Katie's Wish

A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with 'magical thinking', the belief that their angry thoughts or wishes can cause bad things to happen. It's also an excellent, gentle introduction to historical topics like famine and immigration. The story follows Katie, a young Irish girl who hates eating potatoes and wishes they would all disappear. When a real potato famine strikes, she carries the heavy burden of guilt, believing she is responsible. The book traces her family's hardship and their eventual journey to America. It thoughtfully explores themes of guilt, resilience, and family love, making it a poignant choice for children experiencing big changes or learning to separate their feelings from external events.