If you loved
Books like Wish
A tender, Southern-fried story about a prickly girl and a stray dog finding exactly where they belong. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Wish.
- heartwarming
- rustic
- bittersweet
- hopeful
- 01
Molly's Story
W. Bruce Cameron
A tender, secretive exploration of the fierce loyalty and quiet comfort found in a forbidden friendship with a dog.
- 02
Waiting for the magic
Patricia MacLachlan
A gentle, big-hearted exploration of how the quiet wisdom of animals can help heal a fractured family.
- 03
How to steal a dog
Barbara O'Connor · 2007
A heartfelt exploration of desperation and morality, wrapped in a kid-logic caper about trying to fix an unfixable situation.
- 04
The Old Woman Who Named Things
Cynthia Rylant
A tender, tear-jerking exploration of loneliness and the brave, vulnerable choice to open your heart to love again.
- 05
A Dog's Life
Ann M. Martin · 2005
A poignant, dog's-eye view of the world that captures the vulnerability of a stray navigating both the cruelties and kindnesses of life.
- 06
One dog and his boy
Eva Ibbotson
A heartwarming, adventurous journey about a lonely boy, a pack of rescued dogs, and the lengths we go to for the friends we love.
- 07
Go home Flash
Ruth Paul
A bouncy, energetic romp through a puppy's mischievous day that ends with a warm, loving reunion.
- 08
Wishtree
Katherine Applegate
A gentle, wise fable told from the perspective of an ancient oak tree who witnesses the quiet struggles and beautiful resilience of a changing neighborhood.
- 09
Piper
Emma Chichester Clark · 1995
A tender, illustrated journey from hardship to heroism, culminating in the warmth of a forever home.
- 10
The Whingdingdilly
Bill Peet · 1970
A whimsical, slightly spooky fable about the chaotic consequences of wishing you were someone else.
- 11
Henry and Mudge
Cynthia Rylant
A warm, reassuring hug of a story about the quiet magic of finding your very best friend.
- 12
Strider
Beverly Cleary · 1991
A heartfelt, diary-style journey of a young teen finding his footing through the love of a rescue dog and the rhythm of running.
