When a strange little man comes to the Coven Tree Church Social promising he can give people exactly what they ask for, three young believers-in-magic each make a wish that comes true in the most unexpected way.
Sivu, an African stonecarver, is not paid well for his work, but through his wishes to become more powerful and live as different people, like the mayor, and things, like the wind, he discovers where real power lies.
Charlie tries to undo the last wish made on a charge card from International Wish, a corporation which has taken over fairy godmothers and wishing wells, but the company has gone out of business.
Thirteen-year-old Trina's family left Bohemia for a Colorado coal town to earn money to buy a farm, but by 1901 she doubts that either hard work or hoping will be enough, even after a strange fish seems to grant her sisters' wishes.
