Summer is a foster child whose life takes a dramatic turn when a massive hole mysteriously appears in her home. A vengeful witch offers Summer the opportunity to make three wishes and these act as a framework for the story, allowing Summer to learn essential life lessons about herself, her desires, and her relationships. The novel explores common themes such as friendship, love, and self-belief, using magic as a metaphor for personal growth. Through her interaction with the witch, Summer learns how loneliness can shape one’s actions and mindset, reflecting on her own experiences as a foster child. Each wish brings Summer closer to understanding the importance of opening up to others and recognizing the support and love that surrounds her, even when it feels invisible. While the premise is intriguing, the story’s focus on the witch’s revenge and Summer’s internal journey overshadows the expectation of a dragon-centric adventure, which might feel misleading for readers drawn in by the title. Nevertheless, the novel offers an insightful look into the emotional challenges faced by foster children, highlighting how personal growth often stems from unexpected experiences. VERDICT A modest but heartfelt tale about loneliness, belonging, and the quiet magic of human connection. Although it may not fully meet the fantastical expectations its title suggests, this is a meaningful exploration of what it means to find one’s place in the world.

– School Library Journal, 10/11/24

*When a sinkhole appears in the Pattinsons’ living room, Summer can’t help but feel she is somehow to blame. Her foster family is at a loss as to how to explain it and cautions the children to steer clear of the crevasse until someone can repair it. But late one night, Summer hears a voice coming from the hole’s depths and climbs down after it. That’s how she comes face-to-face with an ancient dragon and gains possession of an equally ancient glass bottle, sealed with wax and labeled, “Contains one Witch. DO NOT OPEN.” But open it she does, and, with a puff of black smoke, two figures emerge: “the spirit of a witch,” aka Sarah, and Tobias, a talking cat. Much like a released genie, Sarah promises to grant Summer three magical wishes and to spare the girl when wreaking vengeance on the town. As Summer ponders her situation, weighing deep desires, such as for love and acceptance, against wanting to keep the town safe, the fourth-grader is swept into an unexpected adventure that reveals true friendships and family, as well as the power of names and forgiveness. Adorned with Gravett’s emotive charcoals, Lake’s succinct fantasy manages to deliver exciting action without compromising Summer’s emotional and moral struggles. She battles bravely on all fronts, and readers will adore her for it.

– Booklist, STARRED Review, 09/01/2024

A young girl unleashes a wish-granting witch.

Fourth grader Summer has never had a key to the house where she lives—she knows that foster parents don’t trust her not to steal. She does have a best friend, Aishwarya, and her current foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pattinson, bought her the first brand-new school uniform she’s ever had. But one day, after she shouts “You’re not my dad!” at Mr. Pattinson, a sinkhole opens up in the living room. No one is sure what to do, so they carry on living with the giant hole—until the night when Summer hears a gravelly voice and discovers a dragon, surrounded by human skeletons, guarding a treasure in a cavern at the bottom. After she helps the dragon by pulling a sword from a stone, it gives her a bottle labeled “Contaynes one witch. DO NOT OPEN.” Breaking the wax seal and removing the cork, Summer releases the spirit of a witch, who grants her wishes—but they come at a price. Summer uses her wits and kindness to navigate the perilous events that follow. Summer’s characterization is authentically shaped by her childhood experiences: She retains fond memories of her mother (the reasons why they’re no longer together aren't specified) and at first holds the Pattinsons at a distance. Gravett’s charmingly expressive illustrations add to the worldbuilding of this well-paced story. The main characters present white.

An emotionally resonant and empathetic high-stakes adventure. (Fantasy. 8-12)

– Kirkus Reviews, 09/15/2024