What do you think?
Rate this book
Wish You Well
Two starred reviews!
From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a “winning, cathartic joy ride” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) of a middle grade novel about three kids with big diagnoses, bigger personalities, and one outrageous plan to team up and scam a wish-granting foundation.
Violet Marino doesn’t want sympathy. And she definitely doesn’t want friends. She just wants to play soccer and deal with the whole slowly-going-blind thing on her own terms.
Then she witnesses a boy choke on a hot dog at a hospital picnic. Enter dangerously charming and full of terrible ideas, especially for a kid with a newly transplanted heart. Add sharp-as-a-blade Noor, who is always armed with excellent snacks she can’t eat, thanks to chemo. Other than their illnesses, the three don’t have much in common—except for the fact that a wish-granting foundation keeps calling.
Ever the optimist, Wyatt has a team up to game the foundation, even if it means faking friendship. One wish is fine, but three sick kids on three epic adventures? That’s history-making. The scheme starts off as a distraction. But soon the stakes feel real. Because when you finally let someone in, there’s more to lose.
From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a “winning, cathartic joy ride” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) of a middle grade novel about three kids with big diagnoses, bigger personalities, and one outrageous plan to team up and scam a wish-granting foundation.
Violet Marino doesn’t want sympathy. And she definitely doesn’t want friends. She just wants to play soccer and deal with the whole slowly-going-blind thing on her own terms.
Then she witnesses a boy choke on a hot dog at a hospital picnic. Enter dangerously charming and full of terrible ideas, especially for a kid with a newly transplanted heart. Add sharp-as-a-blade Noor, who is always armed with excellent snacks she can’t eat, thanks to chemo. Other than their illnesses, the three don’t have much in common—except for the fact that a wish-granting foundation keeps calling.
Ever the optimist, Wyatt has a team up to game the foundation, even if it means faking friendship. One wish is fine, but three sick kids on three epic adventures? That’s history-making. The scheme starts off as a distraction. But soon the stakes feel real. Because when you finally let someone in, there’s more to lose.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Jamie Sumner
24 books366 followersJamie Sumner is the author of the critically-acclaimed middle-grade novels, Roll with It, Tune It Out, and One Kid's Trash. Her forth middle-grade novel The Summer of June hits shelves on May 31st, 2022 with Atheneum Books for Young Readers. She is also the author of the nonfiction parenting books, Eat, Sleep, Save the World and Unbound.
She has also written for the New York Times and the Washington Post as well as other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with her at Jamie-Sumner.com
She has also written for the New York Times and the Washington Post as well as other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with her at Jamie-Sumner.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Violet knows that she is losing her sight to Best syndrome, but she would rather focus on playing soccer than to think about it. Her single mother, a busy lawyer, takes her to doctor's appointments and wants her to talk about it, but also throws herself into work and spends a lot of time away from home. When Violet has to go to a "sick kids" event, she meets Wyatt, who has had a heart transplant, and Noor, who has cancerous tumors and is undergoing chemotherapy. Wyatt's mom and dad are focused on his older brother Finn's football career, and don't quite understand Wyatt's interest in gaming and technology. Noor's father was killed in the military, and her mom is a nurse, so very invested in Noor's treatment, as is her older sister. The three decide to pretend to be friends in order to get their families off their backs, but Wyatt comes up with a great idea; they are all constantly getting mailings from the Wish on a Star Foundation; what if they game the system, each ask for a wish, and ask to heave their "best friends" join them? They have to establish a "plausible friendship", so start hanging out together. There's always a little tension; Violet likes Wyatt, Noor is prickly, and the three can't quite see eye to eye on the wishes they choose. (Wyatt claims to want to kick a field goal at a Titans' game but later changes his wish to visiting the Googleplex offices, Noor wants to meet a celebrity chef, and Violet wants to blow up a building!) They all have challenges, and don't really want to share them with each other. Violet's vision worsens, but she keeps this from her mother as well as her friends. She and Wyatt have some a romantic moments, but then stop talking to each other. Noor's cancer isn't cured by the chemo and she must undergo some experimental treatment. Violet's mother doesn't want to let Violet have her wish because of her increasingly erratic behavior and her failing grades. All of the kids are doing the best they can, but could they do better if they confided in their friends and family?
Strengths: Yes, I am always saying that middle grade books are too depressing. Yes, I was obsessed with Beverly Butler's 1962 Light a Single Candle, about Cathy, a girl who is going blind. Both things can be true. There are plenty of sad things in this book, but it FEELS so much different. The characters are sad, angry, and dealing with lots of things, but they are also going forward in a positive way, having adventures, and even embarking on a light romance. Life goes on. It doesn't stop because someone is ill or dies. (Noor's father has died, but it is not discussed very much because Noor has other things to think about!) The book doesn't downplay their conditions; no one is going to magically get better, and for most of the book, I honestly thought that Wyatt would just die suddenly because his body rejected his heart. Spoiler alert: he doesn't. The kids aren't all "everything is sunshine and roses", but they aren't all gloom and doom, either. They are... agitated about their conditions in a way that seems very realistic for middle grade. Violet and her mother have a lot of friction in their relationship, and oh, boy, would I like to see way more of that in books. What middle school student doesn't occasionally get super irritated with a parent? I also enjoyed the connivery of gaming the Wish on a Star system because they were all kind of irritated with all of the mailings as well as the idea that they were to be pitied and deserved a treat for being ill. Bravo. This is probably my favorite book by Sumner, who also has the very strong Maid for It and Roll With It.
Weaknesses: This could have been just the tiniest bit shorter. The story bogged down a little in the middle, but since it has a strong start, I think readers won't mind.
What I really think: The sad books that my students DO ask for are ones where the characters have things happen to them that are more horrible than are happening to my readers, and show that it is possible to survive and thrive through these circumstances. Wish You Well does that beautifully, and has some nice romance on top of it. I can see this book circulatingly steadily for a long time.
Violet knows that she is losing her sight to Best syndrome, but she would rather focus on playing soccer than to think about it. Her single mother, a busy lawyer, takes her to doctor's appointments and wants her to talk about it, but also throws herself into work and spends a lot of time away from home. When Violet has to go to a "sick kids" event, she meets Wyatt, who has had a heart transplant, and Noor, who has cancerous tumors and is undergoing chemotherapy. Wyatt's mom and dad are focused on his older brother Finn's football career, and don't quite understand Wyatt's interest in gaming and technology. Noor's father was killed in the military, and her mom is a nurse, so very invested in Noor's treatment, as is her older sister. The three decide to pretend to be friends in order to get their families off their backs, but Wyatt comes up with a great idea; they are all constantly getting mailings from the Wish on a Star Foundation; what if they game the system, each ask for a wish, and ask to heave their "best friends" join them? They have to establish a "plausible friendship", so start hanging out together. There's always a little tension; Violet likes Wyatt, Noor is prickly, and the three can't quite see eye to eye on the wishes they choose. (Wyatt claims to want to kick a field goal at a Titans' game but later changes his wish to visiting the Googleplex offices, Noor wants to meet a celebrity chef, and Violet wants to blow up a building!) They all have challenges, and don't really want to share them with each other. Violet's vision worsens, but she keeps this from her mother as well as her friends. She and Wyatt have some a romantic moments, but then stop talking to each other. Noor's cancer isn't cured by the chemo and she must undergo some experimental treatment. Violet's mother doesn't want to let Violet have her wish because of her increasingly erratic behavior and her failing grades. All of the kids are doing the best they can, but could they do better if they confided in their friends and family?
Strengths: Yes, I am always saying that middle grade books are too depressing. Yes, I was obsessed with Beverly Butler's 1962 Light a Single Candle, about Cathy, a girl who is going blind. Both things can be true. There are plenty of sad things in this book, but it FEELS so much different. The characters are sad, angry, and dealing with lots of things, but they are also going forward in a positive way, having adventures, and even embarking on a light romance. Life goes on. It doesn't stop because someone is ill or dies. (Noor's father has died, but it is not discussed very much because Noor has other things to think about!) The book doesn't downplay their conditions; no one is going to magically get better, and for most of the book, I honestly thought that Wyatt would just die suddenly because his body rejected his heart. Spoiler alert: he doesn't. The kids aren't all "everything is sunshine and roses", but they aren't all gloom and doom, either. They are... agitated about their conditions in a way that seems very realistic for middle grade. Violet and her mother have a lot of friction in their relationship, and oh, boy, would I like to see way more of that in books. What middle school student doesn't occasionally get super irritated with a parent? I also enjoyed the connivery of gaming the Wish on a Star system because they were all kind of irritated with all of the mailings as well as the idea that they were to be pitied and deserved a treat for being ill. Bravo. This is probably my favorite book by Sumner, who also has the very strong Maid for It and Roll With It.
Weaknesses: This could have been just the tiniest bit shorter. The story bogged down a little in the middle, but since it has a strong start, I think readers won't mind.
What I really think: The sad books that my students DO ask for are ones where the characters have things happen to them that are more horrible than are happening to my readers, and show that it is possible to survive and thrive through these circumstances. Wish You Well does that beautifully, and has some nice romance on top of it. I can see this book circulatingly steadily for a long time.
September 8, 2026
Wow, wow, wow. My heart.
I've read at least one of Jamie Sumner's books before and want to read a lot of her new releases. Wish You Well is about three kids with life-altering conditions- Violet, with a progressive eye disease that is gradually stealing her vision, Wyatt, with a heart condition that resulted in the need for a heart transplant, and Noor, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. The three kids meet at a hospital picnic and becoming begrudging friends. They all eventually put together a pact that means all three of them get to partake in each other's wishes, thereby granting each one of them THREE wishes instead of one. Throughout the course of the book, we get to see their friendship blossom into something more than just "begrudging", and there's even a dash of sweet romance. I've said before that I am not a huge fan of romance with kids so young, but I do think that the relationship was very sweet.
This book also gave a good look at the emotions behind living with a progressive illness. Violet, our POV character, really struggles with her diagnosis, and doesn't like to talk about it. This puts strain on her relationship with her mom (who is also largely absent as she works extra to pay for medical bills) and her friends. I think we did get some resolution to that, but I would have liked to see a little bit more. And the ending of the book was absolutely beautiful, but again, I would have liked just a little bit more resolution because I came to care deeply about the characters over the course of the book, and at the end, I still had questions about how their story tied off. But overall, this was a lovely, lovely book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy! This in no way impacts my review.
I've read at least one of Jamie Sumner's books before and want to read a lot of her new releases. Wish You Well is about three kids with life-altering conditions- Violet, with a progressive eye disease that is gradually stealing her vision, Wyatt, with a heart condition that resulted in the need for a heart transplant, and Noor, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. The three kids meet at a hospital picnic and becoming begrudging friends. They all eventually put together a pact that means all three of them get to partake in each other's wishes, thereby granting each one of them THREE wishes instead of one. Throughout the course of the book, we get to see their friendship blossom into something more than just "begrudging", and there's even a dash of sweet romance. I've said before that I am not a huge fan of romance with kids so young, but I do think that the relationship was very sweet.
This book also gave a good look at the emotions behind living with a progressive illness. Violet, our POV character, really struggles with her diagnosis, and doesn't like to talk about it. This puts strain on her relationship with her mom (who is also largely absent as she works extra to pay for medical bills) and her friends. I think we did get some resolution to that, but I would have liked to see a little bit more. And the ending of the book was absolutely beautiful, but again, I would have liked just a little bit more resolution because I came to care deeply about the characters over the course of the book, and at the end, I still had questions about how their story tied off. But overall, this was a lovely, lovely book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy! This in no way impacts my review.
September 2, 2026
Sumner has knocked out another great one!
Three young people, almost teenagers. Three kids with life-changing medical conditions.
Violet, Noor, and Wyatt meet at a party, given at the hospital where they have all spent hours of their lives. Their (slightly overprotective!) moms have “encouraged” them to attend, so meeting and actually beginning a friendship surprises them all.
Over time, they bond together through their desire to have “wishes” granted by the “Wish Upon a Star” foundation. Their ultimate goal is to convince the foundation to let them experience the three requests together, as a trio, hopefully before their lives change any more drastically. The most difficult part of the pact will be convincing their parental units to let them actually participate…
This wonderful book contains both heart-rending and laugh-aloud moments, as I’ve discovered all of Sumner’s writings do. She has become a favorite author of mine, and I highly recommend this latest novel!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Three young people, almost teenagers. Three kids with life-changing medical conditions.
Violet, Noor, and Wyatt meet at a party, given at the hospital where they have all spent hours of their lives. Their (slightly overprotective!) moms have “encouraged” them to attend, so meeting and actually beginning a friendship surprises them all.
Over time, they bond together through their desire to have “wishes” granted by the “Wish Upon a Star” foundation. Their ultimate goal is to convince the foundation to let them experience the three requests together, as a trio, hopefully before their lives change any more drastically. The most difficult part of the pact will be convincing their parental units to let them actually participate…
This wonderful book contains both heart-rending and laugh-aloud moments, as I’ve discovered all of Sumner’s writings do. She has become a favorite author of mine, and I highly recommend this latest novel!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
August 3, 2026
Jamie Sumner (Roll with It trilogy, Maid For It, One Kid’s Trash, Tune it Out and more) shifts her target age range up just a bit with this thought-provoking look at three unlikely friends who find suddenly find themselves friends as they all face serious health obstacles.
8th graders Wyatt, Violet and Noor meet at a picnic for kids facing serious illnesses and chronic health issues-Wyatt had a life-saving heart transplant and facing the very real possibility that a strict anti-rejection drug protocol won’t continue working, Noor has been battling kidney cancer without much success, and Violet has Best disease and is losing her sight. The three are very different in personality and shouldn’t find anything to connect them, but none of the trio has many friends and when Wyatt comes up with a crazy plan to get a Wish program to sponsor all three of them AND include all of them in each one’s wish, the common goal and their need to find others who understand their struggles yields a sweet friendship…and a little bit more for Wyatt and Violet.
Told in first person by Violet, Sumner is able to reveal her personality in the deepest, most complete way as we are allowed to see into her thoughts and feelings, but Noor’s crusty and sarcastic way of facing her fears and Wyatt’s gregarious and happy disposition comes through just as clearly. Their friendship has rocky points, primarily because Violet is so afraid of sharing any part of herself, especially her certainty she will lose herself and the soccer she loves as she also loses her sight. Readers will learn a great deal about cancer treatments and adaptations and accommodations more than just guide dogs for those with vision impairment and a bit of the rejection side of organ transplant. Hopefully that fact knowledge and the revelation of the kids’ emotions as they go through their individual challenges will help them react in a more supportive way to those in their circles of influence who also have health concerns.
Recommended for libraries serving grades 5-8 (possibly 9) who have patrons who enjoy sad-happy heart warmer books.
*Profanity: none
*Violence: only that done to a demolished building and a few damaging results from fires Violet sets. (😳)
*Sexual content: none (But there is a first kiss that is followed by a few more!)
*Representation: various medical conditions of the main characters and workers in the medical fields; Noor’s family likely has a Middle Eastern heritage based on her cooking preferences and following of Maneet Chauhan; single parent homes; diverse economic backgrounds
*LBGTQ+: none
8th graders Wyatt, Violet and Noor meet at a picnic for kids facing serious illnesses and chronic health issues-Wyatt had a life-saving heart transplant and facing the very real possibility that a strict anti-rejection drug protocol won’t continue working, Noor has been battling kidney cancer without much success, and Violet has Best disease and is losing her sight. The three are very different in personality and shouldn’t find anything to connect them, but none of the trio has many friends and when Wyatt comes up with a crazy plan to get a Wish program to sponsor all three of them AND include all of them in each one’s wish, the common goal and their need to find others who understand their struggles yields a sweet friendship…and a little bit more for Wyatt and Violet.
Told in first person by Violet, Sumner is able to reveal her personality in the deepest, most complete way as we are allowed to see into her thoughts and feelings, but Noor’s crusty and sarcastic way of facing her fears and Wyatt’s gregarious and happy disposition comes through just as clearly. Their friendship has rocky points, primarily because Violet is so afraid of sharing any part of herself, especially her certainty she will lose herself and the soccer she loves as she also loses her sight. Readers will learn a great deal about cancer treatments and adaptations and accommodations more than just guide dogs for those with vision impairment and a bit of the rejection side of organ transplant. Hopefully that fact knowledge and the revelation of the kids’ emotions as they go through their individual challenges will help them react in a more supportive way to those in their circles of influence who also have health concerns.
Recommended for libraries serving grades 5-8 (possibly 9) who have patrons who enjoy sad-happy heart warmer books.
*Profanity: none
*Violence: only that done to a demolished building and a few damaging results from fires Violet sets. (😳)
*Sexual content: none (But there is a first kiss that is followed by a few more!)
*Representation: various medical conditions of the main characters and workers in the medical fields; Noor’s family likely has a Middle Eastern heritage based on her cooking preferences and following of Maneet Chauhan; single parent homes; diverse economic backgrounds
*LBGTQ+: none
August 1, 2026
If you are a middle school librarian or teacher (or reader) - stop what you are doing and get a copy of this book! Jamie Sumner has done it again, and kids are going to love this story.
Violet, Noor, and Wyatt only have one thing in common - they all have some sort of serious illness in their lives. They meet at a hospital event, and even though they could not be more different, they concoct a plan to all put in for a wish (think Make a Wish) with a catch. Each one of them will say that their two friends must come with them, so each kid gets 3 wishes. The wishes that the kids decide on are ultimately as unique as each person, and nothing is simple - there are plenty of hurdles to overcome for each kid to experience each wish.
The characters really shine in this book. Violet is angry and grieving about going blind. Wyatt uses positivity as a shield to deal with his family issues and his hope for a healthy life. And Noor (my favorite) channels her angst and uncertainty into cooking and lots of snark. Middle school readers will fall for the budding romance between Violet and Wyatt that even has some yearning and second chance romance thrown in! The story maintains a realistic but hopeful outlook on what it means to live with a life-altering illness during the early teen years.
I loved it!
Violet, Noor, and Wyatt only have one thing in common - they all have some sort of serious illness in their lives. They meet at a hospital event, and even though they could not be more different, they concoct a plan to all put in for a wish (think Make a Wish) with a catch. Each one of them will say that their two friends must come with them, so each kid gets 3 wishes. The wishes that the kids decide on are ultimately as unique as each person, and nothing is simple - there are plenty of hurdles to overcome for each kid to experience each wish.
The characters really shine in this book. Violet is angry and grieving about going blind. Wyatt uses positivity as a shield to deal with his family issues and his hope for a healthy life. And Noor (my favorite) channels her angst and uncertainty into cooking and lots of snark. Middle school readers will fall for the budding romance between Violet and Wyatt that even has some yearning and second chance romance thrown in! The story maintains a realistic but hopeful outlook on what it means to live with a life-altering illness during the early teen years.
I loved it!
October 30, 2026
A well done MG book about dealing with serious health issues.
Violet is a relatable character struggling with her diagnosis and hiding how bad it is from everyone.
The conflict between her and her mother gets resolved a bit too quickly. The friendship between her, Wyatt, and Noor is the best part of the book.
Violet is a relatable character struggling with her diagnosis and hiding how bad it is from everyone.
The conflict between her and her mother gets resolved a bit too quickly. The friendship between her, Wyatt, and Noor is the best part of the book.
October 2, 2026
Richie’s Picks: WISH YOU WELL by Jamie Sumner, Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, September 2026, 288p., ISBN: 978-1-6659-0574-9
"’There’s a kid I know named Evelyn, one of my favorite friends
And they put her in the hospital, for testing once again
And the doctors and the grownups, well they were sad when they were through
They told her she was very sick, no one knew what to do
To make her feel better, so she could run and play
And Evelyn knew that she might die, but she’d look at me and say,
‘No one knows for sure, something might come along
That’ll save the day and help me out and fix whatever’s wrong
‘Cause no one knows for sure, we’ve still got time to hope
And maybe Dr. Seuss and me’ll invent a super-duper kind of soap
And I’ll wash behind my ears even
‘Cause no one knows for sure, no one knows for sure’”
– Peter Alsop (1983)
13-year-old Violet Marino, the narrator of WISH YOU WELL is well on the way to going blind. And she’s getting pretty antsy. She’s just made it clear to us and to her mom that she’s ready to leave the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital’s annual picnic for sick kids, when she unexpectedly meets fellow thirteen-year-old sick kids Wyatt Cass and Noor Singh.
“I’m halfway across the lawn when I hear the shout. Several, actually.
‘Call 911!’ somebody yells, which is absurd, since we are at a picnic for the children’s hospital and there is no shortage of medical personnel. I veer toward the drama, hoping it’s the right level of interesting–bigger than a Band-Aid, smaller than the thing that shocks your heart. Slightly less than life-threatening would be optimal.
Under the pavilion, it’s a scene straight out of a horror movie. A boy lies on the ground clutching his throat. His face is purple. This is so much bigger than a Band-Aid. I stop breathing. It’s like my body and his are linked. He’s fighting for breath and I can’t find mine either. The scene has sucked it out of me.
For the longest three seconds in the world, nothing moves except his feet, which are twitching and kicking the table leg closest to him. Then a nurse dives onto her knees and heaves him up like he’s a load of laundry. I watch, a few feet back from the crowd, as the woman in bright yellow scrubs wraps him in a bear hug. She squeezes him hard–harder than a person should be squeezed if you expect them to reinflate. Time slows even more as the two of them pitch about in a weird slow-motion dance. I risk a step closer at the same time as the rest of the crowd steps back. It’s just them and me in the pavilion now.
Even though he’s obviously choking, our eyes lock for a second. It’s disconcerting, like catching someone mid-nose-pick. The nurse gives one more huge pump with her arms, his eyes bulge, and a wad of chewed-up something shoots out of his mouth. He coughs and keeps coughing while spit and tears run down his face. Cheers rise up behind us. He will live to be sick another day.”
That’s Wyatt, who was choking on a hotdog. He has a newly-transplanted heart (and, according to Violet, embarrassingly blue eyes). He’s going to spend the rest of his life on immunosuppressants to prevent his body from rejecting the donated organ keeping him alive. The nurse who just saved him is Noor’s mom. Noor has a cancerous tumor and is on chemotherapy.
Thanks to Wyatt’s efforts, the trio will work to become friends and, again, thanks to Wyatt’s scheming, will attempt to pull off a scam involving one of those give-a-wish nonprofits which has sent repeated communications to each of the three sick, young characters. Wyatt’s plan is to work together and work the system, so each of them can be part of the others’ wish fulfillment adventures. Each getting three big deal experiences instead of one.
The story can obviously feel intense, as we learn the details of Violet’s steadily-degenerating sight and how she somehow hopes to continue her soccer playing. Similarly, we know that either Wyatt and/or Noor could be gone-gone today, tomorrow, or the day after. But a pitch-perfect teen snarkiness—both amongst Violet’s own thoughts, and within the dialogue between the trio—transforms what could have been a downer of a book into a very cool and repeatedly laugh-out-loud gem-of-a-tale.
On top of her disappearing vision, Violet is dealing with the constant absences of her lawyer mother, who disappears into her work—a single mom struggling to pay Violet’s mounting medical bills.
“I can’t believe Coach pulled me out. It was that penalty kick. I should have nailed it. It was just me and the goalie and I missed. This time, none of my teammates complained when I was benched. Because this time, it wasn’t a bad call by the ref. It was a bad play by me. A year ago, before my left eye scrambled, it would have been nothing but net. I could have explained. But no one knows how bad my eyesight’s gotten, not even Mom”
“No one knows for sure
No one knows for sure”
Young readers will be enlightened by the humanity (and hijinx) of these three well-written characters. Hopefully, next time readers encounter a schoolmate or neighbor in a wheelchair or dealing with other significant health issues they’ll, at the least, smile and greet them, rather than turn and pretend they’re not there.”
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
"’There’s a kid I know named Evelyn, one of my favorite friends
And they put her in the hospital, for testing once again
And the doctors and the grownups, well they were sad when they were through
They told her she was very sick, no one knew what to do
To make her feel better, so she could run and play
And Evelyn knew that she might die, but she’d look at me and say,
‘No one knows for sure, something might come along
That’ll save the day and help me out and fix whatever’s wrong
‘Cause no one knows for sure, we’ve still got time to hope
And maybe Dr. Seuss and me’ll invent a super-duper kind of soap
And I’ll wash behind my ears even
‘Cause no one knows for sure, no one knows for sure’”
– Peter Alsop (1983)
13-year-old Violet Marino, the narrator of WISH YOU WELL is well on the way to going blind. And she’s getting pretty antsy. She’s just made it clear to us and to her mom that she’s ready to leave the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital’s annual picnic for sick kids, when she unexpectedly meets fellow thirteen-year-old sick kids Wyatt Cass and Noor Singh.
“I’m halfway across the lawn when I hear the shout. Several, actually.
‘Call 911!’ somebody yells, which is absurd, since we are at a picnic for the children’s hospital and there is no shortage of medical personnel. I veer toward the drama, hoping it’s the right level of interesting–bigger than a Band-Aid, smaller than the thing that shocks your heart. Slightly less than life-threatening would be optimal.
Under the pavilion, it’s a scene straight out of a horror movie. A boy lies on the ground clutching his throat. His face is purple. This is so much bigger than a Band-Aid. I stop breathing. It’s like my body and his are linked. He’s fighting for breath and I can’t find mine either. The scene has sucked it out of me.
For the longest three seconds in the world, nothing moves except his feet, which are twitching and kicking the table leg closest to him. Then a nurse dives onto her knees and heaves him up like he’s a load of laundry. I watch, a few feet back from the crowd, as the woman in bright yellow scrubs wraps him in a bear hug. She squeezes him hard–harder than a person should be squeezed if you expect them to reinflate. Time slows even more as the two of them pitch about in a weird slow-motion dance. I risk a step closer at the same time as the rest of the crowd steps back. It’s just them and me in the pavilion now.
Even though he’s obviously choking, our eyes lock for a second. It’s disconcerting, like catching someone mid-nose-pick. The nurse gives one more huge pump with her arms, his eyes bulge, and a wad of chewed-up something shoots out of his mouth. He coughs and keeps coughing while spit and tears run down his face. Cheers rise up behind us. He will live to be sick another day.”
That’s Wyatt, who was choking on a hotdog. He has a newly-transplanted heart (and, according to Violet, embarrassingly blue eyes). He’s going to spend the rest of his life on immunosuppressants to prevent his body from rejecting the donated organ keeping him alive. The nurse who just saved him is Noor’s mom. Noor has a cancerous tumor and is on chemotherapy.
Thanks to Wyatt’s efforts, the trio will work to become friends and, again, thanks to Wyatt’s scheming, will attempt to pull off a scam involving one of those give-a-wish nonprofits which has sent repeated communications to each of the three sick, young characters. Wyatt’s plan is to work together and work the system, so each of them can be part of the others’ wish fulfillment adventures. Each getting three big deal experiences instead of one.
The story can obviously feel intense, as we learn the details of Violet’s steadily-degenerating sight and how she somehow hopes to continue her soccer playing. Similarly, we know that either Wyatt and/or Noor could be gone-gone today, tomorrow, or the day after. But a pitch-perfect teen snarkiness—both amongst Violet’s own thoughts, and within the dialogue between the trio—transforms what could have been a downer of a book into a very cool and repeatedly laugh-out-loud gem-of-a-tale.
On top of her disappearing vision, Violet is dealing with the constant absences of her lawyer mother, who disappears into her work—a single mom struggling to pay Violet’s mounting medical bills.
“I can’t believe Coach pulled me out. It was that penalty kick. I should have nailed it. It was just me and the goalie and I missed. This time, none of my teammates complained when I was benched. Because this time, it wasn’t a bad call by the ref. It was a bad play by me. A year ago, before my left eye scrambled, it would have been nothing but net. I could have explained. But no one knows how bad my eyesight’s gotten, not even Mom”
“No one knows for sure
No one knows for sure”
Young readers will be enlightened by the humanity (and hijinx) of these three well-written characters. Hopefully, next time readers encounter a schoolmate or neighbor in a wheelchair or dealing with other significant health issues they’ll, at the least, smile and greet them, rather than turn and pretend they’re not there.”
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When three kids with difficult and deadly diseases meet, expect anything but a pity-party because these three have something bigger planned.
Violet is going blind, which is causing all sorts of problems with her mom, who insists she find friends and attend events with other kids suffering from illnesses. Violet just wishes she could be left alone and play soccer. When a kid, Wyatt, at one of the events chokes and needs to be saved, Violet ends up talking to him and the daughter of the nurse, Noor. Wyatt is a bit too perky and wants to be instant friends, and Violet goes along for the ride to be left alone...which doesn't work because the three start getting closer, but not for friendship reasons.Since Wyatt suffers from a bad heart and Noor is battling cancer, all three of them have been receiving flyers from a wish foundation that won't seem to leave them alone. But Wyatt sees this as a sudden opportunity. They should each make a wish and claim they need their lifelong, best friends with them to make the event perfect...a little lie. That way, each of them receives three fun events. Now, they just have to figure out what they want to do and how to weave this to trick the foundation.
Placed with three main characters with three serious illnesses, this book had me wondering if it was going to hold too heavy of a dark cloud to make it fun, but the author finds a nice balance. All three kids pack personality and none of the three are dwelling in depression. They want to live their lives and take things on as best they can. At the same time, the author doesn't underplay the seriousness of the situations. All three are struggling in their own way, and the tale allows each one growth, discovery, and learning to let others in even if they've built their walls. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but this is a fun adventure with a group who is out to scam a huge foundation. Plus, Wyatt's computer skills add a tiny hint of spy feel to add spice. Also, the three don't get along right away, and the forming friendship despite friction is inspiring and puts a smile on the face.
The tale runs along smoothly and allows the reader to sink right in. There's just enough tension to keep the reader wondering if they can pull off their scam, while subtle humor keeps things light. There is a wonderful dose of mother-daughter discord, which brings across the warmth and love but by no means seamless and, at times, even frustrated relationship between Violet and her mom. As an action girl, this did slow down a bit much for me here and there, but those who enjoy spice for life and heartfilled reads with thought won't have any trouble with those few moments.
It's a read which digs into difficult themes but it doesn't weigh down. Instead, it inspires, strengthens awareness, and leaves a little food for thought.
Violet is going blind, which is causing all sorts of problems with her mom, who insists she find friends and attend events with other kids suffering from illnesses. Violet just wishes she could be left alone and play soccer. When a kid, Wyatt, at one of the events chokes and needs to be saved, Violet ends up talking to him and the daughter of the nurse, Noor. Wyatt is a bit too perky and wants to be instant friends, and Violet goes along for the ride to be left alone...which doesn't work because the three start getting closer, but not for friendship reasons.Since Wyatt suffers from a bad heart and Noor is battling cancer, all three of them have been receiving flyers from a wish foundation that won't seem to leave them alone. But Wyatt sees this as a sudden opportunity. They should each make a wish and claim they need their lifelong, best friends with them to make the event perfect...a little lie. That way, each of them receives three fun events. Now, they just have to figure out what they want to do and how to weave this to trick the foundation.
Placed with three main characters with three serious illnesses, this book had me wondering if it was going to hold too heavy of a dark cloud to make it fun, but the author finds a nice balance. All three kids pack personality and none of the three are dwelling in depression. They want to live their lives and take things on as best they can. At the same time, the author doesn't underplay the seriousness of the situations. All three are struggling in their own way, and the tale allows each one growth, discovery, and learning to let others in even if they've built their walls. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but this is a fun adventure with a group who is out to scam a huge foundation. Plus, Wyatt's computer skills add a tiny hint of spy feel to add spice. Also, the three don't get along right away, and the forming friendship despite friction is inspiring and puts a smile on the face.
The tale runs along smoothly and allows the reader to sink right in. There's just enough tension to keep the reader wondering if they can pull off their scam, while subtle humor keeps things light. There is a wonderful dose of mother-daughter discord, which brings across the warmth and love but by no means seamless and, at times, even frustrated relationship between Violet and her mom. As an action girl, this did slow down a bit much for me here and there, but those who enjoy spice for life and heartfilled reads with thought won't have any trouble with those few moments.
It's a read which digs into difficult themes but it doesn't weigh down. Instead, it inspires, strengthens awareness, and leaves a little food for thought.
September 3, 2026
All the stars for this new release from one of my favorite Middle Grade authors.
This may be one of my favorites from Jamie Sumner since I first discovered Roll with It.
Why did I love this one so much?
🫶 While not as sad as The Fault in Our Stars, this book had some of the same feels. Young Wyatt has many of the same qualities as Gus. And not to worry, Wyatt is not terminal.
🫅 Our narrator is Violet Marino or as Wyatt refers to her "Violet of Croft." Her deteriorating eye sight from Best Disease is a daily struggle that we see firsthand. While she sometimes defaults to denial, her determination to move forward with the things she loves (like soccer and blowing things up) does not waver.
🧑🍳 Noor is the third teen of the three MCs. Her cancer is life-threatening, but Vanderbilt has opportunities for her to try ground-breaking treatments and she is determined to realize her dream of being a chef.
🪄The three kids decide to pool their wishes with Wish Upon a Star so they get three times the experiences. Will it work? There are unexpected hurdles, but I appreciated the thoughtful navigation of the obstacles.
🧑⚕Jamie Sumner has firsthand experience with the Vanderbilt facilities and staff. Her personal note in the Acknowledgments was the cherry on top.
Lastly, thank you to all my loyal readers (the kids!the librarians! the teachers!) who continue to cheer on my stories. I promise to never steer away from the hard things and to always add plenty of heart.
Thank you to Atheneum and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Available as of September 1, 2026.
This may be one of my favorites from Jamie Sumner since I first discovered Roll with It.
Why did I love this one so much?
🫶 While not as sad as The Fault in Our Stars, this book had some of the same feels. Young Wyatt has many of the same qualities as Gus. And not to worry, Wyatt is not terminal.
🫅 Our narrator is Violet Marino or as Wyatt refers to her "Violet of Croft." Her deteriorating eye sight from Best Disease is a daily struggle that we see firsthand. While she sometimes defaults to denial, her determination to move forward with the things she loves (like soccer and blowing things up) does not waver.
🧑🍳 Noor is the third teen of the three MCs. Her cancer is life-threatening, but Vanderbilt has opportunities for her to try ground-breaking treatments and she is determined to realize her dream of being a chef.
🪄The three kids decide to pool their wishes with Wish Upon a Star so they get three times the experiences. Will it work? There are unexpected hurdles, but I appreciated the thoughtful navigation of the obstacles.
🧑⚕Jamie Sumner has firsthand experience with the Vanderbilt facilities and staff. Her personal note in the Acknowledgments was the cherry on top.
Lastly, thank you to all my loyal readers (the kids!the librarians! the teachers!) who continue to cheer on my stories. I promise to never steer away from the hard things and to always add plenty of heart.
Thank you to Atheneum and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Available as of September 1, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
Jamie Sumner has a way of working with some of the more challenging aspects of young people's lives and incorporating these into moving, engaging books that feel both important and distinct. Despite the seriousness of the themes - in this case, children with serious medical conditions - these books always feel age appropriate and hopeful.
Violet is a typical 13-year-old in many ways. She loves soccer, gets frustrated by her single mother's intensive work schedule, and finds it easier to isolate herself than connect with other people, especially when it comes to the tough stuff in life. For her, that tough stuff is slowly losing her vision. The descriptions of what this feels like for her and how she explains it to others are vivid and real. They also reflect her youth, which is a challenging (though important) reminder for any reader.
Violet is not alone in her struggles. She meets two similarly young contacts who are both grappling with different medical situations. The three of them relate to each other in ways their parents, other peers, and even medical professionals just don't, and it's really profound to watch their relationships bloom, despite some reluctant participation. To meet an ultimate goal, they NEED each other, and this messaging really connects to the larger focal point: that none of us can really do much that's meaningful without the support of others.
This is another heartbreaking but somehow still hopeful banger from Sumner. I look forward to many more broken and mended hearts from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Jamie Sumner has a way of working with some of the more challenging aspects of young people's lives and incorporating these into moving, engaging books that feel both important and distinct. Despite the seriousness of the themes - in this case, children with serious medical conditions - these books always feel age appropriate and hopeful.
Violet is a typical 13-year-old in many ways. She loves soccer, gets frustrated by her single mother's intensive work schedule, and finds it easier to isolate herself than connect with other people, especially when it comes to the tough stuff in life. For her, that tough stuff is slowly losing her vision. The descriptions of what this feels like for her and how she explains it to others are vivid and real. They also reflect her youth, which is a challenging (though important) reminder for any reader.
Violet is not alone in her struggles. She meets two similarly young contacts who are both grappling with different medical situations. The three of them relate to each other in ways their parents, other peers, and even medical professionals just don't, and it's really profound to watch their relationships bloom, despite some reluctant participation. To meet an ultimate goal, they NEED each other, and this messaging really connects to the larger focal point: that none of us can really do much that's meaningful without the support of others.
This is another heartbreaking but somehow still hopeful banger from Sumner. I look forward to many more broken and mended hearts from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
September 5, 2026
But you know me. Just forgetting stuff all the time. So I loved THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and I can't help but compare every sick kid book to that and often find it wanting because it lacks humor. I mean, I will fall in love with a kid and watch them suffer as long as they at least get to be snarky.
Well, Violet is very, very snarky. She is also going blind. She does all the teenage things like hide issues about her health from her mother and her doctors because sometimes kids are stupid. And she is so, so angry. She has cut ties with most of her friends because they don't know how to deal with her and they try to be sympathetic, which is her kryptonite. Then she meets Wyatt and Noor at a hospital picnic and they decide to use their Make-a-Wish wishes together in the weirdest possible way and it is wonderful.
This is another of those importance of community books that I love so and it really helps that it is hilarious. It is also realistically the viewpoint of a kid, but shows nuance with most of the parent interactions. The kid doesn't see nuance, but the reader does. Nicely played, Sumner! I also love that Noor out-snarks Violet. (Wyatt is pretty positive, but he can't eat hot dogs for shit...)
This book has a bit of everything and it all comes together perfectly. It feels a little caper-y in that they are planning the wishes on the sly, but that is really just the structure used to absorb the healthy example of unhealthy kids. Will I nominate this for MTCBA? You bet your sweet bippie I will. Will someone snark that it is middle grade. Of course they will. But whatever, it's a damn near perfect book and I loved it.
Well, Violet is very, very snarky. She is also going blind. She does all the teenage things like hide issues about her health from her mother and her doctors because sometimes kids are stupid. And she is so, so angry. She has cut ties with most of her friends because they don't know how to deal with her and they try to be sympathetic, which is her kryptonite. Then she meets Wyatt and Noor at a hospital picnic and they decide to use their Make-a-Wish wishes together in the weirdest possible way and it is wonderful.
This is another of those importance of community books that I love so and it really helps that it is hilarious. It is also realistically the viewpoint of a kid, but shows nuance with most of the parent interactions. The kid doesn't see nuance, but the reader does. Nicely played, Sumner! I also love that Noor out-snarks Violet. (Wyatt is pretty positive, but he can't eat hot dogs for shit...)
This book has a bit of everything and it all comes together perfectly. It feels a little caper-y in that they are planning the wishes on the sly, but that is really just the structure used to absorb the healthy example of unhealthy kids. Will I nominate this for MTCBA? You bet your sweet bippie I will. Will someone snark that it is middle grade. Of course they will. But whatever, it's a damn near perfect book and I loved it.
September 2, 2026
From the author of Roll with It and Schooled comes her newest book, Wish You Well. One of the first things that struck me was how beautifully descriptive the writing is. The author paints a modern, relatable picture of kids navigating serious medical conditions while still watching Tik Tok videos and swooning over Wyatt's "boy band eyes." It's adorable. Even though each character is dealing with something heavy, the story never sinks into sadness. It stays hopeful, upbeat and full of heart.
I especially loved Violet's inner monologue and how the kids respected each other's boundaries. They don't pry, but eventual share the emotions of their chronic illnesses along with all the complexities that come with them. Their wishes are another highlight; each one fits their personality perfectly. Wyatt dreams of kicking a field goal (mostly to please his dad) though what he really wants is to go to Google Plex. Noor hopes to meet a celebrity chef. Violet wants to blow up a building, although the chances of her mom letting her are very low. It takes time for their wishes to unfold, but watching them connect, problem-solve, and support one another is incredibly satisfying. There are even some sweet, lighter moments between Wyatt and Violet that made me smile. In her acknowledgements, the author talks about wanting to write characters who feel authentic and empathetic, and I felt she wonderfully conveyed this.
I especially loved Violet's inner monologue and how the kids respected each other's boundaries. They don't pry, but eventual share the emotions of their chronic illnesses along with all the complexities that come with them. Their wishes are another highlight; each one fits their personality perfectly. Wyatt dreams of kicking a field goal (mostly to please his dad) though what he really wants is to go to Google Plex. Noor hopes to meet a celebrity chef. Violet wants to blow up a building, although the chances of her mom letting her are very low. It takes time for their wishes to unfold, but watching them connect, problem-solve, and support one another is incredibly satisfying. There are even some sweet, lighter moments between Wyatt and Violet that made me smile. In her acknowledgements, the author talks about wanting to write characters who feel authentic and empathetic, and I felt she wonderfully conveyed this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner was a delightful read following the lives of three teens living an everyday existence that no one else understands. Violet, Noor, and Wyatt are brought together at a hospital picnic for sick kids - which none of them really want to be at or participate in. (Okay, except for maybe Wyatt but since he chokes on a hot dog at the picnic, it might not be quite the experience he was hoping for.) All bring their own story to the table and all are avoiding the Wish on a Star organization that keeps offering to make their dreams come true - until Wyatt brings up a new idea. What if they each make a wish but insist that they can't possible experience that wish without their best friends? Three wishes for one! Our three unlike characters are brought together and slowly, as our story unfolds, something like friendship starts to form and wishes start to be made.
Jamie Sumner does a great job of blending together the stories of three very different teens tied together mainly by their illnesses. She creates relatable characters that aren't' perfect and are just trying to make it through life. Besides their illnesses they face typical, everyday challenges young teens will relate too, including issues with family members, school, friends and changing dynamics in relationships. The book is a gem and an excellent read.
Jamie Sumner does a great job of blending together the stories of three very different teens tied together mainly by their illnesses. She creates relatable characters that aren't' perfect and are just trying to make it through life. Besides their illnesses they face typical, everyday challenges young teens will relate too, including issues with family members, school, friends and changing dynamics in relationships. The book is a gem and an excellent read.
September 14, 2026
I really liked this middle school story about three eighth graders with three different serious health concerns who team up to take advantage of a wish-granting organization by going on each other's adventures.
Our main character is Violet, who is quickly going blind, and she is befriended by Wyatt (heart transplant) and Noor (cancer). These three have a great dynamic, and I loved them all.
The main characters seemed younger than eighth grade, and I wondered about this inconsistency. But then Violet developed a crush on Wyatt, and I guess it was better to have eighth graders exploring a first attraction than someone younger.
There were other little things that bugged me, like when Violet faked being sick in order to get out of an appointment, and she was just able to walk out of school and meet her mother in the car. This does not happen in school... someone must come in and sign a child out.
And there were other times towards the end of the book when Violet noticed little gestures, like Wyatt winking, or a parent's tag on their jacket... which seemed unusual given her rapidly progressing macular degeneration.
But the characters were likeable and believable, and I think middle grade readers will really like this book, which definitely has some LOL funny parts but is also bittersweet.
Our main character is Violet, who is quickly going blind, and she is befriended by Wyatt (heart transplant) and Noor (cancer). These three have a great dynamic, and I loved them all.
The main characters seemed younger than eighth grade, and I wondered about this inconsistency. But then Violet developed a crush on Wyatt, and I guess it was better to have eighth graders exploring a first attraction than someone younger.
There were other little things that bugged me, like when Violet faked being sick in order to get out of an appointment, and she was just able to walk out of school and meet her mother in the car. This does not happen in school... someone must come in and sign a child out.
And there were other times towards the end of the book when Violet noticed little gestures, like Wyatt winking, or a parent's tag on their jacket... which seemed unusual given her rapidly progressing macular degeneration.
But the characters were likeable and believable, and I think middle grade readers will really like this book, which definitely has some LOL funny parts but is also bittersweet.
September 19, 2026
This chapter book for 10 to 14 year olds follows three unlikely friends. Violet meets Oliver and Noor at the hospital picnic just after Oliver was choking to death. The three share some snark as their parents try and push the friendship. Each of the kids is a loner but suddenly they have found others that understand their journeys. Violet is going blind from Best Disease, Noor is fighting cancer and Oliver has recently had an heart transplant. Each is eligible for a Wish but they don't just want one wish they want to share in each other's. Soon they are finding ways to prove their friendship so they can prove their wishes. As they get closer, each faces new health challenges and the complicated emotions around those challengers. This tear jerker of an novel, takes the reader through the high emotions of completing the wish along with the lows of life threatening health challenges. There is even little teen romance involved. I would recommend this book for most upper elementary library collections. Especially ones that have a following for Jamie Sumner. The book will make you cry almost as much as it makes you laugh. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own. This was a really cut middle grade book with enough deeper thinking and feelings to give it some heft. Three kids meet each other kind of by chance at a hospital picnic and discover their “sick kid” vibes can actually be the foundation of a friendship. While each curd’s health situation is unique and ongoing, they bond in the way that only kids struggling with similar difficulties can. I enjoyed the realistic health information and struggles and felt like the voices and points of view were accurate for the age group the kids are. I was at times frustrated with Violet and her mom and how they handled things and wasn’t sure the love interest had a lot of basis, but considering their ages, it didn’t ruin the story. I enjoyed the characters and their personalities (even if I was kind of annoyed at how they snipped at each other at times-but looking at what they were dealing with, I guess it’s fair). It definitely kept my attention, & iplan to get it for our middle school library collection. FYI health trauma might be triggering for some
September 13, 2026
I received an electronic ARC from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing/Atheneum Books for Young Readers through NetGalley.
Sumner writes for a bit older audience this time and her characters reflect this. Three young people, Violet, Noor, Wyatt, meet at a hospital picnic for children who have spent part of their lives being treated there. Each brings their own gifts and struggles but they find their way to a friendship created by their experiences and their need for friends who understand. Told from Violet's POV as she copes with upcoming blindness. She struggles to hide her worsening condition and shuts people out including her friends and her mom. The three agree to submit wishes, and, if selected, they'll do all three together. They complete two of the three wishes before Noor ends up back in the hospital as her condition changes. The story ends on a satisfying note as the third wish is completed with no happy ever after promised. I wish more time had been spent on the mother daughter relationship but that was not Sumner's main focus. The material is handled sensitively and realistically. Do read her author note for more on her own life.
Sumner writes for a bit older audience this time and her characters reflect this. Three young people, Violet, Noor, Wyatt, meet at a hospital picnic for children who have spent part of their lives being treated there. Each brings their own gifts and struggles but they find their way to a friendship created by their experiences and their need for friends who understand. Told from Violet's POV as she copes with upcoming blindness. She struggles to hide her worsening condition and shuts people out including her friends and her mom. The three agree to submit wishes, and, if selected, they'll do all three together. They complete two of the three wishes before Noor ends up back in the hospital as her condition changes. The story ends on a satisfying note as the third wish is completed with no happy ever after promised. I wish more time had been spent on the mother daughter relationship but that was not Sumner's main focus. The material is handled sensitively and realistically. Do read her author note for more on her own life.
October 16, 2026
Violet, a 13-year-old soccer-player, retreats into self-isolation after she is diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease and begins to go blind. Then she meets fellow rising eighth graders Wyatt (a heart transplant patient) and Noor (a cancer survivor) at a hospital picnic. When Wyatt suggests that the trio submit individual requests to an organization that grants wishes for sick kids then pose as best friends and insist that they must complete all three wishes as a group, Violet agrees. But as she begins to fall in love with Wyatt and bond with Noor for real, Violet's eyesight worsens, and her inevitable blindness seems posed to take so much more away from her.
The premise felt a little weak to me (why scam a non-profit organization that just wants sick, possibly dying kids to be happy?) but I enjoyed Violet's snarky and funny voice, and the sweet middle-school romance that blooms between her and Wyatt. Violet's fascination with setting fires and blowing up buildings was an interesting and unexpected twist that made her a memorable character. Very enjoyable on audio.
The premise felt a little weak to me (why scam a non-profit organization that just wants sick, possibly dying kids to be happy?) but I enjoyed Violet's snarky and funny voice, and the sweet middle-school romance that blooms between her and Wyatt. Violet's fascination with setting fires and blowing up buildings was an interesting and unexpected twist that made her a memorable character. Very enjoyable on audio.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely LOVED this book. Violet, Wyatt, and Noor are the best characters ever created. Violet is slowly becoming blind, and is a lovable main character who I could really feel for. Wyatt is the best love interest ever created. He has a newly transplanted heart and a lot of humour. Noor is a snappy girl with cancer. Together they make the most perfect trio ever. The plot of this book was impeccable, and I could not have enjoyed it more. The kids wishes were both exciting and it made me love the characters even more- bringing more depth to them, and insight to who they truly are. The parents weren’t perfect, but at least they truly cared about their kids unlike other book parents. I can honestly say this was one of my favourite books I have read this year, and I will definitely be reading more by this author. A must read and a definite 5 stars!
September 7, 2026
Three kids with various illnesses meet and build an unlikely friendship in this heart filled novel about dealing with difficult medical issues and trying to live at the same time.
Violet has a degenerative disease that is making her go blind. Wyatt is recovering from a heart transplant. Noor is battling cancer. They don’t have a lot in common, aside from fighting illness their peers generally don’t understand, but together they make a trio of determined friends.
Violet, Wyatt and Noor band together to get all three of their Wish on a Star wishes to come true and in the process build friendships more important than they ever could have realized.
Jamie Sumner writes about hard topics with such empathy and honesty. Her characters have depth. The solutions are messy and real. WISH YOU WELL will tug at your heartstrings while you root for these three teens, their parents, and anyone facing mountainous health challenges.
Violet has a degenerative disease that is making her go blind. Wyatt is recovering from a heart transplant. Noor is battling cancer. They don’t have a lot in common, aside from fighting illness their peers generally don’t understand, but together they make a trio of determined friends.
Violet, Wyatt and Noor band together to get all three of their Wish on a Star wishes to come true and in the process build friendships more important than they ever could have realized.
Jamie Sumner writes about hard topics with such empathy and honesty. Her characters have depth. The solutions are messy and real. WISH YOU WELL will tug at your heartstrings while you root for these three teens, their parents, and anyone facing mountainous health challenges.
October 5, 2026
*thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review*
really, honestly, so well written and made my heart hurt multiple times, and also made me laugh multiple times. the characters are loveable and realistic, and Violet's perspective really got me connected with both her and Wyatt and Noor.
it's a difficult task to fit the disheartening effect of life-altering, sometimes life-ending illnesses into a narrative while also balancing the fun and awkwardness of new friends and teenage romance. Jamie Sumner did it very well.
i was pleased to read in the acknowledgements that they included a sensitivity reader who had gone through something similar to Violet. the story was genuine, and handled the characters and plotline with care and authenticity. i'm glad that the author made that effort.
anyway, 5/5 stars, because i can't find any faults, and i'm not stingy when i have truly enjoyed a book.
really, honestly, so well written and made my heart hurt multiple times, and also made me laugh multiple times. the characters are loveable and realistic, and Violet's perspective really got me connected with both her and Wyatt and Noor.
it's a difficult task to fit the disheartening effect of life-altering, sometimes life-ending illnesses into a narrative while also balancing the fun and awkwardness of new friends and teenage romance. Jamie Sumner did it very well.
i was pleased to read in the acknowledgements that they included a sensitivity reader who had gone through something similar to Violet. the story was genuine, and handled the characters and plotline with care and authenticity. i'm glad that the author made that effort.
anyway, 5/5 stars, because i can't find any faults, and i'm not stingy when i have truly enjoyed a book.
Read
June 25, 2026Ten out of five stars! Another great read from author Jamie Sumner! She always tackles harder and more unique topics in a way that readers can be empathetic and hopefully learn from the characters. Each of the characters have a chronic disease and they are each dealing with it in their own ways.
I also feel that readers who are going through similar situations will feel "seen". The author states that she has spent many hours and days at the children's hospital for her son. She shares her family on her socials and you can read her authenticity in her books. She does the research to keep the story real. I appreciate that as a reader.
This is a must-have book to add to your collections, especially if you already have Jamie Sumner's other titles (and if you don't, go get them)!
Wish You Well would also be a good classroom read aloud. Yes, I did tear up a few times throughout the book but it is still a good read aloud.
#JamieSumner #WishYouWell
#SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss #Goodreads #NewRelease
Spoiler Alert
.
.
.
Spoiler Alert
.
.
.
Spoiler Alert
.
.
.
Spoilers
I hate when authors leave you hanging and you have so many questions that go unanswered. I know that's done on purpose for a possible sequel but it's still frustrating! Does Noor get better? Does Violet adapt to her vision loss? Does Wyatt continue to stay healthy and keep his donor heart? Do they? How does their new fame as the Three Wishers go over in their every day lives? I need answers, people! I know the author doesn't do too many sequels aside from her Roll With It series.
Honestly, I thought Noor was going to die before they went on any wishes. I'm glad they were all able to complete their wishes. Even the parents were able to grow and learn from their teens. Even Wyatt's dad seemed to soften, maybe, a little bit (maybe).
I also feel that readers who are going through similar situations will feel "seen". The author states that she has spent many hours and days at the children's hospital for her son. She shares her family on her socials and you can read her authenticity in her books. She does the research to keep the story real. I appreciate that as a reader.
This is a must-have book to add to your collections, especially if you already have Jamie Sumner's other titles (and if you don't, go get them)!
Wish You Well would also be a good classroom read aloud. Yes, I did tear up a few times throughout the book but it is still a good read aloud.
#JamieSumner #WishYouWell
#SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss #Goodreads #NewRelease
Spoiler Alert
.
.
.
Spoiler Alert
.
.
.
Spoiler Alert
.
.
.
Spoilers
I hate when authors leave you hanging and you have so many questions that go unanswered. I know that's done on purpose for a possible sequel but it's still frustrating! Does Noor get better? Does Violet adapt to her vision loss? Does Wyatt continue to stay healthy and keep his donor heart? Do they? How does their new fame as the Three Wishers go over in their every day lives? I need answers, people! I know the author doesn't do too many sequels aside from her Roll With It series.
Honestly, I thought Noor was going to die before they went on any wishes. I'm glad they were all able to complete their wishes. Even the parents were able to grow and learn from their teens. Even Wyatt's dad seemed to soften, maybe, a little bit (maybe).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So well done!!! The characters are appropriately bitter about their diagnoses, but not enough to drag the story down. They are initially forced into friendship by prodding parents, and prefer engaging in snarky humor over commiserating about their misfortunes.. As the wish-granting scheme unfolds and time passes, they develop a true comeraderie, and are there for each other through challenges and celebrations.
I only wish that there had been more instances of Violet finding ways to thrive in spite of her fast-approaching blindness. It was hinted at, but it seemed like the more important thing to the story was her getting her wish - which was significant because it was something amazing to experience while she did have vision.
I will definitely be buying this for my middle school library and looking into other books by this author.
I only wish that there had been more instances of Violet finding ways to thrive in spite of her fast-approaching blindness. It was hinted at, but it seemed like the more important thing to the story was her getting her wish - which was significant because it was something amazing to experience while she did have vision.
I will definitely be buying this for my middle school library and looking into other books by this author.
September 6, 2026
When three sick kids with different diseases meet each other at a hospital picnic what follows is a scheme to get their wishes granted and an unlikely friendship they never thought possible. As the kids work together to get each wish granted they discover they have a lot more in common than just being sick and together they make more than just wishes come true.
This was an amazing story about three sick kids and how they go from faking friendship to get their wishes granted to a real friendship built on their secret hopes and dreams. The characters felt real in an achingly good way and made me wish the story didn't have to end. I loved reading about each kid's wish and how they didn't let their sicknesses define who they were or stop them from getting their wishes granted. This is a book I would definitely recommend for all middle grade libraries.
This was an amazing story about three sick kids and how they go from faking friendship to get their wishes granted to a real friendship built on their secret hopes and dreams. The characters felt real in an achingly good way and made me wish the story didn't have to end. I loved reading about each kid's wish and how they didn't let their sicknesses define who they were or stop them from getting their wishes granted. This is a book I would definitely recommend for all middle grade libraries.
October 2, 2026
💙 Wish You Well absolutely grabbed me by the heart. Violet, Wyatt, and Noor are three unforgettable kids dealing with serious diagnoses, but Jamie Sumner never reduces them to their illnesses. They’re funny, stubborn, messy, scared, hopeful, and completely themselves. I loved watching their unlikely partnership grow into a real friendship, especially as they learn how terrifying—and worthwhile—it can be to let people in. The story tackles illness, fear, grief, independence, and uncertainty with so much compassion, while still leaving room for humor, mischief, and joy. Emotional without feeling manipulative, this is a tender reminder that connection can be worth the risk, even when the future feels uncertain. Keep the tissues close. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I always say "I am ready to read another Jamie Sumner, you won't destroy me this time" and I am always wrong. I cried a lot with this one. The three young teens get together in a strong friendship because they share the need for support from those who go through so much daily. A new heart, going blind, cancer... They plan to get three wishes from the nonprofit that allows them to make these wishes come true. The author showcases well the social platforms and resources available for crowdfunding that, with the nonprofit, allow them to share their story and take one step closer to hope, to being less angry, less bitter, less sad. It's so sad and beautifully written.
Thank you author for one more amazing novel.
Thank you author for one more amazing novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Jamie Sumner's middle grade works, and her novel for slightly older readers is just as powerful and delightful. Violet is a fantastic narrator, full of rage and humor and every emotion in between despondency and hope, and Wyatt and Noor are just as wonderfully crafted. I loved all three of the characters separately and I especially loved to three of them as a trio. The romance is nice levity in a deeply emotional story of degenerative illness and cancer, and the adventures of the wishes create a strong plot. Wish You Well is The Fault in Our Stars for Gen Alpha, and any middle school should put this book on their shelves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 28, 2026
Violet is angry. She is losing her vision due to macular degeneration from Best's disease, and it's going faster than expected. She is fighting the accommodations and pushing her mother and friends away. Wyatt recently had a heart transplant. His body is adjusting well, but he's not into football like the rest of his family. Noor loves to bake, but her cancer is taking away her ability to eat. All three eighth graders meet at the children's hospital picnic and form an unlikely friendship. Told strictly from Violet's point of view, we see the ups and downs of their friendship as they struggle with their diseases and work together to make their dreams come true. Highly recommended for grades 5 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wish You Well feels like a modern Lurlene McDaniel novel, albeit featuring slightly younger characters who are more prone to chaos. Following three tweens with terminal or chronic health conditions who come up with a plot to share their Wish on a Star whishes, becoming friends in the process. I think my students will relate to Violet, Noor, and Wyatt even if they are unfamiliar with life with a chronic condition, and for those who do have chronic conditions or challenges, it is also a good representation of how these kids are still kids with everyday hopes, goals, and fears. I’ll definitely be recommending this for our school libraries.
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5. This is such a good book! Jamie Sumner is a rockstar author. Her characters are great. Here she manages to pull off three distinct kids, facing three very different struggles. It doesn’t feel too sappy or unrealistic, despite the premise. I really like this one. I only took away half a star because it’s not a novel in verse and I love that format from this author-so much! This is an adventure story, with a plenty of humor, and heaps of perseverance. Students will enjoy this-it’s a great read for fostering empathy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews