What is wishing button?

Molly’s wishing button symbolizes hope and courage. Molly knows she and Kip are in a desperate place as orphans without food, water, shelter, or employment. To ensure Kip remains brave and does as he must, she tears the last button from her coat and tells him it is a magic button that will help give him hope and courage. The button later becomes payment for Hester, who gives Molly and Kip the information they need to finally decide to flee the island.