Reviews

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

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librarianlizreads's review

4.0

Accelerated Reader has this book listed as being for middle grades, or readers in 4th to 8th grade. They also have listed that this read is worth 3 AR points.

Oh my heartstrings. This story is about acceptance in the most meaningful way. Not only does this touch on accepting other ethnicity/races (example in this case being Muslim families in America), but it encourages us to accept everyone and welcome them into our neighborhoods. It also speaks to the love and respect that humans should have toward nature.

This is definitely a feel good story and has a really beautiful light in it’s important messages. I sort of feel like every kid should read this book. It’s noted for 4th to 8th graders, but I would put it closer to the bottom of that range. It’s an easy read. It could potentially be used by reluctant readers as a way to build confidence in reading.

Summary:

-Do not read past this point if you would like to avoid spoilers-

This is the story of Red, a beautiful and old oak tree. Red has seen a lot in the 200 plus years that it has guarded the neighborhood. In current day, Red is facing a big problem. A little girl who is new to the neighborhood is from a Muslim family. Many people in the community react to Muslims with hate and threats. Red doesn’t understand why people have to act this way to one another.

People make wishes on Red annually, as is an old Irish custom. Samar, the new little girl, makes a simple wish for a friend. When a hateful kid carves the word “LEAVE” onto Red’s trunk, Francesca, the woman who owns the property that Samar’s family lives on and that Red grows on, decides that it is time to cut Red down.

While Red is sad about this decision, it is more important that Red’s last act in the world be to help Samar’s wish come true. With some help from a crow friend named Bongo, Samar and her neighbor Stephen are brought together in friendship. Red has to break the most sacred law of nature however and talks to them both. Red tells them the history of the neighborhood and coincidentally the history of Francesca’s family.

The two children use this knowledge to help remind Francesca and save Red. Stephen also works with his school to make the wishday that occurs on the same day to show Samar that she is wanted in the neighborhood and should not leave.

reader4evr's review

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5.0

Another home run for Katherine Applegate and the perfect read aloud about tolerance, friendship and respect.

I love the relationship with the tree and the crow.

tmt99's review

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

dana_yamaguchi's review

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5.0

“Tree’s can’t tell jokes.
But we can certainly tell stories.
And if all you hear is the whisper of leaves, don’t worry.
Most trees are introverts at hearts.”
-Red, from Wishtree by Katherine Applegate