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Best Wishes #1
Best Wishes
Because you’re blue
This bracelet is now for you.
Speak one wish to make it true. . .
So begins this new adventure from Sarah Mlynowski. When different girls around the country receive a wish-granting bracelet in the mail, magical mayhem ensues!
Becca Singer is having the Worst Day Ever. Her best friend, Harper, dumped her, and Becca is totally friendless and alone.
Then the box arrives in the mail.
Inside the box? One bracelet, plus a mysterious note telling Becca to make a wish. So Becca puts on the bracelet--why not, right?--and wishes to have friends. Lots of friends. So many friends.
And just like that, the magic works. Suddenly, EVERYONE wants to be Becca’s BFF, from all the kids at school to the teachers (!) to her own mom (!!). As things spin out of control, Becca starts to wonder: Is this wish a curse?
And stay tuned for Book Two, co-written by Sarah Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud, when a girl in Ohio gets the bracelet in the mail and makes a new wish!
This bracelet is now for you.
Speak one wish to make it true. . .
So begins this new adventure from Sarah Mlynowski. When different girls around the country receive a wish-granting bracelet in the mail, magical mayhem ensues!
Becca Singer is having the Worst Day Ever. Her best friend, Harper, dumped her, and Becca is totally friendless and alone.
Then the box arrives in the mail.
Inside the box? One bracelet, plus a mysterious note telling Becca to make a wish. So Becca puts on the bracelet--why not, right?--and wishes to have friends. Lots of friends. So many friends.
And just like that, the magic works. Suddenly, EVERYONE wants to be Becca’s BFF, from all the kids at school to the teachers (!) to her own mom (!!). As things spin out of control, Becca starts to wonder: Is this wish a curse?
And stay tuned for Book Two, co-written by Sarah Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud, when a girl in Ohio gets the bracelet in the mail and makes a new wish!
192 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
42 people are currently reading
2074 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mlynowski
130 books3,353 followersSarah was born in Montreal, Canada. After graduating with an honors degree in English literature from McGill University, she moved to Toronto to work for Harlequin Enterprises. While she never met Fabio, she used her romance publishing experiences to fuel her first novel Milkrun.
Since then, Sarah has written four additional novels for adults: Fishbowl, As Seen on TV, Monkey Business, and Me vs. Me; the New York Times bestselling middle grade series Whatever After; the middle grade series Upside-Down Magic (with Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins); and the teen novels Bras & Broomsticks, Frogs & French Kisses, Spells & Sleeping Bags, and Parties & Potions (all in the Magic in Manhattan series), as well as Gimme a Call, Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have), Don't Even Think About It, Think Twice, and I See London, I See France. Along with Lauren Myracle and E. Lockhart, Sarah also wrote How to Be Bad, and along with Farrin Jacobs, she wrote See Jane Write, a guide to writing. Sarah also co-edited two bestselling charity collections (Girls' Night In and Girls' Night Out), and has contributed to various anthologies (American Girls About Town, Sixteen: Stories About That Sweet and Bitter Birthday, 21 Proms, First Kiss (Then Tell), Fireworks, and Vacations from Hell).
Sarah is also a co-founder of OMG BookFest, a celebration of books aimed at the early to middle grade reader (ages 7-12) that brings together commercial and award-winning authors with underserved local communities for an exciting experience of books, games and activities.
Sarah's books have been translated into twenty-nine languages and optioned to Hollywood. She now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.
Since then, Sarah has written four additional novels for adults: Fishbowl, As Seen on TV, Monkey Business, and Me vs. Me; the New York Times bestselling middle grade series Whatever After; the middle grade series Upside-Down Magic (with Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins); and the teen novels Bras & Broomsticks, Frogs & French Kisses, Spells & Sleeping Bags, and Parties & Potions (all in the Magic in Manhattan series), as well as Gimme a Call, Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have), Don't Even Think About It, Think Twice, and I See London, I See France. Along with Lauren Myracle and E. Lockhart, Sarah also wrote How to Be Bad, and along with Farrin Jacobs, she wrote See Jane Write, a guide to writing. Sarah also co-edited two bestselling charity collections (Girls' Night In and Girls' Night Out), and has contributed to various anthologies (American Girls About Town, Sixteen: Stories About That Sweet and Bitter Birthday, 21 Proms, First Kiss (Then Tell), Fireworks, and Vacations from Hell).
Sarah is also a co-founder of OMG BookFest, a celebration of books aimed at the early to middle grade reader (ages 7-12) that brings together commercial and award-winning authors with underserved local communities for an exciting experience of books, games and activities.
Sarah's books have been translated into twenty-nine languages and optioned to Hollywood. She now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 7, 2025
3,75⭐️!!
June 10, 2023
“Oh, Becca! You got a package in the mail,” Mr.Wangins said. I turned around. “I did?”
“Yup. I left it in the mailroom.”
“Oh! Thank you!” I said.
There, in the corner of the room with the other packages, was a box. A square cardboard box, about the size of a small toaster. It was covered in cute stickers. And it was addressed to…
Me.
Me?
Yes. Me.
I never get packages! But in black cursive writing, on the top of the box, it read:
Becca Singer
416 west 91st street, Apt 7G
New York, New York 10027
There was no return address, but there was a big black sparkly stamp in the top right corner that said forever. I hesitated before opening the box. Sometimes the promise of something is better than the real thing, you know. The tape was taped closed with clear packing tape. I took out my scissors to carefully open it and then flipped the top up. The interior of the box was decorated with tiny circles. And sitting in the centre of the box was an emerald green glittery pouch. Ooh. I took out the pouch and opened it carefully. Inside was a delicate bracelet made of turquoise and gold beads of different sizes. it was beautiful. There was also a letter in the box on a sheet of old looking paper . The words were written in black cursive that matched the hand writing on the box.Tingles spread up my arms as I started to read ………
That is part of the story. She lost her friend and the only wish she wants is to have a bff. She gets a wishes and you know what wish she does. I rate this book a ten out of five. It is wonderful.
“Yup. I left it in the mailroom.”
“Oh! Thank you!” I said.
There, in the corner of the room with the other packages, was a box. A square cardboard box, about the size of a small toaster. It was covered in cute stickers. And it was addressed to…
Me.
Me?
Yes. Me.
I never get packages! But in black cursive writing, on the top of the box, it read:
Becca Singer
416 west 91st street, Apt 7G
New York, New York 10027
There was no return address, but there was a big black sparkly stamp in the top right corner that said forever. I hesitated before opening the box. Sometimes the promise of something is better than the real thing, you know. The tape was taped closed with clear packing tape. I took out my scissors to carefully open it and then flipped the top up. The interior of the box was decorated with tiny circles. And sitting in the centre of the box was an emerald green glittery pouch. Ooh. I took out the pouch and opened it carefully. Inside was a delicate bracelet made of turquoise and gold beads of different sizes. it was beautiful. There was also a letter in the box on a sheet of old looking paper . The words were written in black cursive that matched the hand writing on the box.Tingles spread up my arms as I started to read ………
That is part of the story. She lost her friend and the only wish she wants is to have a bff. She gets a wishes and you know what wish she does. I rate this book a ten out of five. It is wonderful.
March 23, 2024
Cute, sweet story with illustrations and cover from my favorite artist, Maxine Vee.
August 18, 2022
This middle grade novel was a lot of fun! Dealing with friendships and the kinds of change these friendships undergo through middle school - but infused with some magic and a bit of mystery - this book is a great new novel for young tweens! It will be part of a series, which is great, and I look forward to reading the next one when it comes out!
August 21, 2025
بامزه بود خوشم اومد ازش میرم جلد دوم.
October 24, 2023
This book was great.
Have you ever felt lonely, like you don’t have a friend in the world? What if you had a magic bracelet that could change all of that? In Best Wishes, Becca is having the worst day ever: Her best friend just dumped her for someone else, and Becca has no other friends to celebrate her birthday. That’s when she receives a magic bracelet in the mail that will grant her one wish. She doesn’t actually think it is magic, but when she makes her wish “I wish everyone wanted to be my friend”, her wish comes true! Now it isn’t just her best friend who wants to be friends, but every kid and every teacher in school. Even her mom wants to get coffee and do yoga with Becca. Everything seems to be wonderful, but so many people want to be friends with Becca that it becomes overwhelming. And are these real friends if the bracelet is making them do this? Did Becca receive a wish, or a curse?
Dealing with change is one of my favorite middle grade themes, and this book knocks that theme out of the park. The feelings and wishes of Becca felt very authentic, and I credit this book for actually dealing with smartphones (So many kids' books seem to ignore them, but they are a part of kids' lives whether we like it or not). Short, sweet, to the point, and has a great hook for future installments.
Have you ever felt lonely, like you don’t have a friend in the world? What if you had a magic bracelet that could change all of that? In Best Wishes, Becca is having the worst day ever: Her best friend just dumped her for someone else, and Becca has no other friends to celebrate her birthday. That’s when she receives a magic bracelet in the mail that will grant her one wish. She doesn’t actually think it is magic, but when she makes her wish “I wish everyone wanted to be my friend”, her wish comes true! Now it isn’t just her best friend who wants to be friends, but every kid and every teacher in school. Even her mom wants to get coffee and do yoga with Becca. Everything seems to be wonderful, but so many people want to be friends with Becca that it becomes overwhelming. And are these real friends if the bracelet is making them do this? Did Becca receive a wish, or a curse?
Dealing with change is one of my favorite middle grade themes, and this book knocks that theme out of the park. The feelings and wishes of Becca felt very authentic, and I credit this book for actually dealing with smartphones (So many kids' books seem to ignore them, but they are a part of kids' lives whether we like it or not). Short, sweet, to the point, and has a great hook for future installments.
August 2, 2022
This book is a great take on a standard life problem: when you’re growing up and growing apart from your first friends from the start of school. What if you could wish that everyone wanted to be your friend? What if that wish came true? This book puts a slight bit of magic into that wish, as it explores what friendship is - and what it isn’t. The pacing is just right, and I love how the author incorporates the main character’s religious practices into the story without making it a big focus - which many readers will see reflected in their own lives. This planned trilogy will be a great addition to grade 3 - 6 classrooms and libraries.
July 26, 2022
Fun to see different authors will do each book, and definitely a cute premise with an "I need the next book" ending!
April 29, 2025
I used to love the Whatever After series. My younger sister and I are deep-cleaning our room. We decided to listen to this audiobook together.
My 9-year-old sister loved it, and honestly, I liked it, too. If you like the Whatever After series, I’m sure you’ll like this one—especially since there’s a short story at the end. It’s a magical story of friendship and magic, and Willow was immediately my favorite character… UNTIL she was reading the Dork Diaries series. I don’t consider those novels. But anyway… back to this series.
We’re still cleaning our room, so since we don’t have the second book, we’re listening to the third as I write this. Bye!
My 9-year-old sister loved it, and honestly, I liked it, too. If you like the Whatever After series, I’m sure you’ll like this one—especially since there’s a short story at the end. It’s a magical story of friendship and magic, and Willow was immediately my favorite character… UNTIL she was reading the Dork Diaries series. I don’t consider those novels. But anyway… back to this series.
We’re still cleaning our room, so since we don’t have the second book, we’re listening to the third as I write this. Bye!
January 12, 2023
This book was excellent. My daughter read it first and said I would like it. I agree! Good storytelling and a good lesson for my 8 year old.
Read
June 13, 2023Adorable, light MG book about friendship and the consequences of getting your wish. Will recommend to many young readers.
May 21, 2024
I read this middle grade book with my daughter. It was a cute story about friendship - making friends, growing apart from a best friend, and being inclusive.
July 3, 2024
This book is soooooo amazing—WAIT THIS IS A WHOLE SERIES?!?!?!? Count me in!!!!!!!
April 7, 2024
This book was heart worming when I read this. I thought it was so creative and fun that a magic bracelet who thought so much could happen with that. ✨️💎
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
I read this all in one go!! And I've been in a bit of a reading slump, so that's awesome!
I absolutely loved this use of the classic "Be careful what you wish for 'cause you might just get it"/"Magic can be more trouble than it's worth" tropes and how the story used them in a much more realistic way than they normally are. Normally, it feels like it's just trying to tell you that you're always better off without magic, like it'll stop us all from dreaming, but this one didn't feel like it. Instead, it actually had me understanding Becca's feelings from the first page to the last, and when she was starting to get scared by the magic and all the uncomfortable situations it was putting her in, I was routing to find the solution right along with her! It also had many of the same sorts of things as the Whatever After and Upside-Down Magic books, maybe we can call that the Sarah Mlynowski sparkle, haha? The whole book, though it doesn't necessarily feel like it for most of the story, is actually Becca's experiences being recounted to the next person who will receive the magic bracelet. I thought it was such a clever and effortless way of introducing the sequel's protagonist without needing to tell us anything about her, and while I know it can be hard moving on to new characters after a whole journey with one, it makes me feel a lot better that Becca is alright with the switch and is excited to meet this "Addie" too :)
P.S: Hoping Twinkle has a shiny new bowl with plenty of room to swim around in!
I absolutely loved this use of the classic "Be careful what you wish for 'cause you might just get it"/"Magic can be more trouble than it's worth" tropes and how the story used them in a much more realistic way than they normally are. Normally, it feels like it's just trying to tell you that you're always better off without magic, like it'll stop us all from dreaming, but this one didn't feel like it. Instead, it actually had me understanding Becca's feelings from the first page to the last, and when she was starting to get scared by the magic and all the uncomfortable situations it was putting her in, I was routing to find the solution right along with her! It also had many of the same sorts of things as the Whatever After and Upside-Down Magic books, maybe we can call that the Sarah Mlynowski sparkle, haha? The whole book, though it doesn't necessarily feel like it for most of the story, is actually Becca's experiences being recounted to the next person who will receive the magic bracelet. I thought it was such a clever and effortless way of introducing the sequel's protagonist without needing to tell us anything about her, and while I know it can be hard moving on to new characters after a whole journey with one, it makes me feel a lot better that Becca is alright with the switch and is excited to meet this "Addie" too :)
P.S: Hoping Twinkle has a shiny new bowl with plenty of room to swim around in!
November 9, 2023
A fun, equally funny and meaningful book that teaches readers the truest magic of all: friendship. Becca is a likeable heroine many readers will connect with and the whole time reading the book I was like, if I was her age, I would be her friend! I'm excited to see where this series goes as more books come out!
June 8, 2023
The novel is short and to the point. It gets in, gets out, and wraps up with an interesting enough hook to make me want to read the second one. It appears that each novel will focus on a new wearer of the bracelet.
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Marginalized Home Blue Highway 666633
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Marginalized Home Blue Highway 666633
May 17, 2023
This had such creep factor potential. It built to such a creepy, surreal place and then Becca learned her lesson that people change and weird people are people too. I found the MC super manipulative and awful. Also the brother is equally awful. I really wanted to like this book as the author's other works are super popular. But eugh. Not with this MC.
December 14, 2022
It’s a Sarah Mlynowski book, of course it’s going to heal my inner child.
September 27, 2022
Loved it!
September 16, 2022
Becca Singer is excited for her birthday. She has it all planned out. Her best friend Harper is coming over, and they’re going to stay up late doing tie-dye and eating pizza and playing their favorite storytelling game. Becca cannot wait for her birthday sleepover.
But when Becca asks Harper about it, Harper doesn’t sound all that excited. She says that she can’t sleep over, because she has to get up early on Saturday to go to a chess tournament with Georgette. Harper had been spending a lot of time with Georgette lately. In fact, Harper said that she wasn’t sure that she wanted Becca as her best friend any more.
Becca is very sad, but when she gets home, she finds tat there is a package waiting for her. Becca thought maybe someone had sent her a birthday gift, but it didn’t say that it was from anyone she knew. When she opened the box, she found that there was a bracelet inside. It had a strange message about giving her one wish, and Becca knew what it was that she wanted to wish for. She would wish for more friends.
The next day, Becca notices a difference. Some of the kids at school are friendly with her. They ask her questions and want to sit next to her. Becca feels good, feeling like people want to be friends with her. It makes losing Harper as her best friend easier to deal with.
The next day, more of the kids at school want to be her friend. Even the adults around Becca are acting differently. Her teacher gives her a good grade, even though she doesn’t deserve it. The principal is nice to her. And her mother taker her to the fancy coffee shop for a cup of hot chocolate and agrees to order pizza for dinner.
But as the days go by, Becca finds it harder to keep up with all her friends. She invites so many other kids to her birthday party. So many people want to sit next to her at lunch that she can barely fit at the table. Harper wants to be her friend again, but so does Georgette, who Becca doesn’t really like all that much. She has more texts than she can respond to, and her Friendstagram friend requests are out of control. But she’s not happy.
Being friends with everyone is fun, but Becca knows that it’s not real, and as soon as she takes the bracelet off, all those friends will go away again. And while she’s enjoying spending time with her mother and her brother, who is being nice to her for the first time in ages, she’s sad that her dad hasn’t called her. Ever since he moved away, Becca has had a hard time connecting with him.
As Becca tries to figure out what it is that she really wants in a friend, she realizes that what is more important is learning to be a good friend. But she can’t figure out how to be a good friend until she gets rid of all of her fake friends and can take off the bracelet. But now it’s stuck to her wrist and she can’t get it off. How will Becca undo the magic wish and get back to her regular life, so she can learn how to be real friend herself?
Best Wishes is the first in a new series from bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski. The series will follow the bracelet, as its wishes change the lives for two other kids, and Mlynowski will be writing the next two books with friends of hers, telling more stories of kids finding out that getting a wish granted may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
I really enjoyed Best Wishes. It’s smart and it’s sweet, and the moral of the story is a good reminder at any age. I especially liked how Becca figured out the key to making friends and shared it with all the readers. I know I could have used that information when I was a kid, and I think other kids will have an easier time making friends after reading Becca’s story. I also loved how Becca learned to be honest with herself and to share that with others, standing up for herself, admitting to her hurt feelings, and helping others find a way to share their talents. An encouraging read for kids struggling to find their place or to make friends, or for anyone who loves a good story with a bit of magic about it.
Galleys for Best Wises were provided by Scholastic Press, with many thanks.
But when Becca asks Harper about it, Harper doesn’t sound all that excited. She says that she can’t sleep over, because she has to get up early on Saturday to go to a chess tournament with Georgette. Harper had been spending a lot of time with Georgette lately. In fact, Harper said that she wasn’t sure that she wanted Becca as her best friend any more.
Becca is very sad, but when she gets home, she finds tat there is a package waiting for her. Becca thought maybe someone had sent her a birthday gift, but it didn’t say that it was from anyone she knew. When she opened the box, she found that there was a bracelet inside. It had a strange message about giving her one wish, and Becca knew what it was that she wanted to wish for. She would wish for more friends.
The next day, Becca notices a difference. Some of the kids at school are friendly with her. They ask her questions and want to sit next to her. Becca feels good, feeling like people want to be friends with her. It makes losing Harper as her best friend easier to deal with.
The next day, more of the kids at school want to be her friend. Even the adults around Becca are acting differently. Her teacher gives her a good grade, even though she doesn’t deserve it. The principal is nice to her. And her mother taker her to the fancy coffee shop for a cup of hot chocolate and agrees to order pizza for dinner.
But as the days go by, Becca finds it harder to keep up with all her friends. She invites so many other kids to her birthday party. So many people want to sit next to her at lunch that she can barely fit at the table. Harper wants to be her friend again, but so does Georgette, who Becca doesn’t really like all that much. She has more texts than she can respond to, and her Friendstagram friend requests are out of control. But she’s not happy.
Being friends with everyone is fun, but Becca knows that it’s not real, and as soon as she takes the bracelet off, all those friends will go away again. And while she’s enjoying spending time with her mother and her brother, who is being nice to her for the first time in ages, she’s sad that her dad hasn’t called her. Ever since he moved away, Becca has had a hard time connecting with him.
As Becca tries to figure out what it is that she really wants in a friend, she realizes that what is more important is learning to be a good friend. But she can’t figure out how to be a good friend until she gets rid of all of her fake friends and can take off the bracelet. But now it’s stuck to her wrist and she can’t get it off. How will Becca undo the magic wish and get back to her regular life, so she can learn how to be real friend herself?
Best Wishes is the first in a new series from bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski. The series will follow the bracelet, as its wishes change the lives for two other kids, and Mlynowski will be writing the next two books with friends of hers, telling more stories of kids finding out that getting a wish granted may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
I really enjoyed Best Wishes. It’s smart and it’s sweet, and the moral of the story is a good reminder at any age. I especially liked how Becca figured out the key to making friends and shared it with all the readers. I know I could have used that information when I was a kid, and I think other kids will have an easier time making friends after reading Becca’s story. I also loved how Becca learned to be honest with herself and to share that with others, standing up for herself, admitting to her hurt feelings, and helping others find a way to share their talents. An encouraging read for kids struggling to find their place or to make friends, or for anyone who loves a good story with a bit of magic about it.
Galleys for Best Wises were provided by Scholastic Press, with many thanks.
November 12, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Becca and Harper have been friends since kindergarten, and go to school in New York's Uppwer West Side. They've always spent birthdays together, having sleepovers and playing their favorite games, but this year Harper backs out, saying that she has to get up early for a chess tournament the next morning. The two have become more distant since they were put in different classes, and Becca thinks that chess playing Georgette is partly to blame. She monoploizes Harper over lunch when Becca rarely gets to see her and really needs to offload about her mean teacher. When Becca confronts Harper about the lack of connection, Harper says that she doesn't want to be best friends anymore. This is devastating, since Becca doesn't have many other friends, so it is a pleasant surprise when she receives a package at home. It's a bracelet with a cryptic note about wishing, but no sender. She tries to call her father, who is recently divorced from her mother and had to move to California for work, but he doesn't answer. It's not from her mother or brother, Brahm, either. THe next day at school, Becca takes a chance and wishes that more people would be her friend. The effects are immediate, and everyone is falling all over themselves to connect with her. This even affects her teacher, who is just kind of irritated with her, as well as her mother, who starts agreeing to whatever Becca requests, and even spending time getting coffee and manicures. The fact that she starts dressing like her is a bit alarming. Everyone in class wants to come to her birthday party. This is fun for a while, but also a bit tiring. When a strange woman keeps trying to buy the bracelet from Becca, she is even more alarmed. She eventually wants the wish to stop, but she can't get the bracelet off. Her brother has some wise words about how he has so many friends without any magic. Can Becca take some of these hints to heart and solve her unusual situation?
Strengths: Having more friends definitely sounds like a good plan to most middle grade readers, because being at school by oneself is a bit... scary and isolating. (Unlike being an adult, where having to be in people's company and talk to them is always exhausting!) Becca's falling out with Harper is absolutely true to life, and there are some very astute observations about friendship underneath the glitter of magic. Harper wants to be Becca's friend again when they magic takes hold, but Becca realizes that they don't have much in common. Brahm's description of why he has friends (he pays attention and is nice to people) helps Becca move forward after the bracelet comes off. The magic is sweet and uncomplicated, and the idea of being to make a wish and change one's life is appealing to everyone. Definitely looking forward to other installations of this series.
Weaknesses: I wish that Becca had been a tiny bit older, just because all of my students will read about 8th graders or high school freshman, but only my 6th graders will willingly pick up books with fifth graders as the main characters.
What I really think: This was a fun look at wishes, and I am super excited that the bracelet is being sent to Columbus, Ohio next, in Debbie Rigaud's turn at this series, The Sister Switch (March 7, 2023). Mlynowski's Whatever After is still very popular, and the readers who pick it up will often zip through a book a day, so I think they will be pleased with this new series.
Becca and Harper have been friends since kindergarten, and go to school in New York's Uppwer West Side. They've always spent birthdays together, having sleepovers and playing their favorite games, but this year Harper backs out, saying that she has to get up early for a chess tournament the next morning. The two have become more distant since they were put in different classes, and Becca thinks that chess playing Georgette is partly to blame. She monoploizes Harper over lunch when Becca rarely gets to see her and really needs to offload about her mean teacher. When Becca confronts Harper about the lack of connection, Harper says that she doesn't want to be best friends anymore. This is devastating, since Becca doesn't have many other friends, so it is a pleasant surprise when she receives a package at home. It's a bracelet with a cryptic note about wishing, but no sender. She tries to call her father, who is recently divorced from her mother and had to move to California for work, but he doesn't answer. It's not from her mother or brother, Brahm, either. THe next day at school, Becca takes a chance and wishes that more people would be her friend. The effects are immediate, and everyone is falling all over themselves to connect with her. This even affects her teacher, who is just kind of irritated with her, as well as her mother, who starts agreeing to whatever Becca requests, and even spending time getting coffee and manicures. The fact that she starts dressing like her is a bit alarming. Everyone in class wants to come to her birthday party. This is fun for a while, but also a bit tiring. When a strange woman keeps trying to buy the bracelet from Becca, she is even more alarmed. She eventually wants the wish to stop, but she can't get the bracelet off. Her brother has some wise words about how he has so many friends without any magic. Can Becca take some of these hints to heart and solve her unusual situation?
Strengths: Having more friends definitely sounds like a good plan to most middle grade readers, because being at school by oneself is a bit... scary and isolating. (Unlike being an adult, where having to be in people's company and talk to them is always exhausting!) Becca's falling out with Harper is absolutely true to life, and there are some very astute observations about friendship underneath the glitter of magic. Harper wants to be Becca's friend again when they magic takes hold, but Becca realizes that they don't have much in common. Brahm's description of why he has friends (he pays attention and is nice to people) helps Becca move forward after the bracelet comes off. The magic is sweet and uncomplicated, and the idea of being to make a wish and change one's life is appealing to everyone. Definitely looking forward to other installations of this series.
Weaknesses: I wish that Becca had been a tiny bit older, just because all of my students will read about 8th graders or high school freshman, but only my 6th graders will willingly pick up books with fifth graders as the main characters.
What I really think: This was a fun look at wishes, and I am super excited that the bracelet is being sent to Columbus, Ohio next, in Debbie Rigaud's turn at this series, The Sister Switch (March 7, 2023). Mlynowski's Whatever After is still very popular, and the readers who pick it up will often zip through a book a day, so I think they will be pleased with this new series.
August 30, 2025
I’m not a fan of magical realism, but I gave this one a chance anyway. I enjoyed this more than I expected. I could have even used a book like this while I was still a child. Middle school drama could be so dramatic.
This book deals with friendship—mainly breakups between friends, learning to overcome them, and how to be a friend. The main character—Becca—had trouble with all three. A magic bracelet might or might not be the solution to her problems. It is a story with a somewhat common moral/trope: be careful what you wish for.
One thing I did like was that after all was resolved, Becca and Harper did not end their relationship completely. It is much more realistic and healthy. People grow apart, it hurts, but it’s a part of life.
One thing I hated was the brother. I don’t know what it is in children’s stories about making the (younger) brothers an a-hole. If you want to see a positive change in these demons, maybe give them a positive image to look at, and stop encouraging it by having it portrayed as "ha ha, that’s just how he is, ha ha."
A lot of people could learn something from the quote below.
I had wished that everybody wanted to be my friend. But what I’d really needed was to learn how to make a friend.
People are so lonely and all caught up in wanting friends, but they don’t take the time to learn how to make them or even be someone nice to befriend in the first place!
Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.
September 24, 2023
5th grader Becca is looking forward to her upcoming birthday. She and her best friend Harper will be doing what they have done every year - tie dye, a story game and a sleep over. But, the Monday before her birthday, Harper "breaks up" with Becca - she has a new friend, Georgette, and they are becoming besties. Becca is devastated. Her day goes from bad to worse, and before it ends, her mom had taken her home from school, her face covered in anxiety triggered hives. But a special package is in their mail, a box addressed to Becca containing a special wishing bracelet (and containing a warning to take care and beware of the wish she makes). Becca wishes that everyone was her friend.
I couldn't help but reminisce about the Mrs Piggle-Wiggle books and the trouble which ensues when a child gets their wish. AJ and I read Best Wishes together, and it was the perfect bedtime book. We had some nice discussions about friendship, what makes a good friend, and why you want real friends, not ones compelled by magic. The birthday party with absolutely everyone showing up was terrific. I see there's a book 2 cowritten by Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud, we are looking forward to reading it. Becca and her family are Jewish
I couldn't help but reminisce about the Mrs Piggle-Wiggle books and the trouble which ensues when a child gets their wish. AJ and I read Best Wishes together, and it was the perfect bedtime book. We had some nice discussions about friendship, what makes a good friend, and why you want real friends, not ones compelled by magic. The birthday party with absolutely everyone showing up was terrific. I see there's a book 2 cowritten by Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud, we are looking forward to reading it. Becca and her family are Jewish
January 26, 2025
Best Wishes
By: Sarah Mlynowski
Publish Date: September 6, 2022
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Children’s Fiction
I would like to thank Scholastic Press for sending me this book for my honest review. Sorry it has taken me this long to get to it.
Book Review:
This is a cute book about wishes and what they can really do to you.
Becca’s birthday is coming up soon and her best friend really doesn’t want to hang out with her anymore. Becca feels lost and lonely. She doesn’t have any other friends, and her dad hasn’t really called to talk with her. One day a package arrives for her, and she thinks her dad has sent her a present which is a bracelet. There is a strange note in the package that came with the bracelet. The note tells her to make a wish and what does Becca wish for you got it she wants friends. And boy does she get them. Wishes aren’t all that claim to be and Becca will soon find this out.
This is the start of new series about wishes. It was a great read, and I think children will enjoy this book. I gave it 4 stars.
By: Sarah Mlynowski
Publish Date: September 6, 2022
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Children’s Fiction
I would like to thank Scholastic Press for sending me this book for my honest review. Sorry it has taken me this long to get to it.
Book Review:
This is a cute book about wishes and what they can really do to you.
Becca’s birthday is coming up soon and her best friend really doesn’t want to hang out with her anymore. Becca feels lost and lonely. She doesn’t have any other friends, and her dad hasn’t really called to talk with her. One day a package arrives for her, and she thinks her dad has sent her a present which is a bracelet. There is a strange note in the package that came with the bracelet. The note tells her to make a wish and what does Becca wish for you got it she wants friends. And boy does she get them. Wishes aren’t all that claim to be and Becca will soon find this out.
This is the start of new series about wishes. It was a great read, and I think children will enjoy this book. I gave it 4 stars.
May 27, 2025
Becca has a rough day at School. Her best friend Harper since kindergarten has a new best friend, and looses interest in her and unsure about if she’ll be part of her birthday party. And Becca isn’t great with making new friends either. After School she receives a box with a “unique” bracelet in it. Her wish is for everyone to be her best friend including the adults in her life. Is having everyone as her best friend as awesome as she imagined it?
I liked reading this book because just like Becca I’ve experienced loosing friends and not being great with making friends unless they approach me first when I was in School. I found it interesting that this book had a whole “Be careful with what you with for” lesson. I thought the school star student assembly part was funny. And Becca does learn how to actually make friends, and realizes it’s better to put in the work than have something happen just from a braclet.
I have plans to read the next 3 books too so looking forward.
I liked reading this book because just like Becca I’ve experienced loosing friends and not being great with making friends unless they approach me first when I was in School. I found it interesting that this book had a whole “Be careful with what you with for” lesson. I thought the school star student assembly part was funny. And Becca does learn how to actually make friends, and realizes it’s better to put in the work than have something happen just from a braclet.
I have plans to read the next 3 books too so looking forward.
September 21, 2022
Wow what a fabulous book!
From the perspective of a 9th grader I must say I WISH I had read this book in elementary school. Best Wishes stars Becca, a 9 year old girl who struggles to branch out and make new friends. Becca is not only a Jewish protagonist (yay representation!!) but a relatable character who faces real life struggles not often discussed in books such as divorced parents, friendship issues and social success in elementary school. To top it all off there's magic!! I can't wait to find out who gets the bracelet next and the adventures that await them (also who the girl was who tried to steal it...) Overall Best Wishes teaches readers about building friendships and how change is okay. My little sister, who is in elementary school adores this book and it's safe to say we cannot wait till the next book comes out!!
From the perspective of a 9th grader I must say I WISH I had read this book in elementary school. Best Wishes stars Becca, a 9 year old girl who struggles to branch out and make new friends. Becca is not only a Jewish protagonist (yay representation!!) but a relatable character who faces real life struggles not often discussed in books such as divorced parents, friendship issues and social success in elementary school. To top it all off there's magic!! I can't wait to find out who gets the bracelet next and the adventures that await them (also who the girl was who tried to steal it...) Overall Best Wishes teaches readers about building friendships and how change is okay. My little sister, who is in elementary school adores this book and it's safe to say we cannot wait till the next book comes out!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
Becca is having the worst day ever. First, she forgot her math homework. Then her best friend, Harper, tells her “I don’t think I want to be best friends anymore.” Then when she goes to the bathroom to regroup, she gets stuck in the stall. It takes 45 minutes for someone to get her out.
When she gets home, there is a box waiting for her. Inside is a bracelet and a note: Because you are blue, this bracelet is now for you. The note instructs her to make a wish. So Becca does. “I wish everyone wanted to be my friend.” What seemed like a good idea at the time, soon spirals out of control.
A cute friendship story.
When she gets home, there is a box waiting for her. Inside is a bracelet and a note: Because you are blue, this bracelet is now for you. The note instructs her to make a wish. So Becca does. “I wish everyone wanted to be my friend.” What seemed like a good idea at the time, soon spirals out of control.
A cute friendship story.
December 17, 2024
If you could make one wish, what would you ask for? Becca is going through a rough time. Her best friend doesn’t want to be her friend anymore, her birthday is coming up, and there is no one she wants to invite. Without her best friend Harper, who would she even ask to come? But then a mysterious package arrives. Inside it is a bracelet. With a note. Apparently this bracelet will grant one wish. And Becca wishes for friends. Lots of them. And when the wish comes true, it isn’t as great as she expected. In each book in this series, this magic bracelet gets sent to a different girl. And the results of their wishes are surprising.
October 14, 2023
10/13/2023 ~ I felt that Becca's concerns as she transitioned into 5th grade and her friendships evolved were realistic. The chaos created by the wish for lots of friends struck true, with the popular fairy tale trope of wishes gone awry. The end was perhaps a bit didactic, but I appreciated Becca's insights as she realized what friendship was.
Realistic fiction in that it is set in a current elementary school & has typical friendship issues, including social media and phones for 5th graders. Fantasy in that the bracelet grants wishes that get extreme.
Realistic fiction in that it is set in a current elementary school & has typical friendship issues, including social media and phones for 5th graders. Fantasy in that the bracelet grants wishes that get extreme.
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