This book is told in the perspective of the wishing tree as he is being threatened to get cut down. The last thing he chooses to do is try his best to grant the girls wish, that she would make a friend. This book touches on discrimination and friendship. This book would be great for fourth grade to either have in the classroom library or for a daily read-out-loud and discussion time about hard topics.

Loved this book! ( )

Everything about this book was beautiful- the size, the formatting, the font, the illustrations and most of all the story. A gift from my friend Bonnie, I raced through this and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely read more by Katherine Applegate. ( )

Red, the oak tree has been standing in the yard for 216 rings and has been receiving wishes from hundreds of people. The tradition started with an immigrant who had a wish, and she put that wish on a scrap of fabric and tied it to Red, and through the years Red saw the wish come true. Now there is a Muslim girl who wishes for a friend and Red decides to make sure her wish will come true. ( )

So let me say right now that I adore Katherine Applegate. No longer is she the Animorphs author. Indeed she left that status long ago with "The One and Only Ivan." "Wishtree" feels like another sure-fire winner to me. However, due to its message of love, anti-bullying, and diversity among peoples....it is a polarizing book. It shouldn't be. But it is.

Told from the perspective of the tree, "Wishtree" is the story of an immigrant family who are made to feel bad for living in their neighborhood. The book introduces all different types of characters--from bigots, to those who are scared to stand up, to those who welcome with open arms. "Wishtree" is a book that shows the ripple effects hatred--and love--can have over generations. ( )