Wishtree

This middle grade chapter book is deceptively simple with a majorly powerful messages about community, wishes, friendship, history, stories, and the delicate balance of nature. I loved the narration from Red (a grand old red oak tree) about their neighborhood with the people, animals, and the magic of wishes. The story they tell is amazing and I could picture sitting under the limbs and just being still. This book has been banned because of the narrators use of diverse pronouns and acceptance of multiple pronouns, because the narrator is a monoecious tree (meaning it has both reproductive processes). Seriously, people object to a tree being scientifically correct?

This story is told from the perspective of a tree. There's inherent wisdom and patience that comes from being a tree, and now, we get to hang out with one for a few hundred pages. Our tree houses many neighborhood animals, all diverse yet similar. The neighborhood that our friend calls home is also very diverse and we get to watch what happens when a tree helps two kiddos become friends despite their different backgrounds. This story is for younger readers, and yes a tree that talks is make believe, but it's about real life. Get a copy, read it and then share it with your friends. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book: "Hollows offer protection from the elements. A secure spot to sleep and to stash your belongings. They're a safe place. Hollows are proof that something bad can become something good with enough time and care and hope" p. 5 "... Sometimes things happen that aren't so good. When they occur, I've learned that there's not much you can do except stand tall and reach deep." P. 35 "Real life, like a good garden, is messy." p. 209 This book is going to be very popular. It was published in September of this year and has already topped some major book lists. It's beautiful. Not just pretty to look at, which it is, but so sweet. I hugged the book when I finished, which isn't something I never do, but it's reserved for a special category of book.

Please get this book, no matter your age! I read this with my kids (8 and 10 yrs old) and husband, and it moved all of us. There were multiple times that my husband and I were brought to tears- the message about unity, compassion, and acceptance is powerful. Our kids loved this book too- the imagery and word painting, darling characters, and relatable experiences were engaging. We ended up using this for a homeschool unit- Language Arts. There is so much to gain from this book! It is an important read for every human and will leave you feeling joy, hope, compassion, and connection.

My son and I are in the middle of reading this book. It is great so far. Very funny and well written. My Mom purchased the One The Only Ivan which was also written by this author. I recommend that book as well. This author is a wonderful story teller. Two thumbs up!

Bought this as a gift for my daughter's friend for her birthday party. She loved it. Arrived looking brand new.

For child school reading list

This book is everything. One of the all time best books I have ever read. The themes are so deep and presented in a beautiful way we all can understand. This book is absolutely brilliant. I will be reading this book to my class every year from now on.

I bought this book for my granddaughter who isn't quite ready for chapter books so I read it and I really enjoy it

Inspiring and very good

Granddaughters loved this book

Trees have a story to tell. This one is worth taking the time to hear. Tenderly and.warmly told with insight and hope, its narrative is well worth the short time it took.

Einfach und wunderbare Illustrationen

Very interesting book, at reasonable price.