Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Quotable Quotes

"Making others feel safe is a fine way to spend your days."

"...reminded me there is beauty in stillness and grace in acceptance."

"It is a great gift indeed to love who you are."

"...friendship doesn't have to be hard.  That sometimes we let the world make it hard"
"But everyone needs hope."

Having lived for over two hundred years, Red, the oak tree, is as much a part of his neighborhood as any human who has resided there. When a new family moves into the neighborhood, not everyone is accepting of their arrival, but can Red use his wisdom and experience to make a difference?  Can he help others without sacrificing himself?  Told with humor, sensitivity, and beauty, this is a feel good tale that needs to be shared.

As a fourth grade teacher, I have watched many students fall in love with Katherine Applegates' The One and Only Ivan.  It tends to resonate deeply with them, touching something in them, making them feel something that was previously untouched by a book.  With wishtree, Ms. Applegate has succeeded in creating those same experiences for her reader.  While it only took me a little more than an hour to read this beautiful story, it will stay with me for much longer than that.  I can't wait to share this with my students.

Congratulations, Katherine Applegate.  What a lovely story!