Leave it to a children's books writer to produce the most moving commentary I've read on the anti-immigration movement—without mentioning bans or walls or presidents. What's more, this is a tale told by…a tree. Never mind the kids. Katherine Applegate's Wishtree is a beautifully written, morally bracing story that will leave its imprint on a reader of any age…Applegate has a quirky imagination and a deft touch…Even if you are old enough to be a grandmother, you can almost believe Red's story is real. Middle-grade readers will no doubt be charmed by the way creatures talk, and they might be challenged to puzzle out some things, like who speaks Yoruba. They'll learn just enough science (to say nothing of current events) to be satisfied that this story is grounded in a familiar world. The book's message—and the grace Applegate locates in children's hearts—will not escape anyone.

Praise for wishtree:

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

A New York Times Notable Book

A National Public Radio Best Book

A Publishers Weekly Bestseller

A Washington Post Best Book

A Chicago Public Library Best Book

A Publishers Weekly Best Book

San Francisco Chronicle Gift Guide

Los Angeles Times Gift Guide

Kids’ Indie Next List "Top Pick" Title

Winner, E.B. White Read Aloud Award

ALSC/ALA Notable Children's Book

"Wishtree is beautiful in every way one can imagine. Everyone should read this book." —R.J. Palacio, bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird, and Pony

"A beautifully written, morally bracing story that will leave its imprint on a reader of any age." The New York Times Book Review

"The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate’s graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts. Narration comes from Red, an enormous red oak near an elementary school that also serves as a “wishtree” for the neighborhood—once a year, residents deposit wishes in Red’s branches and hollows...It’s a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Applegate introduces another quiet, resilient protagonist who — like the caged gorilla in The One and Only Ivan and the working-class boy in Crenshaw — speaks movingly to a noisy, fractious world. — The Washington Post

"The story’s wit and humor keep it from being heavy-handed, as do vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, the sarcastic crow who is Red’s best friend. This is a book made for family sharing and discussion."--Raleigh News & Observer

"A book to read that sends the right message."—Parents magazine

"Timely, necessary, and brimming with heart."— Booklist, starred review

"Newbery Award–winning author Applegate meets high expectations in this tale told by a tree named Red, a red oak who is “two hundred and sixteen rings old.” ... Another stunning effort from Applegate. This thoughtful read is a top choice for middle graders."—School Library Journal, starred review

"This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade, reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students. A deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and hope triumph."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This gentle yet powerful book is suitable for all ages...and its message remains more vital than ever."—BookPage

"Inspires hope for positive change. Perfect for a powerful classroom read, Wishtree is another winner for Applegate."—Voices of Youth Advocates, starred review

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Praise for Crenshaw:

A New York Times Bestseller

A Publishers Weekly Bestseller

"This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child’s mind can soften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection of imagination and truth." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A compelling and unflinchingly honest treatment of a difficult topic." —School Library Journal, starred review

"The tone is warm and, occasionally, quirkily funny, but it doesn’t sugarcoat the effects of hunger and vulnerability." —The Horn Book, starred review

★ 2017-08-02
Generations of human and animal families grow and change, seen from the point of view of the red oak Wishing Tree that shelters them all. Most trees are introverts at heart. So says Red, who is over 200 years old and should know. Not to mention that they have complicated relationships with humans. But this tree also has perspective on its animal friends and people who live within its purview—not just witnessing, but ultimately telling the tales of young people coming to this country alone or with family. An Irish woman named Maeve is the first, and a young 10-year-old Muslim girl named Samar is the most recent. Red becomes the repository for generations of wishes; this includes both observing Samar's longing wish and sporting the hurtful word that another young person carves into their bark as a protest to Samar's family's presence. (Red is monoecious, they explain, with both male and female flowers.) Newbery medalist Applegate succeeds at interweaving an immigrant story with an animated natural world and having it all make sense. As Red observes, animals compete for resources just as humans do, and nature is not always pretty or fair or kind. This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade, reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students. A deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and hope triumph. (Fantasy. 8-12)