Katerina’s Wish by Jeanie Mobley is a historical middle-grade novel about hope, determination, and the power of dreams. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows 13-year-old Katerina, the daughter of Czech immigrants who have moved to America in search of a better life. Her family settles in a Colorado mining town, where her father works grueling hours in the coal mines. But life in America is much harder than they expected, and Katerina’s father begins to lose hope of ever owning his own farm—a dream he carried from their homeland. Refusing to give up, Katerina remembers an old folktale about a magical fish that grants wishes. Inspired by the story, she makes her own wish and takes matters into her own hands. She starts a small business selling vegetables and eggs, slowly working toward the dream of a better future. Along the way, she faces challenges, but her determination and belief in herself prove to be just as powerful as any magic. This novel is an inspiring tale of resilience, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream.