Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with a crow named Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this wishtree watches over the neighborhood. You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red's experience as a wishtree is more…
4.6Overall Score
Wishtree
Reader's Review A beautiful story that is gentle, funny and deep, told from the unlikely perspective of an oak tree. Although the story may not engage all readers (it is a serious story), it ...
Reader’s Review
A beautiful story that is gentle, funny and deep, told from the unlikely perspective of an oak tree. Although the story may not engage all readers (it is a serious story), it would be a wonderful text to use in the classroom. There are many themes worthy of discussion – friendship, racism and acceptance (a new Muslim family must deal with negativity), the power of working together, death, hope and connection within nature, among others. Would also make for a good read aloud book.
To look out for
- Language: The tree’s best friend, a crow, calls him Buttinsky for butting into other people’s lives.
- Violence: A kid from the community carves in the word LEAVE into the tree to make it clear to the Muslim family that they are not welcome. The tree is almost cut down, and spends much time reflecting about the end of his life.
Purchase on: Book Depository
