Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

One way to decide what to read is to pick an author you have enjoyed previously. Since I liked The Endling and The One and Only Ivan, I decided to try Wishtree, Katherine Applegate's newest book. The book is a quick read with very short chapters. Applegate writes from the perspective of Red, a wise old oak who serves as the neighborhood "wish tree." For generations people have written their wishes and tied them to Red's branches with the hope that they will come true. 

The focus of this story is on Samar's wish for a friend. Samar is a kind and gentle Muslim girl whose family has recently moved to the neighborhood from another country. She spends much of her time quietly sitting beneath Red's branches getting to know the animals who live in his tree hollows, roots, and branches. Unfortunately, not everyone is as welcoming to Samar as Red and the animals. One day the ugliness of discrimination is carved into Red's bark.

If you are in 3rd grade or above and enjoy combining fantasy with realistic fiction, read Wishtree and find out if Red can make Samar's wish come true.

Mrs. N.