the freedom in nature, and the power of the truth.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Sarah Guillory
5 books161 followersSarah Guillory is an award-winning teacher and author. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Evan (don't call her Evelyn!) lives with her younger brother Ollie and parents who work for the Eastern Mining Company salt mine in Little John Island, Louisiana. She loves to be outside, and often comes back to the house covered in mud, with her father's Aunt Tildy does NOT like. Evan doesn't see any reason that she should "grow up" and not get into so much trouble, since no one ever tells her best friend Ford to do that. When she is out in a marshy area, she sees water bubbling up through the ground, and sees two eggs. When her father and many of the other miners are trapped after a collapse, she worries that she should have told her father about the odd water. She also takes one of the eggs and tries to raze it after finding out that it is a whooping crane egg, and the species is threatened. Her mother is understandably worried, especially after all but three of them men are brought to the surface, but Evan's father Will and two other men are not. Eventually, the three are rescued. One man is dead, and Will is so badly injured that he is put into a medically induced coma. The more Evan struggles with this, the more she is determined to hatch the egg. She finds information online, e mails an expert for the correct temperature, asks classmate Sofia for help, and even gets old school equipment from a teacher. When Evan talks to the other miner who survived, she finds that the company was not entirely truthful in television interviews, even though the mine supervisor is Ford's father. She gives the information she has to the widow of the man who perished, and she in turn goes to the news media. People in town are angry that the mine might be closed, and even Evan's mother is worried about losing her job. Can Evan hold onto the hope that her father will recover as she struggles against the odds to hatch the crane egg?
Strengths: My favorite character was probably Aunt Tildy, who gave Evan a hard time about coming home covered in mud, but really stepped up to take care of the family when it was needed. When I was reading this book, I thought about what it would have been like to be living in East Palestine, Ohio when the Norfolk Southern Railway train derailment in 2023 spilled vinyl chloride and caused such devastation. My mother taught in the East Palestine district, and I wondered how she and her students would have coped. Evan and Ford do mention the Lake Peigneur disaster, which was so brilliantly depicted in the graphic novel The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur by Wolf and Pimienta, which was an interesting real life tie in. The community surrounding the salt mine is close knit, and it was fascinating to know where the salt for our roads in the north comes from! The author does have a note that it's not a good idea to take eggs from the wild, but Evan's care of the egg is very informed, and at the end, she does turn the fledgling over to a reputable rescue group.
Weaknesses: Any time a story is described as "tender", I know that it will appeal to teachers and librarians a lot more than it will appeal to students. I can see this title being used in literature circles and class discussions.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who reader who like books that use nature to help process family trauma, like Shepherd's The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins, Lewis' Scarlet Ibis, Miller's Rare Birds, or Culley's The Natural Genius of Ants.
Evan (don't call her Evelyn!) lives with her younger brother Ollie and parents who work for the Eastern Mining Company salt mine in Little John Island, Louisiana. She loves to be outside, and often comes back to the house covered in mud, with her father's Aunt Tildy does NOT like. Evan doesn't see any reason that she should "grow up" and not get into so much trouble, since no one ever tells her best friend Ford to do that. When she is out in a marshy area, she sees water bubbling up through the ground, and sees two eggs. When her father and many of the other miners are trapped after a collapse, she worries that she should have told her father about the odd water. She also takes one of the eggs and tries to raze it after finding out that it is a whooping crane egg, and the species is threatened. Her mother is understandably worried, especially after all but three of them men are brought to the surface, but Evan's father Will and two other men are not. Eventually, the three are rescued. One man is dead, and Will is so badly injured that he is put into a medically induced coma. The more Evan struggles with this, the more she is determined to hatch the egg. She finds information online, e mails an expert for the correct temperature, asks classmate Sofia for help, and even gets old school equipment from a teacher. When Evan talks to the other miner who survived, she finds that the company was not entirely truthful in television interviews, even though the mine supervisor is Ford's father. She gives the information she has to the widow of the man who perished, and she in turn goes to the news media. People in town are angry that the mine might be closed, and even Evan's mother is worried about losing her job. Can Evan hold onto the hope that her father will recover as she struggles against the odds to hatch the crane egg?
Strengths: My favorite character was probably Aunt Tildy, who gave Evan a hard time about coming home covered in mud, but really stepped up to take care of the family when it was needed. When I was reading this book, I thought about what it would have been like to be living in East Palestine, Ohio when the Norfolk Southern Railway train derailment in 2023 spilled vinyl chloride and caused such devastation. My mother taught in the East Palestine district, and I wondered how she and her students would have coped. Evan and Ford do mention the Lake Peigneur disaster, which was so brilliantly depicted in the graphic novel The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur by Wolf and Pimienta, which was an interesting real life tie in. The community surrounding the salt mine is close knit, and it was fascinating to know where the salt for our roads in the north comes from! The author does have a note that it's not a good idea to take eggs from the wild, but Evan's care of the egg is very informed, and at the end, she does turn the fledgling over to a reputable rescue group.
Weaknesses: Any time a story is described as "tender", I know that it will appeal to teachers and librarians a lot more than it will appeal to students. I can see this title being used in literature circles and class discussions.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who reader who like books that use nature to help process family trauma, like Shepherd's The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins, Lewis' Scarlet Ibis, Miller's Rare Birds, or Culley's The Natural Genius of Ants.
May 28, 2026
A Wish With Wings, written by Sarah Guillory, is such a heartfelt and emotionally observant story that really stayed with me long after finishing it. One of the things I appreciated most was the way the book explores childhood awareness of financial differences between families. Adults sometimes forget just how perceptive children are when it comes to class, money, and the quiet divides that exist between households. Seeing the story through the perspective of a child whose father works for the same company as her friend’s father, yet occupies a very different role within it, felt incredibly powerful and realistic. The emotional complexity of watching a friend live with more comfort and security while your own family struggles financially is handled with a great deal of care and honesty.
What makes the story especially memorable is that it never loses its warmth or sense of wonder. The setting is beautifully crafted and feels alive through the eyes of the main character, whose personality absolutely carries the story. Her spunk, emotional intelligence, and ability to notice both beauty and hardship around her make the world feel rich and immersive. I found myself genuinely enjoying the way she interprets the people and experiences around her, bringing emotional depth to even smaller moments within the story.
This is the kind of middle grade book that opens the door to meaningful conversations without ever feeling overly heavy or didactic. It captures the reality that children are often quietly navigating complicated social and financial dynamics, layered with very real fears and anxiety, while still trying to hold onto joy, friendship, and hope. I think many readers, both children and adults, will find something deeply relatable within these pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for entrusting me with an ARC of this title. It is truly appreciated and always such a treat to be able to read new books and share my opinions with fellow literature lovers.
What makes the story especially memorable is that it never loses its warmth or sense of wonder. The setting is beautifully crafted and feels alive through the eyes of the main character, whose personality absolutely carries the story. Her spunk, emotional intelligence, and ability to notice both beauty and hardship around her make the world feel rich and immersive. I found myself genuinely enjoying the way she interprets the people and experiences around her, bringing emotional depth to even smaller moments within the story.
This is the kind of middle grade book that opens the door to meaningful conversations without ever feeling overly heavy or didactic. It captures the reality that children are often quietly navigating complicated social and financial dynamics, layered with very real fears and anxiety, while still trying to hold onto joy, friendship, and hope. I think many readers, both children and adults, will find something deeply relatable within these pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for entrusting me with an ARC of this title. It is truly appreciated and always such a treat to be able to read new books and share my opinions with fellow literature lovers.
October 24, 2025
This was a wonderful story! I loved every minute of it. What's best about it is, it is told through Evan's point of view. I love this about these coming of age stories.
Life isn't always easy or the understanding of it. That's what made me love Evan. She tries to do the right thing but somehow she fears she's done the wrong thing and that everyone will be disappointed in her.
I wasn't. It's what made me like her so much. Her little brother is a hoot too. If I had a brother I'd want him to be just like Ollie.
There are times that I wish on things too. I wish that I could just fly away but it wouldn't solve anything.
I was so mad at Mr. Jason. He knew but it was done anyway. Thingsike that makes me so mad so I understood what Evan went through. I was rooting for her all the way through this beautiful story of hope, love, truth and friendship. I didn't want it to end.
Like the author says if you see any eggs or nests please don't bother them. Nature will take care of itself through the Lord's help as He intends for these birds or anything else.
I just loved this novel. I learned much about whooping cranes. I even looked them up myself. This author has done a very good job in making this story realistic. I really felt Evans anger and sadness.
I kept rooting for her father Will.
Its ok to make new friends along the way too and still keep your best friend. Life has a funny way changing us doesn't it?
My thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.
5 stars for a job well done. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Life isn't always easy or the understanding of it. That's what made me love Evan. She tries to do the right thing but somehow she fears she's done the wrong thing and that everyone will be disappointed in her.
I wasn't. It's what made me like her so much. Her little brother is a hoot too. If I had a brother I'd want him to be just like Ollie.
There are times that I wish on things too. I wish that I could just fly away but it wouldn't solve anything.
I was so mad at Mr. Jason. He knew but it was done anyway. Thingsike that makes me so mad so I understood what Evan went through. I was rooting for her all the way through this beautiful story of hope, love, truth and friendship. I didn't want it to end.
Like the author says if you see any eggs or nests please don't bother them. Nature will take care of itself through the Lord's help as He intends for these birds or anything else.
I just loved this novel. I learned much about whooping cranes. I even looked them up myself. This author has done a very good job in making this story realistic. I really felt Evans anger and sadness.
I kept rooting for her father Will.
Its ok to make new friends along the way too and still keep your best friend. Life has a funny way changing us doesn't it?
My thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.
5 stars for a job well done. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
November 20, 2025
The magic of A Wish with Wings is that it pulls you along on an emotional journey of growing up and facing unexpected challenges.. The story is a beautiful look at Evan, a relatable 12-year-old who faces the obstacles life throws at her with determination and pluck.
What makes Evan so compelling is her complexity. She isn't a cookie cutter girl. She doesn't always do things the way others in her life would life like. She is very headstrong and impulsive, often charging ahead where others would hesitate, but she always does so with the best of intentions and an undeniably strong moral compass. Guillory has a remarkable talent for capturing the nuances of growing up, making Evan’s journey feel incredibly authentic. Her relationships with her friends, family, and the small town she loves will draw you in and keep you turning those pages. Watching her navigate these incredibly hard circumstances with such courage and spirit is inspiring. I found myself wishing I was even half as brave as Evan was at that age! This isn't just a sweet, simple tale; it’s a deeply satisfying look at hope, courage, and the powerful connections that make us who we are.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that is both tender and tenacious, especially if you appreciate a protagonist who acts first and thinks later, but for all the right reasons. This book was easy to rate 5 stars!
What makes Evan so compelling is her complexity. She isn't a cookie cutter girl. She doesn't always do things the way others in her life would life like. She is very headstrong and impulsive, often charging ahead where others would hesitate, but she always does so with the best of intentions and an undeniably strong moral compass. Guillory has a remarkable talent for capturing the nuances of growing up, making Evan’s journey feel incredibly authentic. Her relationships with her friends, family, and the small town she loves will draw you in and keep you turning those pages. Watching her navigate these incredibly hard circumstances with such courage and spirit is inspiring. I found myself wishing I was even half as brave as Evan was at that age! This isn't just a sweet, simple tale; it’s a deeply satisfying look at hope, courage, and the powerful connections that make us who we are.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that is both tender and tenacious, especially if you appreciate a protagonist who acts first and thinks later, but for all the right reasons. This book was easy to rate 5 stars!
March 23, 2026
Hello, children and parents!
This is a coming of age story, where nothing is easy and life has different moments, good and bad, easy and difficult.
How much I loved Evan. She is the one who fights and tries to always do good but is afraid that she will not succeed, that she will make a mistake and that there will be disappointment from others. Ah, how much she reminded me of myself. She made me identify with her. And then comes the character of her brother, Ollie, who we would all like to have as our brother...
Of course, there were other characters that I loved like Aunt Tildy.
I loved the author's writing and the messages she wanted to convey through the story, such as love, friendship, hope, sadness, anger, etc. Specifically, her writing was sweet, tender, fast, enjoyable and had a magic that surrounded you and gave you warmth!
Read it!
Many thanks to the author and MacMillan for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
This is a coming of age story, where nothing is easy and life has different moments, good and bad, easy and difficult.
How much I loved Evan. She is the one who fights and tries to always do good but is afraid that she will not succeed, that she will make a mistake and that there will be disappointment from others. Ah, how much she reminded me of myself. She made me identify with her. And then comes the character of her brother, Ollie, who we would all like to have as our brother...
Of course, there were other characters that I loved like Aunt Tildy.
I loved the author's writing and the messages she wanted to convey through the story, such as love, friendship, hope, sadness, anger, etc. Specifically, her writing was sweet, tender, fast, enjoyable and had a magic that surrounded you and gave you warmth!
Read it!
Many thanks to the author and MacMillan for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Wish with Wings follows an outspoken and imaginative 12 year old girl, Evan, whose father is in a coma due to a mining accident. Evan has reason to believe that the mining company knowingly put its employees in danger, but she is discouraged from telling the truth due to her parents' financial reliance on the company. Meanwhile, another dilemma emerges. Evan finds an abandoned whooping crane egg and decides to care for it, immediately intertwining the egg and her father's fate.
This story shows how children navigate moral complexities, even when their perspectives are not valued. The story is first-person and it was interesting to read Evan's constantly shifting perspective. I also liked the character Aunt Tildy--Evan's strict great-aunt whose similarities to Evan emerge near the end of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc!
This story shows how children navigate moral complexities, even when their perspectives are not valued. The story is first-person and it was interesting to read Evan's constantly shifting perspective. I also liked the character Aunt Tildy--Evan's strict great-aunt whose similarities to Evan emerge near the end of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc!
October 13, 2025
What a wonderful book about imagination, hope, truth, and nature. Evan’s dad is a coal miner, and one day there’s a collapse in the mine and her dad was in there working, Evan overhead her dad say something and wonders if he knew something was wrong at the mine. Her dad is taken to the hospital and is in a coma. Evan wants people to know the truth about the mine. If the truth comes out about the mine, it could affect people who then won’t have a job at the mine. While this is going on Evan finds an egg. She puts it in a crate hoping it might hatch eventually. Does Evan’s dad wake up? Does the egg hatch?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"I wondered if that was what growing up meant - always trying to be smaller or polite or kinder so that other people could get away with being none of those things."
A very sweet, emotional realistic fiction story! Evan is a delightfully chaotic main character, and her desire to hold onto her imagination in the face of unimaginable circumstances is relatable and raw. There are solid themes of the importance of hope, the impact of telling hard truths, and the messiness of friendship. While some of the writing style definitely feels like the book is meant more for librarians or teachers than kids, I would definitely put this on the shelf.
Thank you to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
A very sweet, emotional realistic fiction story! Evan is a delightfully chaotic main character, and her desire to hold onto her imagination in the face of unimaginable circumstances is relatable and raw. There are solid themes of the importance of hope, the impact of telling hard truths, and the messiness of friendship. While some of the writing style definitely feels like the book is meant more for librarians or teachers than kids, I would definitely put this on the shelf.
Thank you to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy for review. This book does a good job of exploring realistic challenges and emotions in an age appropriate way. Watching Evan and her family navigate the difficulties they face was done in a refreshing manner. This would be a good book for parents and children to read together and discuss. This book does not dumb down the tone or language, but is respectful of children and what they are capable of processing in an appropriate manner.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I felt so connected to Evan that I did not want to put down this book until I found out what happened with her dad. She felt like a real kid and I think her feelings of guilt, worry, and the way she did not want to back down are very relatable. The subplot about who is at fault after the mine collapse was realistically rendered eschewing easy answers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would recommend this book to parents and teachers as a read aloud. The characters are well written and have some personality to them. There aren't enough fiction books written about nature. I enjoyed this one.
May 25, 2026
This story was so good! The perfect mix of serious and playful, sad and hopeful. The relationships and characters were really well done. The plot was lovely. Honestly, I’m just so impressed! Great job, Sarah!
May 23, 2026
Perfectly fine, but nothing extraordinary.
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