Just One Wish by Janette Rallsion

Title: Just One Wish
Author: Janette Rallison
Pages: 272
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: March 5, 2009

Seventeen-year-old Annika's little brother, Jeremy, is about to undergo surgery for cancer. The teen promises him that she has a genie that will bring his favorite TV character, Teen Robin Hood, to meet him. In what seems like too much of a sitcom plot, Annika drives several hours, invades the show's set, and persuades its star to come home with her. He's on a tight schedule. Paparazzi attack them. His car breaks down. Steve and Annika fall in love, adding a sweet, but uncertain, romance to the mix. She also learns that he has a family situation of his own to resolve. Questions about the meaning of life and whether there is a caring God give the book heft but don't always jibe with its lighter aspects. Annika is a resourceful, kindhearted heroine, and her Robin Hood has dimension as well.

When Annika's brother is going to get a surgery for cancer, she promises him that she has a genie that will make his wishes come true. But what if his wish is near impossible? Can Annika really 'kidnap' Steve Raleigh, the actor who plays Jeremy's favorite character; the Teen Robin Hood. Is this really an impossible feat? Or is this the start of a new, wonderful adventure? One, two, three, action!

Just One Wish, on the surface, may seem like a light, cliché YA novel, but it is so much more than just that. With meaningful, underlying messages, Janette Rallison tells a wonderful story, proving how far a person would go, for someone they love. Annika and Jeremy's relationship is heartfelt and genuine. Jeremy's perception of everthing is bright and optimistic; that's what drives the novel, along with Annika's entertaining narrative.

The romance and chemistry between Steve and Annika, is more predictable then people would expect because it isn't as realistic as it could have been. Their adventures together, though, makes up for that and will make readers laugh out loud, purely from entertainment!

In Just One Wish, Janette Rallison tells an entertaining story with a great character; Annika is full of spunk, confidence, and determination. As she goes through many obstacles to make Jeremy's wish come true, she falls in love, learns a few tricks, and truly shows how much she loves her brother. Bravo! A =)

The Bottom Line: I want a sister like Annika! =)

---Report Card---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 93/10o (A)