Wishtree

Applegate, Katherine. Wishtree. 2017. 215p. ISBN 978-1-25004322-1. Available as an audiobook from Overdrive and at F APP from MCS.

Red is a beautiful oak tree who has been standing in this spot for more than two hundred years. Known as a wish tree, people come from all around to leave wishes scribbled on fabric or paper and tied to Red’s branches. Some of the wishes are silly, others are serious, and still others are more questions than wishes. Through it all, Red stands proud, sheltering the wishes as well as several large families of animals who inhabits the myriad hollows inside the majestic tree, and Bongo, her crow friend.

When a Muslim family moves in the neighborhood, Red can feel the tension. This family is different than the other residents, and many feel they shouldn’t live here. Red really loves Samar, however, and so do the animals. She often comes out at night and cuddles with Red, and the animals come out and play with her. Stephen, a boy Samar’s age, lives next door and has studiously ignored Samar and her family. Samar leaves a wish on Red’s branch, asking for a friend. Red determines to help Samar and Stephen realize that they should be friends. Working with Bongo and the other animals, Red arranges things so that Samar and Stephen properly meet under her shade.

Tensions with the Muslim family increases, however, and people want them gone. When Samar announces she might be leaving, Red is distraught. What can she do to save her friend? Meanwhile, the land owner where Red resides decides it’s time to cut Red down, as the tree has damaged the pipes and has caused water to pool in the yard. Having stood around for over two hundred years, it is time for the wish tree to wish something for itself.

A beautifully written story told from Red’s perspective, readers will appreciate the dedication and self-sacrifice involved in Red’s decisions. One small act of kindness often leads to positive changes in a whole neighborhood.