Book Review: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Red is an oak tree. She has been here for many,many decades. She has seen this neighborhood, rise, falter, and come somewhat back. She has seen the complexion in the neighborhood change multiple times. Along with her friends and the animals who live in/under her, the crow Bongo, the skunks, the opossums, the raccoons, and other creatures, they watch the people come and go.

And the ones who've come most lately are in the house in whose yard Red lives, Samara and her family, a Muslim family, who is certainly not welcomes by their neighbors. And then a vandalism takes place. And the resulting attention makes the owner of the houses want to cut down the tree. After all, the "wishing tree" day every year is a real pain the neck for her, having to deal with all the trash afterwards. It would be easier to just get rid of it all.

A heartfelt story of understanding and tolerance and forgiveness, this book will stand the test of time and become a modern classic. Everyone should read it. It will restore your faith in humanity. And trees. And crows.

This review is a part of Kid Konnection, hosted by Booking Mama, a collection of children's book-related posts over the weekend.

This book is published by Feiwel & Friends, a division of Macmillan, my employer.