Wishtree
Katherine Applegate, Author
Feiwel & Friends, Fiction, Sep. 26, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Trees, Wishes, Crows, Animals, Friendship, Tolerance
Opening: It’s hard to talk to trees. We’re not big on chitchat. That’s not to say we can’t do amazing things, things you’ll probably never do. Cradle downy owlets. Steady flimsy tree forts. Photosynthesize. But talk to people? Not so much.
Synopsis:
Red is an oak tree who is 216 rings old. Red is the neighborhood “wishtree.” Every May 1 people come from all over town to write their most private wishes on pieces of paper, cloth, and socks and tie them to Red’s branches. He holds their hopes and dreams in his limbs. Then, they whisper their wish. Red listens but never responds. It’s against the rules for a tree to speak to a human.
Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this “wishtree” watches over the neighborhood. Red has seen a lot of change over 200 years.
When a Muslim family moves in, Red observes how Samar and her family are treated by neighbors. Not everyone is welcoming. Nasty threats are carved on his trunk, eggs are thrown, and ugly words shouted from passing cars. More than ever, Red wants to fulfill Samar’s wish to find a friend. When Red learns the property owner may have some plans for him, he breaks some rules and ask his friends for help.
Why I like this book:
Katherine Applegate’s heartwarming middle grade novel is magical and conveys a message that is relevant today. It also reminds us of our common humanity.
The story is narrated by Red, a red oak tree, with compassion, concern, wisdom, and a sense of humor; no easy task for an author. Red’s branches and hollows are home to a birds and a furry cast of comical characters (owls, raccoons, opossums, skunks, cats and a crow) who live to together in harmony — most of the time. Red and his residents communicate openly with each other, but not with humans. Once a year Red is a wishtree for the town. Red’s world is vibrant and harbors a secret that needs to be shared.
Wishtree is a quiet and thoughtful read aloud with the entire family or in the classroom. It has a strong plot that with themes the encourage readers think about diversity, inclusion, acceptance, kindness and the true nature of friendship. It is a delightful mix that will keep readers turning pages. The story has Common Core connections.
For the next few months Greg Pattridge will be hosting Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Thank you Greg for keeping MMGM active while author Shannon Messenger is on tour promoting her sixth book, Nightfall, in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, which was released November 7.
Interesting that the POV is the tree’s. Sounds like a great book that deals with hard issues of diversity that we’re all dealing with right now. Beautiful cover too. I’ll have to pick this one up . Thanks.
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It really is tough writing from the POV of a tree and make it believable. But Applegate is a master. Beautiful story.
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Glad to see you review this book! I bought it recently and look forward to reading it.
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I know you will love it! Hope you review it!
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A great review. Telling a story from the point of view of a tree will give it a different perspective and one children will relate to. I know just the little person who would enjoy this. (The one who recited the poem on my blog. I have fixed it so it can be viewed by all now.)
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This is such a beautiful story from Applegate that is timely today. Good, I will go back and read it.
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Patricia, I love your recommendations and will definitely keep a lookout for Katherine Applegate’s latest work. Telling a story from a tree’s point of view is special.
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Thank you so much Claudine! I know you will love her story! The tree POV is so moving.
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Such a creative way to tell a story. I like the read-aloud possibilities and the important themes. Thanks for sharing. I’ve added it to my list though it might be early 2018 by the time I get to it.
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Yes it is a creative way to tell a story. So many themes and big issues that are timely. You will enjoy her writing style.
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Wonderful review, Pat! I’m looking forward to reading this book.
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Thank you! I think you’ll love this story and the character development of Red by Applegate. Such a beautiful story.
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I’ve heard wonderful things about Wishtree, and after reading your review, I know I want to read it soon!
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You will love it for many reasons and enjoy studying Applegate’s style.
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This is by far one of the best books I have ever read. I could not put it down and the ending was soooooooo (I won’t spoil it). Who better than a tree to teach us all what it means to stand up for what’s right? This is going to be my go to gift for a whole lot of people. Thank you so much for lifting it up in your weekly review.
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You pop up when I review a really good book — glad you loved Wishtree so much. Great testimony for the book. It is written with so much compassion. Yes, I’m giving it as a gift too.
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I love your reviews. Katherine Applegate is a tremendous writer, and I’m eager to see how she pulls off a tree narrator!
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Yes, she is. You will really enjoy reading Wishtree!
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What a great way to teach compassion.
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The book is all about compassion in many different ways. It is one of the best MG novels I’ve read this year.
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Interesting narrator choice! Looking forward to reading this one!
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I believe you will love it because it is so well written.
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Given that I’m the kind of person who has a few tree friends along my regular walking path–we say hi with a touch on their bark–I have a feeling this book was written for me. Love the cover, love the message, can’t wait to read it. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
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I loved your comment. Yes, I think this book has your name on it. I love trees too and am fascinated with how they are almost “neurologically” connected in a forest with their root system — they communicate and take care of each other. So, this book really moved me.
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I talk to trees all the time and just can’t understand why humans don’t understand them! And crows! Such magical birds.
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You would enjoy this story about the Wishtree and Bongo the crow.
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This book is narrated by a tree? That, along with the themes of inclusion and friendship that seem apparent in this novel, absolutely sold this book to me. 😊 This sounds like such a wonderful story, and I would love to see how Katherine Applegate manages to make me, as the reader, relate and fall for the character of a tree. I’ve always been more of a listener than a talker, so I’m looking forward to reading how Applegate develop’s the tree’s story and personality. Thanks for such a great recommendation, Patricia!
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I know you will enjoy reading and studying how she developed the story. By the end of this story your really believe Red and it tugs at your heart.
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One doesn’t often find a tree point of view! This does sound enchanting, though. Thanks for the review.
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Red was a great character. You can’t help but fall in love with him!
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A beautiful book and universal themes. Lovely review thanks for sharing Pat.
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Yes, the themes are timely. It is such such an intriguing story.
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I️Love thé POV in this story. Trees are so life-giving for me, stories that give them life always feel very authentic to me.
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Then you will enjoy reading about Red — he a lovable character.
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I love the idea that trees are sentient and that this one listens to all the wishes of his town.
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It is a creative idea for the tree to hear centuries of wishes and observe and joy and pain of those who visit.
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