The Wishing Flower by A.J. Irving, Kip Alizadeh
ISBN: 0593430441
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Birdie, a light-skinned girl with curly red hair, is happy by herself, reading books, watching bugs, and blowing on dandelion seeds, but she is shy around other children and wishes for a friend. When a new girl arrives in her classroom who is beige-skinned with long dark pigtails, they like many of the same things, especially wishes. The more they play together, the braver Birdie feels. This book is relatable to kids, especially shy kids, about the wonderful feeling of experiencing a true connection with another kid and feeling free to be themselves. Amazon lists this title as an LGBTQ-inclusive story about understanding your peers, however I did not get that vibe when I first read it. I simply viewed it as a sweet heartwarming book. I reread it, and I can see that now.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library