If I Had One Wish ...

by Jackie French Koller

When a mysterious bag lady hands Alec a strange coin and tells him it will grant him one wish, Alec thinks she's crazy. But then, in a fit of anger, Alec wishes his little brother Stevie had never been born, and Stevie disappears! If I Had One Wish was an American Library Association Recommended Book for Reluctant Young Readers and a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age.

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Jackie French Koller (born 1948) is an American author of picture books, chapter books, and novels for children and young adults. She lives and writes in western Massachusetts.

Koller is also an accomplished painter. Her interest in art inspired her to open The Little Black Dog Gallery in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Koller's young-adult novel If I Had One Wish was adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie under the title You Wish!.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the way back in early 2003, Disney Channel premiered their Original Movie titled You Wish!, which was of interest to me because Lalaine of Lizzie McGuire fame starred in it. I tried watching it, but ended up giving up on it before it was over; I think the main reason was because I was expecting it to be a sitcom episode, and it wasn't, nor was it supposed to be.

Fast forward to a few years ago, when I read another book by Jackie French Koller, and decided to check out her website. She had info about You Wish!, which was based on this book, and even had her picture with some of the cast, though I was surprised at her butchering of some of the names of the stars and their associated shows, such as "Lelaine" and "Lizzie MacQwire".

Fast forward again to earlier this year, when I decided to re-watch You Wish! via Disney Plus. When I went into it not expecting it to be in the style of Lizzie McGuire, I actually ended up enjoying it. So, I decided to find the book...but, I had to make a special request for it at my local library.

I just finished the novel today; what did I think? It was a fun story...but very different from the DCOM version. Those of you who watched the Lalaine telefilm may be surprised to see that, in the original book, Alec has an older sister as well. There was also some content that wouldn't be allowed in a Disney Channel production, both good (talk about God) and bad (a usage of the d-word and Alec's sister wondering if he is "on something," as in a drug). Plus, some of the plot points were changed: Alec isn't a numismatist, and the person who gives him the wish-granting coin is an elderly bag lady, not the manager of a store in the mall. Plus, the popular girl that Alec dates after his wish in the movie is nowhere to be seen here.

As juvenile chapter books go, one could do much worse; just don't go into this expecting it to be exactly like the DCOM.

[Folau · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Had One Wish...

I decided to read this book because my dad recommended it to teach me a lesson. I was clueless at first but once I started reading the novel, I didn't stop.

The category I chose to put this book under is 'A Recommended By A Member Of Your Family' since it was recommended to me by my Dad, because the book is about an older brother wishes his little brother was never born, and it happens, the book is about the challenges Alec goes through to try and get his brother back.

My favorite quote from this book is "If I really had one wish it would be that precious little Stevie had never been born!" Because that's what main character 'Alec' says that twists the story, and makes Stevie go missing.

Something I learnt in this book is that I need to cherish moments with my siblings, because something could happen at any time, and life would be very different without them. Also to be careful for what I wish for, because as you can see in the story things can go very wrong and regrettable.

A character that was interesting to me was Alec, because I related very much to him. His feelings seemed very real, and very understandable. It was like I knew exactly what was happening.

I recommend this book to everyone, but especially those with siblings. A very valuable life lesson is learnt from his book. Highly recommended.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was an awesome book for people who have siblings that get on their nerves sometimes. It's about a boy who wishes away his little brother and sees all the changes in his life without him. I really liked this book and recommend it to anybody who likes touching stories.

[mairiachi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story, quick read. Really dated, though, with the idea that if you have a successful career then your family isn't going to be as tight-knit.

Favorite part was when he talks to his best friend's mom and realizes that his parents had Stevie because of how much they loved Alec, and that wishing Stevie away was like wishing away the love and affection they had for Alec. Without the love and affection for Alec, there was no desire to have Stevie.

[Mbkjconley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple story of Alec, an over-sized eighth grade boy who wishes away his annoying six year old brother, Stevie. Much to his surprise, Alec's family changes in ways he had not expected after Stevie disappears. Alec then desperately tries to reverse his wish. Students enjoy relating to the impatient older sibling dealing with a pesky, tattle-tale telling younger sibling.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be careful what you wish for... Pair this with Nancy Etchemendy's The Power of Un.

[Courtney Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though predictable, a cute read. I think this would be a great read for about ages 10-14. Can definitely be used to teach siblings to appreciate one another.

[Debbie Massry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this modern times, this childrens book tells you about life priorities and how we loose sight of them. Excellent read!