How to Make a Wish

Grace Glasser is a gifted pianist preparing for an audition that could lead to her dream music school. She lives with her mother Maggie, whose impulsive decisions and unstable relationships force them to move frequently around their coastal Massachusetts town. When Grace meets Eva, a girl who recently lost her mother, the two form a connection that grows deeper as they share their struggles and passions. Eva's photography and Grace's music become intertwined with their developing relationship, even as both girls navigate complex family dynamics. As Grace works toward her audition, she must confront the reality of her mother's behavior and make decisions about her own future. The story centers on Grace's journey to establish boundaries and find stability while pursuing her goals. This contemporary young adult novel explores themes of mother-daughter relationships, grief, first love, and the challenge of breaking destructive family patterns. The narrative examines how teenagers can maintain hope and forge their own paths while dealing with difficult parents.

Readers highlight the authentic portrayal of bisexual representation and mother-daughter relationships. The romance develops naturally and features complex family dynamics that many readers found relatable. Liked: - Strong character development, especially Grace's journey - Treatment of grief and complicated parental relationships - Organic integration of LGBTQ+ themes without making them the central conflict - Piano/music elements woven throughout Disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - Several readers wanted more resolution with certain secondary characters - A few noted the mother's behavior as frustratingly extreme Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (9,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (160+ ratings) Reader quote: "This book handles the complexity of loving someone who continues to hurt you with such care and nuance." - Goodreads reviewer Many readers note the book offers a balance of heavier themes while maintaining hope throughout the story.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska A queer coming-of-age tale features forbidden romance and complex mother-daughter relationships in a world where magic intersects with reality.

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour A story of grief and first love follows a girl processing family trauma while navigating her feelings for her best friend at college.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson A Black teen musician competes for prom queen scholarship while falling for her competition, balancing family expectations and her own dreams.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen A closeted teenager discovers herself through new friendships and first love after stepping out of her comfort zone.

Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake A bisexual teen confronts family loyalty and trauma while processing her twin brother's assault allegations and reconnecting with her ex-girlfriend.

✦ Main character Grace is a talented pianist preparing for an audition to Juilliard, weaving classical music themes throughout the story's exploration of identity and relationships. ✦ The novel features a bisexual protagonist and an interracial romance, making it one of the earlier YA books to prominently include both elements when it was published in 2017. ✦ Author Ashley Herring Blake drew from her own experiences as a music teacher and performer to create authentic details about Grace's musical journey. ✦ The book tackles complex themes of housing insecurity and parent-child role reversal, with Grace often having to be the responsible one in her relationship with her mother. ✦ The story is set in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, a real coastal area that serves as more than just a backdrop—its beaches and lighthouses become integral to key emotional moments in the narrative.