Wishtree

So good amazing??????????????????????????????????it's a touching book .if you have a chance, read it.it's funny to. I hope you read it.

Didn't understand this was a book for older children/adults. I was looking for a picture read aloud book with a 5 year old. It is difficult in the description to know this, but I'll hold onto it for when she has longer attention span because it's so well recommended

Katherine Applegate has written another masterpiece with "Wishtree." The premise of a tree that has wishes attached to it on May 1st who is friends with a crow and lets a variety of animals nest in it sounds almost ho-hum. But not when the writer of "One and Only Ivan" and "Crenshaw" starts working her word-magic with it. Red, the oak tree, is totally believable as the guardian of the street. With his roots put down deep, he has seen and heard the stories of generations and along the way has developed a wisdom that he shares with his animal friends and yearns to share with the humans who make so many mistakes. I found myself wanting to highlight quote after quote in the copy that belongs to my fourth grade library. So much so that I am likely to order my own copy for my electronic device so that I can flag and mark away. One of my favorite pithy comments from Red was, "Hollows are the proof that something bad can become something good with enough time and care and hope." Those "hollows" that he refers to are the holes in his trunk from woodpeckers, disease, or loss of limb and I think that both children and adults can relate to the truth that sometimes a negative can turn into a positive if we let it. Parents and teachers should read this wonderful book with their children. The resulting conversations could be significant to all.

Seeing as I enjoyed two of Katherine Applegate's previous books -- "The One and Only Ivan" and "Crenshaw" -- I figured I owed it to myself to check out her book "Wishtree." The premise of a sentient tree seemed interesting, and as many have pointed out bore more than a slight resemblance to the beloved (if controversial) book "The Giving Tree." If this book was anything like "Ivan" or "Crenshaw" I figured I was in for a thoughtful, easy read that would nonetheless give me a poignant, meaningful story. And I turned out to be right -- "Wishtree" may not rise to the heights of "Ivan," but is certainly equal to "Crenshaw" in that it tells a valuable story that far surpasses its whimsical magical-realism setting.

The titular "Wishtree" is Red, an oak that has lived in the same neighborhood for hundreds of years, and whom the neighbors decorate with scraps of paper and cloth with wishes written on them every year. Red is content in their role as a sort of guardian of the neighborhood... and so is shocked when someone carves an ugly message into their bark, a message directed at a new family who has moved into one of the empty homes. Determined to do something to make the new family welcome, Red decides to grant the wish of the family's young girl, and enlists the aid of Bongo, a sarcastic crow, to help. But granting another's wish is difficult when you're a tree, and even more difficult when it turns out Red's life is in danger...

There's a lot going on in this book, especially given its short length (less than two hundred pages of wide-spaced text, interspersed with illustrations). And sometimes I felt that there was TOO much going on. But Applegate mostly manages to keep the multiple plots moving smoothly, and keeps the pace easy and steady despite there being a lot going on. And even more amazingly, she manages to give most of the characters distinct personalities despite the short length of the book, and even if few of them get actual character arcs, I still came away feeling that I knew most of them well.

Applegate's writing is simple, yet poetic and strangely dreamlike, creating an easily-read but thoughtfully-told story with a poignant message about welcoming others and not giving up on dreams and wishes. This is a talent that's served her well in books like "Ivan" and "Crenshaw," and makes for a fantastic reading experience here. It's sort of hard to believe that this is the same author who turned out the "Animorphs" series -- not saying that's a bad series, merely that it's far more action-packed and focused on episodic adventures than characterization and tone, and that books like "Ivan," "Crenshaw," and "Wishtree" are a VERY different experience from "Animorphs."

The illustrations in this book are well-done as well, simple yet evocative, and will delight young readers. They aren't necessary to the story, but are a nice addition.

A lovely book for younger readers, "Wishtree" is nonetheless a good quick read for adults as well. It gives us a well-told story of magical realism with a timeless message, and is a pleasant and thoughtful read all the way through. And for those wondering about the "Giving Tree" comparisons -- the similarities are there, but "Wishtree" tells a much different story with a somewhat similar concept. So feel free to pick this up and experience a new story on a similar theme.

Another exceptionally wise yet simple children’s novel from the Newbery Award-winning author of *The One and Only Ivan*.

Applegate excels at telling stories through unexpected points-of-view. This allows her readers to observe emotional human nature from the outside, which can give distance and empathy at the same time. *The One and Only Ivan* is told from the viewpoint of a gorilla imprisoned in a tiny zoo space in a shopping mall.

In *Wishtree,* Applegate tells the story of an American community through the point of view of a red oak tree, Red. (“All red oak are named Red…. That’s how it is in tree world. We don’t need names to tell one another apart.”) While that might seem like an odd idea, Applegate brings it off in a gentle way. Red is over 200 years old and has many animals and birds living in its branches. It has seen many families move through the house in its yard and the other nearby homes. It knows the stories of the early Irish families, then the Italian families who moved in next and who were yelled at by the Irish. Of course the Irish and the Italians eventually intermarried and just became “Americans.” One of those long-ago neighbors started a custom of hanging written wishes on the tree every May 1st. The tree had no power to grant wishes, of course, but the custom helped to bring the neighborhood together every year.

And now a new family has moved in, a Muslim family with a grade-school daughter named Samar. And like the generations of people before her, she has a wish: “for a friend.” Some people only drive by with hate and some boy has actually carved the word “Leave” into the tree’s bark; but the tree and the animals in the tree appreciate Samar and want to help her.

The words of the story are simple but the story is deep. If you really believe that “Love your neighbor” is an important task in life, please read this book to your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Even though it is over 200 pages long, they are short pages. The story can be appreciated by any child age 8 and up, especially if read aloud. (Practice the last couple of chapters, so you can keep your voice steady.)

This is an important book for children. Please pass along love, not hate. *Wishtree* can help with that.

Red is an old oak tree. She's been in her spot hundreds of years, and witnessed many things both amazing and heartbreaking. Every year around May for many, many years locals have hung their wishes on her. Wishes both silly and 100% serious. Red can talk, but it is a solemn secret, known only by other trees and animals. But when she thinks her time is drawing short, and a little girl living under her shade, who visits her and the animals who live in her branches nightly, makes a heartbreaking wish Red thinks she can make come true, she breaks her solemn silence.

Applegate has an amazing talent of being able to take on the voice of something not human. She did it in The One and Only Ivan writing from the perspective of a gorilla. And now she's done it again from the perspective of a wise, old tree. It's a splendid piece of writing. The story is touching, about making foreigners feel welcome in their new home. And as Red is threatened with being cut down, given days to prepare, it begs the readers to ponder what they would do in their final days if they knew the end was coming. Would they spend the time pitying themselves, or try to make a difference for others in the time they know they have. That's a topic that doesn't often get covered outside of war stories and is challenging to do in a way that's appropriate and approachable for this age group. But Applegate has done it. So a beautiful story featuring splendid writing, and Charles Santoso's illustrations are stunning complements to the story. It's a short read, but a very good one.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. Some defacing of property, but the issue is resolved peacefully.

Wishtree
by Katherine Applegate

SUMMARY: Red is an oak tree more than 200 years old. But he is more than just an oak tree, he is also a wishtree. For many years, it has become a tradition to tie wishes onto his branches each May. However, this year someone carves a word into his trunk, and Red decides to do something about it.

MY REVIEW: Have you ever heard of a “raggy tree” or a “wish tree?” I had never heard of it before. It’s an old tradition from Ireland.

This is a beautiful story, relevant in today’s world. It is a middle-school story but without the usual attitudes and actions of middle-schoolers. Except for one incident of intolerance, which is what drives the story. There are funny moments, and there are poignant moments. There are many “make you think” moments.

The story is told from Red’s view from where he has grown for the past 200+ years. He has many friends who nest in his branches or nearby. He is ever the optimist, ever hopeful, and “everyone needs to hope.” One day he decides that two people need to be friends and wonders how to make it happen, and so he hatches a plan, saying “Trees are the strong silent type. Unless we’re not.” It's a book for the reader to think on, to savor.

I absolutely adored the illustrations, as I love pencil drawings.

This is definitely a book for all classrooms, about 4th grade to 8th. Younger if you’re reading aloud. And even older students can appreciate it’s message. For homeschooling families, it would make a great literature-based unit study in the tradition of HomeSchoolShare and Five in a Row.

MY RATING: 5 stars for its message of hope. Highly recommend this one! We need more books like it.

I was hesitant to buy this book— I wasn't enthralled by the description on the jacket copy, but since I loved "The One and Only Ivan" I couldn't resist it when I came across it at my son's book fair. (Plus the cover is gorgeous!) I had to wait for 30 minutes during his clarinet lesson, so I brought this book along. It has a similar voice to "Ivan," and from the very first chapter I was hooked. I devoured 2/3 of it in my first sitting, and had to finish it before I could do anything else this morning.

It is a wonderful story about a tree and all the animals in it, with a touch of human interaction. As a Unitarian, it's a great book for the whole interconnected web thing.

The book itself is beautiful, with drawing sprinkled liberally across the pages. The animals are funny and have distinct personalities. (I loved how they named themselves.) Applegate thoroughly developed her world—although it is set in the modern world, it is a tree's-eye-view, so it still has a component of world-building.

I pretty much cried from page 189 through the end. It really has all the feels.

This is a beautiful story, for those readers who get nuances like allegory there is a lot to find in this book. The introduction of some high-level nature (animal and plant) words is a great addition to help children expand their knowledge and vocabulary. This is an age 9-12 book and I think could likely span 8 years and up. It could easily be read to those younger by their parents; something I highly recommend!

The entwinement of the roots of humanity and nature is and always will be one. This book so eloquently demonstrates this concept.

A must-read for the generation of today. Practice love and friendship, turn your back on hatred and lack of diversity. This book gently and directly addresses many issues we as adults find troublesome, but I can only hope that our youth will bring us to the end result so desperately needed and so precisely shown in this book: peace for all, love your neighbor.

This book is probably aimed at kids in their single digits, and I haven’t been in that group for a very long time, but this book had me turning pages right through to the end. The characters were likeable, the story engaging, the moral well imbedded in the plot. The author doesn’t beat the reader over the head with the lesson. And the story was moving without being manipulative. I would happily recommend this as a stocking stuffer for any kid on your list.

Red has seen it all, or so they think (in the story, Red shares how, as an Oak tree, they're both a he and a she!). They've got stories from years ago, animals living in hollows, and interesting friends. Plus, it's cool what happens on May 1st: people come from all over and write wishes and tie them to Red.

This year's different though: a new human moved in with her family and Red witnesses the hate some people show that family. When Red's life is at stake, will everyone band together to save them? Told from a tree's point of view, this is one you don't want to miss! I also loved how the all the animals got their names. That part cracked me up!

As an adult, I thought this book was good, not great. As a teacher of 5th graders, I believe this would be an excellent addition to any grade 3-5 classroom library. Sometimes, I have to remember an author's audience, and then I can appreciate the book more. It's not for adults, it's for a middle grade reader.

Wishtree is a simplistic tale with much deeper meaning woven throughout. It has topics of friendship, loss, diversity, and acceptance. I liked the first person view from Red, the tree. It helped create a much more engaging story.

I read this book over the weekend in two sittings. The story did not need to be longer, so it's a good length. The illustrations are a perfect touch, in my opinion. My only gripe, though minor, is that the publisher has chosen to make the book appear larger by including a lot of blank pages or pages with two sentences, as well as large font. So the 215 page book is probably more like 150 at most.

All in all, I do recommend this book if you are considering it for your child or classroom library. It does have some very serious themes, but could be an excellent short read aloud if given time for discussion.

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for trees, and this story is told from the perspective of a special northern red oak that has seen quite a lot in its 216 years. It is used as a wishing tree, where people tie their wishes to its branches every spring in the hopes that they might come true. But when a mean-spirited teen carves a hateful message into its bark, it seems like the tree’s days might finally be numbered. The tree is resigned to its fate, but is determined if at all possible to grant one last wish.

Applegate is a Newbery Medal winning author and she knows how to weave a story well. This one is a tale of belonging and friendship and welcoming the stranger which we so desperately need in our angry world. I was sitting at the park crying my eyes out as I read this. It’s sweet and beautiful and meaningful. It will only take you an hour or so to read and you might just decide to pass it on to some young person in your life.

This book has a feeling of serenity such as few books have, issuing forth from its narrator, a 216-year-old red elm tree, who has chosen to tell a story. The prose is elegant and strong, without being overly complicated, the story wise and optimistic. There is enough tension and conflict for dramatic developments, but not so much as would aggrieve a younger child, and there is plenty of gentle humor to tickle a child's funnybone. The message is one of inclusiveness, love, and hope, and it makes for great bedtime reading. My seven-year-old was enthralled from the first page, and we devoured this novel faster than most others, staying up way past both our bedtimes on a few nights. A lovely, rich read. Kudos!

Having read Crenshaw and The One And Only Ivan before reading Wishtree, I had high expectations. This book was as great as Katherine Applegate's other works. It is a quick read and has an excellent story about friendship and the things that really matter in life. I loved the story towards the end and wish that there was more about the Wishtree's past in the exposition. One thing I was not a huge fan of was the intricate detail about how animals get their names. It was a fun addition to the story, especially since it is meant for younger readers, but at times it felt a bit confusing and not entirely related to the story. Overall, it was a brilliant book and I highly recommend anyone read it!

this is a very good teen read!! I can relate to the sentimentality of something very old that has been around for decades. I loved all the characters who have inhabitted hollows in the tree they sll had wonderful names and personality. I was compelled to keep reading to see if the tree would be cut down and if all the inhabitants would lose their homes. I fell in love with the trees gentle spirit. the illistrations are nothing short of fabulous!! the read was well worth the time it took to read it. In the end I felt the book was good enough to make it hard to choose the next read

Every first of May, people will adorn Red the red oak tree with scraps of paper, bits of fabric and snippets of yarn with dreams, desires and longings. Trees can't tell jokes but they tell stories. They talk to some people but often will converse with nature. Red often chat with Bongo, the best friend who is a crow.

Red is not just any tree but he is a home for many and is important to the community. Samar is a ten-year-old who visits the tree at night when her parents fall asleep. She makes a one wish. Her wish is, "I wish for a friend." Samar has been bullied by others because she is Muslim. A carving on the tree is found telling Samar's family to leave and it upsets Samar. Stephen who lives next door to her becomes a friend over time with the intervention of Red and Bongo. Unfortunately, Red breaks the code of conduct between trees in order to make the friendship happen.

Francesca is the owner of the property of the tree and she is debating where to cut the tree down. After readers find out that Francesca is related to the person who first started the wishing, she changes heart and decides to protect the tree. A diary consists the first wish made by a young female back in 1848. Bongo was able to give the key to Samar in order to unlock the diary. The first wish was the gift of love. Eventually, love prevails!

Katherine Applegate has written a wonderful middle grade novel that delves into many current topics. The Wishtree is a novel that tackles topics such as friendship, environmental protection, diversity, bullying, community and love. It's a lovely book for all ages.

This is a delightful book targeting middle aged school children. The Wishtree is a story about a century old tree named Red and his animal friends who live in his limbs and hollows. I decided to read the book because I was intrigued by the subject about kindness and acceptance of a new Immigrant family moving into the neighborhood next to Red, the Wishing tree. This story held a poignant message for both young and old and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Seeing as I enjoyed two of Katherine Applegate's previous books -- "The One and Only Ivan" and "Crenshaw" -- I figured I owed it to myself to check out her book "Wishtree." The premise of a sentient tree seemed interesting, and as many have pointed out bore more than a slight resemblance to the beloved (if controversial) book "The Giving Tree." If this book was anything like "Ivan" or "Crenshaw" I figured I was in for a thoughtful, easy read that would nonetheless give me a poignant, meaningful story. And I turned out to be right -- "Wishtree" may not rise to the heights of "Ivan," but is certainly equal to "Crenshaw" in that it tells a valuable story that far surpasses its whimsical magical-realism setting.

The titular "Wishtree" is Red, an oak that has lived in the same neighborhood for hundreds of years, and whom the neighbors decorate with scraps of paper and cloth with wishes written on them every year. Red is content in their role as a sort of guardian of the neighborhood... and so is shocked when someone carves an ugly message into their bark, a message directed at a new family who has moved into one of the empty homes. Determined to do something to make the new family welcome, Red decides to grant the wish of the family's young girl, and enlists the aid of Bongo, a sarcastic crow, to help. But granting another's wish is difficult when you're a tree, and even more difficult when it turns out Red's life is in danger...

There's a lot going on in this book, especially given its short length (less than two hundred pages of wide-spaced text, interspersed with illustrations). And sometimes I felt that there was TOO much going on. But Applegate mostly manages to keep the multiple plots moving smoothly, and keeps the pace easy and steady despite there being a lot going on. And even more amazingly, she manages to give most of the characters distinct personalities despite the short length of the book, and even if few of them get actual character arcs, I still came away feeling that I knew most of them well.

Applegate's writing is simple, yet poetic and strangely dreamlike, creating an easily-read but thoughtfully-told story with a poignant message about welcoming others and not giving up on dreams and wishes. This is a talent that's served her well in books like "Ivan" and "Crenshaw," and makes for a fantastic reading experience here. It's sort of hard to believe that this is the same author who turned out the "Animorphs" series -- not saying that's a bad series, merely that it's far more action-packed and focused on episodic adventures than characterization and tone, and that books like "Ivan," "Crenshaw," and "Wishtree" are a VERY different experience from "Animorphs."

The illustrations in this book are well-done as well, simple yet evocative, and will delight young readers. They aren't necessary to the story, but are a nice addition.

A lovely book for younger readers, "Wishtree" is nonetheless a good quick read for adults as well. It gives us a well-told story of magical realism with a timeless message, and is a pleasant and thoughtful read all the way through. And for those wondering about the "Giving Tree" comparisons -- the similarities are there, but "Wishtree" tells a much different story with a somewhat similar concept. So feel free to pick this up and experience a new story on a similar theme.

Another exceptionally wise yet simple children’s novel from the Newbery Award-winning author of *The One and Only Ivan*.

Applegate excels at telling stories through unexpected points-of-view. This allows her readers to observe emotional human nature from the outside, which can give distance and empathy at the same time. *The One and Only Ivan* is told from the viewpoint of a gorilla imprisoned in a tiny zoo space in a shopping mall.

In *Wishtree,* Applegate tells the story of an American community through the point of view of a red oak tree, Red. (“All red oak are named Red…. That’s how it is in tree world. We don’t need names to tell one another apart.”) While that might seem like an odd idea, Applegate brings it off in a gentle way. Red is over 200 years old and has many animals and birds living in its branches. It has seen many families move through the house in its yard and the other nearby homes. It knows the stories of the early Irish families, then the Italian families who moved in next and who were yelled at by the Irish. Of course the Irish and the Italians eventually intermarried and just became “Americans.” One of those long-ago neighbors started a custom of hanging written wishes on the tree every May 1st. The tree had no power to grant wishes, of course, but the custom helped to bring the neighborhood together every year.

And now a new family has moved in, a Muslim family with a grade-school daughter named Samar. And like the generations of people before her, she has a wish: “for a friend.” Some people only drive by with hate and some boy has actually carved the word “Leave” into the tree’s bark; but the tree and the animals in the tree appreciate Samar and want to help her.

The words of the story are simple but the story is deep. If you really believe that “Love your neighbor” is an important task in life, please read this book to your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Even though it is over 200 pages long, they are short pages. The story can be appreciated by any child age 8 and up, especially if read aloud. (Practice the last couple of chapters, so you can keep your voice steady.)

This is an important book for children. Please pass along love, not hate. *Wishtree* can help with that.

Red is an old oak tree. She's been in her spot hundreds of years, and witnessed many things both amazing and heartbreaking. Every year around May for many, many years locals have hung their wishes on her. Wishes both silly and 100% serious. Red can talk, but it is a solemn secret, known only by other trees and animals. But when she thinks her time is drawing short, and a little girl living under her shade, who visits her and the animals who live in her branches nightly, makes a heartbreaking wish Red thinks she can make come true, she breaks her solemn silence.

Applegate has an amazing talent of being able to take on the voice of something not human. She did it in The One and Only Ivan writing from the perspective of a gorilla. And now she's done it again from the perspective of a wise, old tree. It's a splendid piece of writing. The story is touching, about making foreigners feel welcome in their new home. And as Red is threatened with being cut down, given days to prepare, it begs the readers to ponder what they would do in their final days if they knew the end was coming. Would they spend the time pitying themselves, or try to make a difference for others in the time they know they have. That's a topic that doesn't often get covered outside of war stories and is challenging to do in a way that's appropriate and approachable for this age group. But Applegate has done it. So a beautiful story featuring splendid writing, and Charles Santoso's illustrations are stunning complements to the story. It's a short read, but a very good one.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. Some defacing of property, but the issue is resolved peacefully.

Wishtree
by Katherine Applegate

SUMMARY: Red is an oak tree more than 200 years old. But he is more than just an oak tree, he is also a wishtree. For many years, it has become a tradition to tie wishes onto his branches each May. However, this year someone carves a word into his trunk, and Red decides to do something about it.

MY REVIEW: Have you ever heard of a “raggy tree” or a “wish tree?” I had never heard of it before. It’s an old tradition from Ireland.

This is a beautiful story, relevant in today’s world. It is a middle-school story but without the usual attitudes and actions of middle-schoolers. Except for one incident of intolerance, which is what drives the story. There are funny moments, and there are poignant moments. There are many “make you think” moments.

The story is told from Red’s view from where he has grown for the past 200+ years. He has many friends who nest in his branches or nearby. He is ever the optimist, ever hopeful, and “everyone needs to hope.” One day he decides that two people need to be friends and wonders how to make it happen, and so he hatches a plan, saying “Trees are the strong silent type. Unless we’re not.” It's a book for the reader to think on, to savor.

I absolutely adored the illustrations, as I love pencil drawings.

This is definitely a book for all classrooms, about 4th grade to 8th. Younger if you’re reading aloud. And even older students can appreciate it’s message. For homeschooling families, it would make a great literature-based unit study in the tradition of HomeSchoolShare and Five in a Row.

MY RATING: 5 stars for its message of hope. Highly recommend this one! We need more books like it.

I was hesitant to buy this book— I wasn't enthralled by the description on the jacket copy, but since I loved "The One and Only Ivan" I couldn't resist it when I came across it at my son's book fair. (Plus the cover is gorgeous!) I had to wait for 30 minutes during his clarinet lesson, so I brought this book along. It has a similar voice to "Ivan," and from the very first chapter I was hooked. I devoured 2/3 of it in my first sitting, and had to finish it before I could do anything else this morning.

It is a wonderful story about a tree and all the animals in it, with a touch of human interaction. As a Unitarian, it's a great book for the whole interconnected web thing.

The book itself is beautiful, with drawing sprinkled liberally across the pages. The animals are funny and have distinct personalities. (I loved how they named themselves.) Applegate thoroughly developed her world—although it is set in the modern world, it is a tree's-eye-view, so it still has a component of world-building.

I pretty much cried from page 189 through the end. It really has all the feels.

This is a beautiful story, for those readers who get nuances like allegory there is a lot to find in this book. The introduction of some high-level nature (animal and plant) words is a great addition to help children expand their knowledge and vocabulary. This is an age 9-12 book and I think could likely span 8 years and up. It could easily be read to those younger by their parents; something I highly recommend!

The entwinement of the roots of humanity and nature is and always will be one. This book so eloquently demonstrates this concept.

A must-read for the generation of today. Practice love and friendship, turn your back on hatred and lack of diversity. This book gently and directly addresses many issues we as adults find troublesome, but I can only hope that our youth will bring us to the end result so desperately needed and so precisely shown in this book: peace for all, love your neighbor.

This book is probably aimed at kids in their single digits, and I haven’t been in that group for a very long time, but this book had me turning pages right through to the end. The characters were likeable, the story engaging, the moral well imbedded in the plot. The author doesn’t beat the reader over the head with the lesson. And the story was moving without being manipulative. I would happily recommend this as a stocking stuffer for any kid on your list.

Red has seen it all, or so they think (in the story, Red shares how, as an Oak tree, they're both a he and a she!). They've got stories from years ago, animals living in hollows, and interesting friends. Plus, it's cool what happens on May 1st: people come from all over and write wishes and tie them to Red.

This year's different though: a new human moved in with her family and Red witnesses the hate some people show that family. When Red's life is at stake, will everyone band together to save them? Told from a tree's point of view, this is one you don't want to miss! I also loved how the all the animals got their names. That part cracked me up!

As an adult, I thought this book was good, not great. As a teacher of 5th graders, I believe this would be an excellent addition to any grade 3-5 classroom library. Sometimes, I have to remember an author's audience, and then I can appreciate the book more. It's not for adults, it's for a middle grade reader.

Wishtree is a simplistic tale with much deeper meaning woven throughout. It has topics of friendship, loss, diversity, and acceptance. I liked the first person view from Red, the tree. It helped create a much more engaging story.

I read this book over the weekend in two sittings. The story did not need to be longer, so it's a good length. The illustrations are a perfect touch, in my opinion. My only gripe, though minor, is that the publisher has chosen to make the book appear larger by including a lot of blank pages or pages with two sentences, as well as large font. So the 215 page book is probably more like 150 at most.

All in all, I do recommend this book if you are considering it for your child or classroom library. It does have some very serious themes, but could be an excellent short read aloud if given time for discussion.

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for trees, and this story is told from the perspective of a special northern red oak that has seen quite a lot in its 216 years. It is used as a wishing tree, where people tie their wishes to its branches every spring in the hopes that they might come true. But when a mean-spirited teen carves a hateful message into its bark, it seems like the tree’s days might finally be numbered. The tree is resigned to its fate, but is determined if at all possible to grant one last wish.

Applegate is a Newbery Medal winning author and she knows how to weave a story well. This one is a tale of belonging and friendship and welcoming the stranger which we so desperately need in our angry world. I was sitting at the park crying my eyes out as I read this. It’s sweet and beautiful and meaningful. It will only take you an hour or so to read and you might just decide to pass it on to some young person in your life.

This book has a feeling of serenity such as few books have, issuing forth from its narrator, a 216-year-old red elm tree, who has chosen to tell a story. The prose is elegant and strong, without being overly complicated, the story wise and optimistic. There is enough tension and conflict for dramatic developments, but not so much as would aggrieve a younger child, and there is plenty of gentle humor to tickle a child's funnybone. The message is one of inclusiveness, love, and hope, and it makes for great bedtime reading. My seven-year-old was enthralled from the first page, and we devoured this novel faster than most others, staying up way past both our bedtimes on a few nights. A lovely, rich read. Kudos!

Having read Crenshaw and The One And Only Ivan before reading Wishtree, I had high expectations. This book was as great as Katherine Applegate's other works. It is a quick read and has an excellent story about friendship and the things that really matter in life. I loved the story towards the end and wish that there was more about the Wishtree's past in the exposition. One thing I was not a huge fan of was the intricate detail about how animals get their names. It was a fun addition to the story, especially since it is meant for younger readers, but at times it felt a bit confusing and not entirely related to the story. Overall, it was a brilliant book and I highly recommend anyone read it!

this is a very good teen read!! I can relate to the sentimentality of something very old that has been around for decades. I loved all the characters who have inhabitted hollows in the tree they sll had wonderful names and personality. I was compelled to keep reading to see if the tree would be cut down and if all the inhabitants would lose their homes. I fell in love with the trees gentle spirit. the illistrations are nothing short of fabulous!! the read was well worth the time it took to read it. In the end I felt the book was good enough to make it hard to choose the next read

Every first of May, people will adorn Red the red oak tree with scraps of paper, bits of fabric and snippets of yarn with dreams, desires and longings. Trees can't tell jokes but they tell stories. They talk to some people but often will converse with nature. Red often chat with Bongo, the best friend who is a crow.

Red is not just any tree but he is a home for many and is important to the community. Samar is a ten-year-old who visits the tree at night when her parents fall asleep. She makes a one wish. Her wish is, "I wish for a friend." Samar has been bullied by others because she is Muslim. A carving on the tree is found telling Samar's family to leave and it upsets Samar. Stephen who lives next door to her becomes a friend over time with the intervention of Red and Bongo. Unfortunately, Red breaks the code of conduct between trees in order to make the friendship happen.

Francesca is the owner of the property of the tree and she is debating where to cut the tree down. After readers find out that Francesca is related to the person who first started the wishing, she changes heart and decides to protect the tree. A diary consists the first wish made by a young female back in 1848. Bongo was able to give the key to Samar in order to unlock the diary. The first wish was the gift of love. Eventually, love prevails!

Katherine Applegate has written a wonderful middle grade novel that delves into many current topics. The Wishtree is a novel that tackles topics such as friendship, environmental protection, diversity, bullying, community and love. It's a lovely book for all ages.

This is a delightful book targeting middle aged school children. The Wishtree is a story about a century old tree named Red and his animal friends who live in his limbs and hollows. I decided to read the book because I was intrigued by the subject about kindness and acceptance of a new Immigrant family moving into the neighborhood next to Red, the Wishing tree. This story held a poignant message for both young and old and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I can't recommend this book enough. The importance of empathy, friendship, and community come to life in this beautifully written story narrated by a wise old tree and featuring a cast of lovable characters. This book will open the door to difficult conversations about what it truly means to embrace others, and what we can do to right the wrongs we see in the world. My eleven-year-old daughter and I loved this book.
Katie Hurley, LCSW, author, No More Mean Girls

Wishtree is a 216 ring old tree named Red, who is home to a families of critters. He has seen his neighborhood change and grow over many years. Every May 1st, people put their wishes on his branches. On this particular May 1st, extra special wishes are made that show the people of the neighborhood just what it means to love, accept differences and to be a neighbor.

This is a children's book or perhaps a young adult novel, but the sentiments it gives the reader and the lessons it teaches are for any age. Excellent story

While this book does move slowly, as you would guess a tree would, it has beautiful, but simple writing and a powerful message. I thought it was a very interesting take on a story to tell from a trees perspective and there are plenty of tree references to be had, just corny enough for kids to feel like they are in on the joke. There is also a thread about diversity and acceptance woven into this tale. Just enough to bring up the topic and start a conversation, but not dig into the deeper issues. A perfect blend for the intended audience.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Applegate is a master of personification and emotional stories. She did it with a gorilla, and now she has done it with a tree. As the story moves, the reader takes turns at the base of the tree, in the branches, and inside the trunk, listening to the observations of the tree and the animals about people, letting them tie wishes to the branches and cry against its trunk.

A heartbreaking and heartwarming story at the same time, this book a new favorite of mine.

Another home run of a book by author Katherine Applegate! Wishtree is a wonderful, short novel about friendship, community, and acceptance. Wishtree is told from the perspective of Red, a red oak tree, who is 216 years old. For many years, every May 1st, people leave notes/wishes on Red's branches. Even as Red's end is near, Red strives to help 2 children, her neighbors, fulfill one last wish. They, in turn, help her. This story is timely, modern, and beautiful. It would make a great holiday gift!

After reading The One and Only Ivan as an adult, I wanted to read more by this author. Wishtree showed up in my kids school bookfair flyer. I tried to convince my 9 year old daughter to read it, but she wasn't interested. I finally decided to buy it for myself when I got a Kindle for my birthday. It was worth the Kindle price, and now I am buying a print version too. It's a special and gentle story about friendship, assumptions, and love. Told from the point of view of the tree, it's a different spin on your typical friendship story. Its sweet, endearing, funny, charming, and honest. Easily as good as "Ivan" and a book to cherish forever!

Such a sweet story. And that cover? LOVE.

Wishtree is a petite, powerful tale of friendship and forgiving, filled with laugh out loud moments as well as tear-jerker prose.

This is middle grade at its best. A book lover's treat and visual feast for the young-at-heart and not so young-at-heart. A few pictures sprinkled throughout added to the emotion. I'll never forget Red and Bongo, Samar and Stephen.

Highly recommend for early readers up through ancient readers.

This is the first book I've ever read by the author, Katherine Applegate. I loved this book as well as her writing style. I have since gone on to read her other books. The story is incredibly timely with what is going on in our world and in our country. I will be sharing it with my 3rd grade class. It is a story that teaches beautiful lessons of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance. Red - the old oak tree who has watched time come and go in the neighborhood - is the narrator of the story and steadfast friend to the animals and, yes, the humans in the neighborhood. His observations about how people act in and react to situations are thought-provoking and will provide rich discussion material for my students.

I've always had a strong affinity for trees - I appreciate that Katherine Applegate has made the often unappreciated tree the hero of the story. Brava!

An incredibly empowering book for young readers. Red, an oak tree has seen quite a bit in his long life. He has been shelter to animals, a gathering place and a wishtree. But for all that, Red has largely kept his thoughts and opinions to himself. However, a little girls wish for a friend and a bit of graffiti carved into Red's trunk make him break the rules and try to change things for the better. As I read this book, a refrain continued to go through my mind - "be the change you want to see in the world." Red embodies this belief beautifully! Recommended for all.

This was a sweet story for younger elementary students. It would make a fabulous read aloud. I am a sentimental sap for trees, and this story was poignant. The themes of friendship, nature, and prejudice ring throughout this story. The only reason I have given it 4 stars is that the beginning seemed a bit slow, but I am so glad I continued reading. I must admit I shed a few tears during my reading...just a few. True sweetness!

A tale from the perspective of Red, a red oak who is many rings old and has granted if you may, many wishes. The tree of wisdom and chivalry. The wishing tree.
Katherine Applegate has written a eye-catching and wholehearted story once again. This is an amazing book about friendship and trust. What will Red do to bring two young neighbors together?

The Wishtree. Host of animals and wishes alike.

I thought Ivan was the kind of story an author is blessed to share once in a lifetime. I expected this story to be good, but I was blown away by the depth of the emotion pulled from me yet again. I cried through the entire last half of the book. This is a must read story, because as a wise old tree always says, every body needs hope. Sometimes we need a little help finding it, which is what makes this story such a powerful and important one.

"Hollows are proof that something bad can become something good with enough time and care and hope." One of my favorite lines in Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate. Just finished this story, and Red has made a permanent imprint on my heart. Applegate weaves beautiful language and layered characters, animal and human, into a narrative that tugs at your heart. Thank you, Katherine!

I was fortunate to read an ARC of this book before it was published, then I read it again after I bought the hardcover. This is an absolutely lovely book about friendship, bravery, and doing the right thing. This book has humor, tender moments, and a strong lesson. The illustrations are adorable and it's a fairly quick read. I'd recommend it as a readaloud for third grade and up.

This story is short but packs an amazing punch. It's amazing how the story of a "wise old tree" can cover xenophobia, loneliness, friendship, and belonging. I adored this book. The short chapters will be great for reluctant readers, and the novelty of a tree narrator should intrigue everyone.

I enjoyed reading the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. This book is about how animals save a tree from dying, and create friends between two neighbor children that have a lot in common, but never knew it until they started talking. There are lots of unexpected turns in events. I would recommend this book to anybody that loves fantasy books, and talking animals. My favorite part of this book was when the tree was trying to make the two children friends. I would rate this book a four out of five book.

This was a meaningful story that made me think friendships can get hard sometimes, but you'll learn from them. The author has a creative style of writing. I love how she uses figurative language. I think the characters have a great sense of humor and Red and Bongo both have different perspectives on life. Red is an optimist, unlike Bongo, who is a pessimist. Overall, I highly recommend this book, but for people who aren't too sensitive because the story might make you cry. Gaby. M.

I loved this book!! Beautifully written book from the perspective of the tree. Weaves in friendship, culture, family stories, hate, forgiveness and wishing. I am a Youth Services Librarian Assistant and I will be book talking this book very soon. Such a lovely story!!

What a wonderful book! I absolutely loved the language, characters, message... it's a book that will resonate with me for a long, long time. A must-have for every library and a perfect gift for middle grade readers. Absolutely one of my new favorites!

for young readers. Tells a nice story with a quick moving plot. I like that it didn't go deep into details. Just enough to keep the story interesting and keep young readers attention. I particularly like the theme of acceptance throughout the book.

Absolutely love this book! I was surprised that my seven year old son got interested enough to agree to read it together at bed time. It was not, after all, a book about underpants or superheroes or sharks or Star Wars. But from page 1, we were both hooked. This is a sweet, funny, and moving story that will have you and your kids laughing one minute, and tearing up the next. It’s tone is warm and inviting, familiar and comforting, but not condescending. It’s a bit like - no, I’d say exactly like - a wise old tree telling you a story.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is about a tree and all the wishes it witnesses as a wish tree, a tree that people place their wishes on. Red, this particular tree, wants to make one wish come true before their life is over. Red wants to help Samar make friends with her next door neighbor Stephen. This book is very sweet and I loved reading from the perspective of a tree and after I finished it, it continued to grow on me (haha). I would recommend this book to everyone because it gives an unseen perspective as well as addresses how islamophobia effects children.

Thisvwas an easy, interesting, read with a very good message. In today's environment, it is important to remember that acceptance of thosevwho are different is very important. The book communicates that message well.

A beautifully written, heartwarming story of kindness, community and acceptance. The short chapters and illustrations make it a perfect read-aloud book for elementary age kids, although as an adult I really enjoyed the story myself.

This beautiful book captures the feeling of hope so well. It feels like the inspiring read both kids and adults might need if they are feeling down about the world. Tears will be shed and faith will be restored.

I loved this story and can't wait for my daughter to read it. Wishtree gently gives kids a mindfulness about nature and the power of community. This story has a lot of heart and will stick with readers for years to come.

Amazing, amazing, amazing. I feel like every FAMILY should read this book together. What a beautiful story that is presented in an age appropriate way. Yet another home run from Katherine Applegate!

Another instant classic by Katherine Applegate! What a heart warming story told from the perspective of a tree who has seen many things. One of my favorites of the year and should be a finalist if not winner of many awards.

"Hollows are proof that something bad can become something good with enough time and care and hope." One of my favorite lines in Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate. Just finished this story, and Red has made a permanent imprint on my heart. Applegate weaves beautiful language and layered characters, animal and human, into a narrative that tugs at your heart. Thank you, Katherine!

What a wonderful book! I absolutely loved the language, characters, message... it's a book that will resonate with me for a long, long time. A must-have for every library and a perfect gift for middle grade readers. Absolutely one of my new favorites!

This book is amazing I did not read any books until I found this my dad made me try it and I wasn’t to happy about it, but then I read it and I couldn’t stop it was good, entertaining, and fun to read now I’m willing to try new books all because of the wishtree.

My 7 year old son heard this story in a class as a read aloud and asked me to get a copy to read at home. He loved hearing it again. The themes are slightly more advanced than his first-grade level so I did end up helping him to understand the central plot point but that’s not a bad thing. Just be prepared to talk about prejudice and fear of people who are “different” when tour child reads this book.

This newbery award story will capture the hearts of those who read it. It is a tale of friendship, helping others and kindness. I hope that all who have a chance to read this Katherine Applegate novel will read it.

I enjoyed reading the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. This book is about how animals save a tree from dying, and create friends between two neighbor children that have a lot in common, but never knew it until they started talking. There are lots of unexpected turns in events. I would recommend this book to anybody that loves fantasy books, and talking animals. My favorite part of this book was when the tree was trying to make the two children friends. I would rate this book a four out of five book.

This book is part of a set I am reading as a teacher. I expected it to be a sweet story, but it was so much more. Given our current political climate, this book, and the word "stay" had me in tears. Will probably read this aloud to my students this year.

Just a lovely story to read straight through all at once. I can't believe I stayed up late to finish this book, but I just couldn't stop until I found out how it all ended. Now, I'm so glad I read to the end. What a satisfying conclusion!