Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a middle grade novel about an oak tree named Red. What makes this novel unique is that the tree has the ability to speak. In fact, she narrates the entire story. She is an important tree, not only because she releases oxygen and adds 
beauty to the neighborhood, but she is also home to many critters, including a
families of skunks, opossums, raccoons, and to a clever crow named Bongo. And of course, she is a wishtree, meaning that on the first day of May each year, residents of the neighborhood write down their wishes and hang them onto her branches. Each year Red is deluged with a variety of wishes from adults and children, ranging from an invisible robot that does homework to the hope for a friend.
The story takes place in a modern day neighborhood, and it zeroes in on a new family that moves near Red. Sadly, this new family, including their young girl named Samar, become victims of prejudice and are targeted because of their Muslim background. Samar seeks refuge in the tree and finds friendship with the animals late each night. Red desperately wants to help Samar feel like she belongs, particularly after a nasty word gets carved into Red’s trunk, causing unrest in the neighborhood. This event also leads to the threat of Red being cut down, leading Red to feel like she must make a difference in Samar’s life before her time on earth is up.
This is a lovely little book for middle grade readers (and adults too!). It features sweet poetic language as Red, the optimistic oak tree, provides us with her wisdom and with the stories she’s witnessed over two centuries. Red is a such a gentle soul – as you’d imagine the soul of a tree would be – that you can’t help but feel for her and listen closely to her stories.
Wishtree also teaches a profound lesson to children about the importance of kindness. The illustrations add an elegant touch; at the beginning of each chapter, several leaves swoosh across the page, or Red’s branches seem to jut out toward the reader. All in all, the short chapters, the hopeful storyline, and the simple illustrations make Wishtree perfect for reluctant readers and avid readers alike.
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