This is the cowardly message sent to the new family in the community. The young Muslim family to whom the message is directed is seeking peace and safety. The young girl, Samar, has only one desire…a friend. Instead, the family finds a hateful message, directed toward them, carved into a neighborhood tree.
In this beautifully written book by the masterful Katherine Applegate, we find a story that can teach us all something about community, friendship, acceptance, and family. The story is told from a rather unexpected point of view…that of a tree. Red is a pillar of the community, an oak tree that has watched families move in and out for more than 200 years, many of them immigrants just like Samar’s family. However, Red is much more than just a simple tree. Red is a wishtree. Every year, community residents come to Red with the deepest desires of their hearts. They write a wish on a simple ribbon or scrap of fabric and tie it to Red. And sometimes…those wishes come true. Can Red make Samar’s wish come true after the rude introduction to the neighborhood that the family has already received? Red hopes to, but it seems that the message left for Samar’s family has put Red in very serious danger. While Red works to make Samar’s wish come true, an army of animal friends come to Red’s assistance.
This book strikes a perfect balance on so many levels. It tackles a serious topic, but does so while also making readers smile, giggle, or, at times, laugh out loud. It is a thoughtful book, giving even teenage students plenty to think about, but the book’s short chapters and cute, comical characters will make Wishtree a fun read (or read-aloud) for elementary students.
Book Facts
- Ages 8 – 12
- Lexile 590
- 224 pages
For an easy study of this amazing book, be sure to check out our updated no prep novel study. It has everything you need to do an in-depth study of the book and now includes digital options for paperless classrooms. The 139-page unit includes:
- Student Worksheet Packet (digital option)
- Vocabulary
- Chapter Questions
- Discussion Questions
- Focused Minilessons on Figurative Language, Greek and Latin Roots, Point of View, and Synonyms and Antonyms
- Science Words Worksheet
- Student Projects
- Vocabulary Crossword Puzzles
- Section Quizzes (digital option)
- Final Exam (digital option)
- Vocabulary & Definition Cards (digital option)
- Word Wall Cards
- Character Matching Game
- Q & A Dice Game
- CCSS Checklists, Grades 4 – 5
Other resources from around the web:
- Wishtree Book Trailer from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
- Teaching Ideas for Wishtree from The Classroom Bookshelf:
- Discussion Questions for Wishtree
- Wishing Day Event Kit and Teacher’s Guide from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Be sure to check out my list of reading companions for Wishtree. I’ve selected a variety of high quality books that encourage students to explore many of the topics in Wishtree at greater depth and are perfectly suited to readers in grades 3 – 5.
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