The Reel Wish

By: Yamile Saied Méndez

Publisher: Tu Books

Genre: Realistic fiction

Originally Published: April 22, 2025

Identities: Latine, Argentinian

Mood: Hopeful

ISBN: 9781643796437

Official summary:

After a panic attack prevents Florencia from performing as Clara in The Nutcracker and her best friend takes the lead, a new dance style helps her face her anxiety as well as a troubled friendship.

Ballet is Florencia del Lago’s entire world. After years of hard work, she is chosen as Clara in the winter production of The Nutcracker. Not only is she the youngest dancer to receive such an honor but also the first Latina. She’s on track to be recruited by the best ballet companies.

Unfortunately, she suffers a panic attack on opening night–on stage, in front of everyone. And then Selena, Florencia’s best friend, steps right into the role to replace her. Just like that, Florencia’s whole world falls apart–the ballet studio expels her, and her best friend turns on her, tormenting her on social media and in real life.

But even though the one thing she was driven toward has come to an end, therapy and family support help Florencia open up to new experiences. She notices people at school she’s never paid attention to before, and she even stumbles upon an Irish dance school and decides to give it a try. Can a new passion for Irish dance help Florencia find the joy of performing on the stage that she lost that fateful winter night? (Storygraph)

Thank you to Hear Our Voices and Tu Books for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Regal Glimpse (Key Highlights):

5/5 stars

• A message of hope 
• Resilient main character
• Considerate representation of anxiety 

Within the Queen’s Library (A Closer Look):

The Reel Wish is a story of hope and courage when life becomes utterly overwhelming.

As adults we know that for a fact that the world can be a stressful place; especially when we love something. The things we love can sometimes cause the most stress. As parents we want to keep our children in a bubble and hope that they won’t ever discover this truth. Once reality strikes its books like, The Reel Wish, that will save the day when we are scouring through the internet for advice.  

I do not say this lightly.

I have read books that will briefly mention characters who have anxiety or panic attacks, but never have I read a book that has been written with so much care. That is why The Reel Wish stands out; Méndez is thoughtful and takes her time with Flors journey as she redefines who she is.

Geared toward young readers between the ages of 8-12; or any young reader who is at a high reading level and is eager to take on bigger books.

A great comfort to readers who are facing new challenges like: anxiety, bullying, making new friends, and change. Whether you’re facing these challenges or not, The Reel Wish is all about family, new friends, and hope.

Change can be hard, knowing that you’re not alone can make it easier. Thank you Florencia for being there for us and thank you Yamile Saied Méndez for writing her story.