What do you think?
Rate this book
Wish Upon a Star
When bookish, 14-year-old Hayley makes a wish to become Alexia, her pretty and popular older sister, she doesn’t really expect it to come true. Hayley wakes up the next day miraculously having switched bodies but finds that Alex’s life is a bit more complicated than she’d imagined and that there is much to be missed about being her old self too. Wish Upon A Star is the until-now unpublished manuscript on which the movie of the same name was based. Wish Upon A Star (the movie), which originally aired on The Disney Channel.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2020
8 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Barondes
4 books346 followersJessica Barondes is a screenwriter whose credits include Wish Upon A Star, Little Secrets, and Lucky Seven. Jessica is currently working on several movie projects, and is a producer of the new family film A Cowgirl's Song.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 1, 2020
For more reviews and bookish content: http://literarylion.ca/
I’ve always been a sucker for old coming of age stories, so of course I jumped on the chance to read Wish Upon a Star, a story about two sisters in the 90s who end up swapping bodies when the younger wishes she was her older, more popular sister. Some readers may recognize the title and premise as it was released as a Disney Channel movie way back when. The book does have some significant differences though which allows it to stand on its own.
The plot is fairly simple and fast paced, which works for middle grade fiction. Alex and Hailey are both clear cut characters in opposition. I like the way that the relationship between the sisters develops as they both learn that neither sister has it as easy as expected. However, and this is perhaps because it is told from Hailey’s POV, I feel that Alex gets the short end of the stick.
Alex loves make-up and fashion and is written as a stereotypical mean girl. The book does do a few things to rectify this initial portrayal but ultimately it comes out feeling like Hailey is more “right” in the way she lives her life. Hailey learns to be confident and do basic skincare. Alex learns that the whole way she was living her life was incorrect and she needs to be a better person. I also don’t really like the bitchy popular girls trope, in part because it feels so dated. It doesn’t feel too out of place in 90s fiction but even in a 2020 publication that’s looking back it seems a little stiff.
My other two gripes are one, that the adults all seem sort of callous/incompetent. Alex and Hailey’s parents literally don’t care what they do as “hands off” parents and are mostly absent from the story. The teachers are quick to admit they like Hailey better and at points openly mock Alex (as portrayed by Hailey) for trying to do better in class. Two is Yves. In the ARC I read the French accent he was given was not only often inaccurate and not mimicking a real french accent at all, but bordering on slightly offensive because of how comical it was. Writing out an accent can be tricky and I think some of these phrases need to be read aloud and rewritten to sound a bit better.
With all that said it was enjoyable to read and there were some legitimately funny moments as well as some touching and poignant ones. I loved Kyle being a sensitive jock who really cared for Alex, I thought it was such a nice take on a handsome popular boy. Both he and Yves were good male leads who didn’t steal too much page time from the main sister conflict.
I also liked seeing the sisters act like sisters. Barondes has written a VERY believable sibling relationship. It’s rare that we see siblings portrayed in such an honest way in fiction. Siblings are at once your worst enemy and your best friend. No one knows how to hurt you like your sister does, and Barondes really used that to infuse panic into their body swap situation.
I think fans of the film will love this new take on the story many of them grew up with. It’s also a fun coming of age story for any young girls. A good reminder that there is no one better to be than yourself.
I’ve always been a sucker for old coming of age stories, so of course I jumped on the chance to read Wish Upon a Star, a story about two sisters in the 90s who end up swapping bodies when the younger wishes she was her older, more popular sister. Some readers may recognize the title and premise as it was released as a Disney Channel movie way back when. The book does have some significant differences though which allows it to stand on its own.
The plot is fairly simple and fast paced, which works for middle grade fiction. Alex and Hailey are both clear cut characters in opposition. I like the way that the relationship between the sisters develops as they both learn that neither sister has it as easy as expected. However, and this is perhaps because it is told from Hailey’s POV, I feel that Alex gets the short end of the stick.
Alex loves make-up and fashion and is written as a stereotypical mean girl. The book does do a few things to rectify this initial portrayal but ultimately it comes out feeling like Hailey is more “right” in the way she lives her life. Hailey learns to be confident and do basic skincare. Alex learns that the whole way she was living her life was incorrect and she needs to be a better person. I also don’t really like the bitchy popular girls trope, in part because it feels so dated. It doesn’t feel too out of place in 90s fiction but even in a 2020 publication that’s looking back it seems a little stiff.
My other two gripes are one, that the adults all seem sort of callous/incompetent. Alex and Hailey’s parents literally don’t care what they do as “hands off” parents and are mostly absent from the story. The teachers are quick to admit they like Hailey better and at points openly mock Alex (as portrayed by Hailey) for trying to do better in class. Two is Yves. In the ARC I read the French accent he was given was not only often inaccurate and not mimicking a real french accent at all, but bordering on slightly offensive because of how comical it was. Writing out an accent can be tricky and I think some of these phrases need to be read aloud and rewritten to sound a bit better.
With all that said it was enjoyable to read and there were some legitimately funny moments as well as some touching and poignant ones. I loved Kyle being a sensitive jock who really cared for Alex, I thought it was such a nice take on a handsome popular boy. Both he and Yves were good male leads who didn’t steal too much page time from the main sister conflict.
I also liked seeing the sisters act like sisters. Barondes has written a VERY believable sibling relationship. It’s rare that we see siblings portrayed in such an honest way in fiction. Siblings are at once your worst enemy and your best friend. No one knows how to hurt you like your sister does, and Barondes really used that to infuse panic into their body swap situation.
I think fans of the film will love this new take on the story many of them grew up with. It’s also a fun coming of age story for any young girls. A good reminder that there is no one better to be than yourself.
August 16, 2020
With a little fantasy and a girl with a big heart, this is a cute story about learning how to love yourself and seeing that maybe someone else's life isn't quite as great as you thought it was.
This movie on which this book is based is actually one I haven't seen. So, I hit this tale with fresh, new eyes. It starts off with Hayley, a fourteen-year-old high schooler, who gets wonderful grades, dances to her own tune, and isn't popular because of it. Her older sister is the opposite. She slides by on the grade front and is extremely popular. When a shooting star has Hayley wishing that she could be more like her older sister, she never dreams that she'll wake up as her older sister the next morning.
The story isn't really a new one—one teen wishes she was someone else in the family, and a bit of magic makes this wish come true. That chaos ensues and all sorts of unexpected (and often humorous) moments happen isn't a surprise either. Still, this type of story never really gets old. Hayley is a fun girl, who isn't overly concerned about her own appearance or how to impress people. Still, a bit of her wants to be popular. Maybe. And this is something many teens can relate to. I was a little surprised at how well and quickly the two girls came to terms with the switch-a-roo, but then, this is a shorter read, which allows for just as much fun in the tale as character depth.
The high school moments do remind of Disney, which I don't mind. And it throws this read from a solid young adult into more of a middle grade/tween novel. The situations are ones readers will relate to and understand. Some things like the mean-girl group are a little cliche, but it's also something which will resonate with many readers. The messages of finding true friendship, strengthening self-esteem, and sibling relations are warming and inspiring, making this also a wholesome read. I can see many kids enjoying this one...especially when they know it connects with a movie, too.
I received an ARC and enjoyed every page.
This movie on which this book is based is actually one I haven't seen. So, I hit this tale with fresh, new eyes. It starts off with Hayley, a fourteen-year-old high schooler, who gets wonderful grades, dances to her own tune, and isn't popular because of it. Her older sister is the opposite. She slides by on the grade front and is extremely popular. When a shooting star has Hayley wishing that she could be more like her older sister, she never dreams that she'll wake up as her older sister the next morning.
The story isn't really a new one—one teen wishes she was someone else in the family, and a bit of magic makes this wish come true. That chaos ensues and all sorts of unexpected (and often humorous) moments happen isn't a surprise either. Still, this type of story never really gets old. Hayley is a fun girl, who isn't overly concerned about her own appearance or how to impress people. Still, a bit of her wants to be popular. Maybe. And this is something many teens can relate to. I was a little surprised at how well and quickly the two girls came to terms with the switch-a-roo, but then, this is a shorter read, which allows for just as much fun in the tale as character depth.
The high school moments do remind of Disney, which I don't mind. And it throws this read from a solid young adult into more of a middle grade/tween novel. The situations are ones readers will relate to and understand. Some things like the mean-girl group are a little cliche, but it's also something which will resonate with many readers. The messages of finding true friendship, strengthening self-esteem, and sibling relations are warming and inspiring, making this also a wholesome read. I can see many kids enjoying this one...especially when they know it connects with a movie, too.
I received an ARC and enjoyed every page.
August 15, 2020
Wish upon a star is a great book to read, I really enjoyed this book a lot. I know the switchover has been done before in other movies but its so nostalgic and I loved going back to the 90s it brings back great memories. I didn't know this was a movie until I read some of the reviews, which is weird because I remember watching a lot of the Disney movies back then but must of missed this one in particular. I actually found the movie online so I am excited to watch it later. I think anybody who loved those Disney movies as much as I have will love this book!
October 18, 2020
Great Story
I really enjoyed reading this. Couldn’t even put it down. I saw the movie years ago and enjoyed the book just as much. I’ll probably read it again to the kids. It’s a good clean wholesome story suitable for all ages. I particularly enjoyed the healthy relationship that grows between the sisters.
Haley wishes to be her sister, and it comes true. She gets to enjoy the popularity and beauty and favor that her sister made seem so easy.
I really enjoyed reading this. Couldn’t even put it down. I saw the movie years ago and enjoyed the book just as much. I’ll probably read it again to the kids. It’s a good clean wholesome story suitable for all ages. I particularly enjoyed the healthy relationship that grows between the sisters.
Haley wishes to be her sister, and it comes true. She gets to enjoy the popularity and beauty and favor that her sister made seem so easy.
Want to read
July 7, 2020I REALLY want to read this! Growing up I absolutely LOVED the movie! I haven't seen it in years though so it would be so great to be able to read this.
Wish upon a Star was probably my Favorite movie ever as a pre-teen/teenager/young adult. I watched it literally every time it was on the Disney Channel.
This is definitely going on my TBR. And I hope to be able to get my hands on it asap.
Wish upon a Star was probably my Favorite movie ever as a pre-teen/teenager/young adult. I watched it literally every time it was on the Disney Channel.
This is definitely going on my TBR. And I hope to be able to get my hands on it asap.
August 7, 2020
This is a bit hard for me to rate. While reading this I wanted to dnf it so many times. This is really just a cliche story with so many elements that’s been done over & over. It wasn’t awfully completely boring but just very juvenile. I felt this book didn’t read so much as a high school teen book but more like an elementary to middle grade story. In fact I kept thinking man this is like the times when I was younger reading the Sweet Valley Twins or Baby sitters Club. Which I found out at the end of the book when I read the authors note that she was a ghost writer for Sweet Valley. That made so much sense.
This book just feels like it’s stuck in the 90’s. Which could be good in some ways but for me this just didn’t work out so well. Like I said before this age range feels like elementary to middle grade. I don’t feel this is for high school range. Although, the author mentioned she decided to age up the characters. Which goes to mention, this was originally a Disney movie from the 90’s. I didn’t grow up watching it or at least from what I remember, so all my nostalgia about the overall story feel is from reminiscing about Sweet Valley.
The author mentioned she decided to revisits this manuscript over being quarantined from the pandemic of 2020. In my opinion I don’t think it needed to be. Although, I usually really enjoy having a movie & book, but for this it’s been too long. The book feels like all those forgotten 80’s-90’s apple paperbacks. I’ll admit I enjoyed them a decade or so later as a kid & even as a teen (still read those old apple paperbacks & harlequin teens in 2012). I just don’t feel this story has enough for today. There’s some cliche problematic things that should just stay in the past & I felt this book needed more substance.
I only finished this book because it was so short & it was a giveaway so wanted to write some kind of review for it. Initially, the synopsis sounded really cute, but I wanted to dnf at the first chapter. I will say this is a nice fluffy easy read if you just want something for fun nostalgic bad 90’s very young teen storyline. It was cute but just really didn’t have to be redone over 20 years later.
Note, I wanted to rate this a 2 star the entire time reading it. I even thought of not rating it because I am an adult reading this. I also had the thought to rate it 5 just for that nostalgia of it sounding like a lame 90’s sweet valley teen novel but that’s not a real rate that’s only because of nostalgic reasons. Even giving it a 3 is generous for what it is but figured I’d give it a middle score because it felt so juvenile maybe 11-13 year olds would like this? Although, I’m sure there are much better books to learn the lessons this had in there.
I won this book as a free giveaway but know that all my opinions are my own.
This book just feels like it’s stuck in the 90’s. Which could be good in some ways but for me this just didn’t work out so well. Like I said before this age range feels like elementary to middle grade. I don’t feel this is for high school range. Although, the author mentioned she decided to age up the characters. Which goes to mention, this was originally a Disney movie from the 90’s. I didn’t grow up watching it or at least from what I remember, so all my nostalgia about the overall story feel is from reminiscing about Sweet Valley.
The author mentioned she decided to revisits this manuscript over being quarantined from the pandemic of 2020. In my opinion I don’t think it needed to be. Although, I usually really enjoy having a movie & book, but for this it’s been too long. The book feels like all those forgotten 80’s-90’s apple paperbacks. I’ll admit I enjoyed them a decade or so later as a kid & even as a teen (still read those old apple paperbacks & harlequin teens in 2012). I just don’t feel this story has enough for today. There’s some cliche problematic things that should just stay in the past & I felt this book needed more substance.
I only finished this book because it was so short & it was a giveaway so wanted to write some kind of review for it. Initially, the synopsis sounded really cute, but I wanted to dnf at the first chapter. I will say this is a nice fluffy easy read if you just want something for fun nostalgic bad 90’s very young teen storyline. It was cute but just really didn’t have to be redone over 20 years later.
Note, I wanted to rate this a 2 star the entire time reading it. I even thought of not rating it because I am an adult reading this. I also had the thought to rate it 5 just for that nostalgia of it sounding like a lame 90’s sweet valley teen novel but that’s not a real rate that’s only because of nostalgic reasons. Even giving it a 3 is generous for what it is but figured I’d give it a middle score because it felt so juvenile maybe 11-13 year olds would like this? Although, I’m sure there are much better books to learn the lessons this had in there.
I won this book as a free giveaway but know that all my opinions are my own.
January 22, 2023
Sisters Hayley and Alexia couldn’t be more different. Fourteen-year-old Hayley is a straight A student who dreams of winning the school science fair and couldn’t care less about fashion. Sixteen-year-old Alexia is the ever popular fashionista who rules the popular clique and couldn’t care less about grades. Secretly Hayley is jealous of Alexis and her put together life. So when she sees a falling star one evening she wishes upon it, never expecting it to come true. But when she wakes in the morning she discovers her wish did come true and she now inhabits Alexis’s body. Thus begins a rollicking romp where Hayley learns the life Alexis leads is not so perfect after all. Hayley and Alexis both grow and learn as a result of the experience. Although the body switching theme has been done over and over again, the authors have done a great job of making it feel fresh. Recommended middle grade read.
December 21, 2020
Wish Upon a Star was very cute, the type of story that results in a goofy grin on your face. I have always loved body-switching stories. My mom entered the room and said "I can tell it is a good book from the expression on your face". In addition to being completely hilarious at times, there were also serious, heartwarming moments. Haley and Alex start off as almost total opposites in personality, appearance, and decision making. It was fascinating watching them become immersed in lives they never understood. Both girls learned valuable life lessons and the importance of supporting and understanding each other as sisters, and came out better people in the end.
You can see my full review and more at https://pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com...
You can see my full review and more at https://pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com...
August 15, 2020
14-year-old Hayley Wheaton is super smart. A straight-A student, she's every teacher's dream in Wish Upon a Star, a middle grade novel by the author who wrote the screenplay of the popular 90's movie.
But Hayley doesn't see herself as talented. Instead, she's forever wondering what it would be like to be her older sister, the popular Alexia. Alex's room is pristine, she hangs with the in-crowd, and her boyfriend is the stuff dreams are made of.
At least, that's how life appears to Hayley.
Read the rest of my review, including how I felt about Hayley's parents, here: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2020/0...
But Hayley doesn't see herself as talented. Instead, she's forever wondering what it would be like to be her older sister, the popular Alexia. Alex's room is pristine, she hangs with the in-crowd, and her boyfriend is the stuff dreams are made of.
At least, that's how life appears to Hayley.
Read the rest of my review, including how I felt about Hayley's parents, here: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2020/0...
November 23, 2023
Be careful what you wish for. Sisters Hayley and Alex are complete opposites. Hayley is a tomboy, while Alex is a preppy girlie girl. Hayley, jealous of Alex, wishes that she could be Alex. The next day, she finds that she got her wish. The sisters must learn to live each other's lives until they can switch back, if they can switch back. How much mischief do they cause each other? Are they able to switch back? Find out in Wish Upon a Star.
This book is full of relatable characters and emotions. It is a cute, fast story with a touch of suspense. I do wish the ending was a little more drawn out, but it was a good read for its length.
This book is full of relatable characters and emotions. It is a cute, fast story with a touch of suspense. I do wish the ending was a little more drawn out, but it was a good read for its length.
August 15, 2020
Interesting read
August 23, 2020
I watched this movie many times as a kid. A sweet story. Thank you very much for the free copy from Goodreads Giveaways.
October 7, 2020
This is a cute story. While I have not seen the movie, I will see if I can find it on-line. This would be a great read for teenage girls, especially those that have sibling sisters.
January 24, 2022
Engaging body swap story in which peer pressure is given the heave-ho.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews