Wishtree

I've had special trees in my life, none were wishing trees (or raggy trees). But they've stuck in my memory -- there's the magnolia in my grandmother's back yard that I'm always asking if it's still there because in my memory it was sold and cut down (it was sold, but never cut down). The pecan tree in my grandmother's front yard that I used to play under and pick up the nuts. The pine tree my neighbors cut down that I used to read under every single day (this one still hurts).

Red is just as perfect as Ivan. I loved this. Like a middle-grade version of The Overstory where the trees have much to teach us if only we'd pay attention and listen. The message is so important, especially given the times we're in (it's become even worse since show more 2017 when wishtree was first published -- how is that even possible?). show less

Samar and Stephen are neighbors, but not friends. When a boy carves the word LEAVE into a red oak tree between their yards (in fact, it's the tree - Red - who serves as the story's narrator), Samar's Muslim family considers doing just that. As Red schemes with her crow friend Bongo to bring Samar and Stephen together, Wishing Day approaches, and the tree's owner, Francesca, considers cutting Red down. At last, Red takes action, breaking the taboo against speaking to humans, and tells Samar and Stephen the story of the original Wishing Day, and its important role in Francesca's family's history. After this bonding experience, Stephen helps organize an effort at school: every student writes a single word on an index card, and brings it to show more the tree on Wishing Day: STAY.

The extraordinary kindness contained in this single word is the heart of the book. And although prejudice still exists, Samar and Stephen have their friendship; Samar's family decides to stay; and Francesca decides not to cut Red down. show less

Audiobook
2017

I hear such great things about Katherine Applegate - so many of her books become favorites among our patrons - like the One and Only Ivan and Crenshaw. I'd been wanting to read Wishtree for a while as it is yet another of her books that is frequently checked out. Knowing it was such a popular book, I could recommend it without a problem - however, I do try to read what my patrons and/or students are reading so that I can confidently - not only recommend - but also discuss their favorite books with them.

I think Wishtree would be on the upper register of juvenile fiction - in the 3rd-5th grade range if being read as a physical book, though I think younger readers may enjoy the audio. It is a tale that grabs your attention. show more The reader will want to know what the tree has to say, what she sees, and what, if anything, she can do about what is happening around her.

This audio has an engaging narrator in Nancy Linari - which can really make or break an audio book. It's hard for me to sell an audio if I didn't like the narrator. Plus, since the book is told from the perspective of the actual tree - the narrator really needs to convey those feelings.

In Wishtree, we meet Red, a Northern Red Oak. She talks about her many residents and how she even harbored a person within her. Red talks about how people always leave wishes for her around May Day - but that sometimes people leave wishes all through the year. We learn about the first person ever to leave a wish and how some of the wishes are silly (like chocolate spaghetti) and some are heartbreaking (like they wish their dad would get better) and some are wishes to be loved. Her best friend is a crow named Bongo - she discusses how they are best friends but that friends can have differences, agree to disagree, but still be friends. The overall theme of friendship and overcoming differences is very strong throughout the book.

We learn that Red sits between two houses. Steven and his family live in and Samar and her family - who have recently just moved in - live in the other. Samar often sits under Red's branches and is so clam and gentle that the animals that take up residence withing Red come out to play and interact with her. One day, Samar wishes for a friend. Red and Bongo decide they will intervene. However, there is a kid who comes by and carves the word Leave into Red's bark. This is a message for Samar and her family. We find out that Samar's family is Muslim. Once this happens, there is talk about cutting down Red. She has been defaced and the landlord for the two houses is concerned.

Will Red be cut down? Will Samar find a friend? Will her family have to leave due to the disturbances in the neighborhood because of their background? These are all questions you will have to read to find out.

This books hits a lot of points for me. I love that there is diversity, I enjoy the theme of friendship, I really like the idea of a sentient tree and talking animals. There is some great resolution at the end of the book, but not everything is perfect. I like it when books aren't wrapped up in a bow. There is a lot of good that happens, but there is not perfection - just like life. show less

Generations of human and animal families grow and change, seen from the point of view of the red oak Wishing Tree that shelters them all.

Most trees are introverts at heart. So says Red, who is over 200 years old and should know. Not to mention that they have complicated relationships with humans. But this tree also has perspective on its animal friends and people who live within its purview—not just witnessing, but ultimately telling the tales of young people coming to this country alone or with family. An Irish woman named Maeve is the first, and a young 10-year-old Muslim girl named Samar is the most recent. Red becomes the repository for generations of wishes; this includes both observing Samar’s longing wish and sporting the show more hurtful word that another young person carves into their bark as a protest to Samar’s family’s presence. (Red is monoecious, they explain, with both male and female flowers.) Newbery medalist Applegate succeeds at interweaving an immigrant story with an animated natural world and having it all make sense. As Red observes, animals compete for resources just as humans do, and nature is not always pretty or fair or kind. This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade, reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students.

A deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and hope triumph. (Fantasy. 8-12)

-Kirkus Review show less

Naljakas, sügavmõtteline, nüansirikas ja südamlik - kõike seda see raamat on.
Kui pool raamatut oli loetud, läksin parki jooksma. Uskuge - park ei olnud enam see, kus ma jooksin eelmisel päeval. Otsisin puuõõnsusi, jälgisin vareseid, iga puu sahin tundus tervitusena ja iga kraaksatus tähenduslik. Suurepärane raamat, mis paneb fantaasia tööle, mõtte liikuma ja peamine - liigutab hinge.

Swoon...loved this one. It had such a creative premise taking a fun twist on the talking animals genre. Adults can also appreciate some of the detailed funny touches. I particularly smiled at this one:

"Of course, there are exceptions to the name rule. Somewhere in Los Angeles there’s a palm tree who insists on being called Karma, but you know how Californians can be."

The story also had a timely and important theme about inclusion and tolerance in a realistic way without feeling heavy-handed or preachy.

So let me say right now that I adore Katherine Applegate. No longer is she the Animorphs author. Indeed she left that status long ago with "The One and Only Ivan." "Wishtree" feels like another sure-fire winner to me. However, due to its message of love, anti-bullying, and diversity among peoples....it is a polarizing book. It shouldn't be. But it is.

Told from the perspective of the tree, "Wishtree" is the story of an immigrant family who are made to feel bad for living in their neighborhood. The book introduces all different types of characters--from bigots, to those who are scared to stand up, to those who welcome with open arms. "Wishtree" is a book that shows the ripple effects hatred--and love--can have over generations.