“Wishtree” by Kate Applegate, illustrated by Charles Santoso.
Feiwel and Friends, New York, 2017, 211 pages, Grades 3-6.
Hatred and fear can cripple people and communities. Sometimes these problems are caused by fear and insecurity. The easiest way to overcome these problems is to get to know the people or issues that cause the anxiety.
As 2021 ended, there was much animosity in American society. Until we all begin to treat our neighbors with respect, very little will change. Kate Applegate writes a tender tale showing how the power of love and connectedness can change lives and help overcome bigotry. The name of this lovely story is “Wishtree.”
“Red” is a red oak tree that is 216 years old. During the tree’s long life, generations of change have passed in front of it. From a young sapling to an aged tree, Red stands as a testimony to the strength it takes to live a long life.
The people in Red’s neighborhood come from many different nationalities. Throughout the years, they find ways to get along with each other. The birds and animals in the neighborhood live on Red’s branches and in the hollows of the tree. All is in harmony, until it isn’t.
As new immigrant groups move into the area, established groups grow suspicious. This is especially true when the new neighbors are Muslims. One young Muslim girl, Samar, likes to sit at the base of the old tree and just think about the beauty of the leaves and branches above her. She is lonely and wants to make a friend. A young boy next door, Stephen, also wants to make friends. His parents don’t want to talk to their Muslim neighbors. The neighborhood begins spiraling into trouble when a malcontent teenager carves “Leave” into the tree. The message is clear: Muslims aren’t welcomed by some people.
More problems emerge. Red is so large that the sidewalks are breaking apart in the neighborhood, and water drains are starting to clog up. One home owner, Francesca, has had enough. She calls a tree company and is determined to cut down the red oak. But what will happen to all the animals and birds that depend on Red? Samar and Stephen are building their friendship in the shade of the old oak. The tree provides harmony for the neighborhood; what will happen if it is cut down?
Can children with such different backgrounds as Samar and Stephen find another place to build friendships? The tree company arrives. What happens?
Is Red cut down? Do all the animals and birds lose their homes? Can the hatred that led to the carving of “Leave” in the bark of Red be healed? How does a society overcome animosity? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out “Wishtree” by Kate Applegate.
This is a particularly timely book. The United States is in the midst of much cultural turmoil and needs to find a way to reestablish community. Renowned author Kate Applegate writes with great sympathy and understanding in “Wishtree.” Her basic idea is that people should build their lives on love and kindness. Readers will see that Stephen and Samar build a friendship based on the thoughtful acceptance of the other. This is Applegate’s message. Love and acceptance can overcome hatred and prejudice.
This book is written for middle school readers and will be appreciated. I hope you get a chance to encourage the younger members of your family to read this poignant story.
