Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Years ago, when Red was
still a very young tree, a girl tied a wish to her branches. The girl said this was
the tradition where she came from. Since then the wishtree has seen many
families come and go over her long life. Red knows she’s not supposed to
interact with the people who come to sit and wish by her. The animals that
live in and around the tree have a close relationship and watch out for one
another. When a new family moves into a nearby house and someone carves the
word “leave” into the wishtree, Red becomes concerned. Who would do such a
thing? Why? What does it mean? It’s soon apparent that a little girl is looking
for a friend, and the wishtree wants nothing more than that for the girl,
especially considering there seems to be people who want the girl and her
family to leave the neighborhood. After Red hears that she may be cut down
because of the vandalism and the trouble her roots are causing, she thinks she
may have no other choice. What will Red do? Will she intervene? What will
happen if she breaks the rule? And is it even possible for a wishtree to help a
little girl make a friend? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate drew me in because the cover looks so
magical. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. Reading a book from a tree’s point of view
was definitely interesting, and it really made me think. I always feel like I can
talk to trees, so I’m not surprised that they can hear us and listen to our
wishes. I liked the lessons in the story as there were many- some about
friendship, some about how we treat our planet, and others about understanding
people from different cultures and places. This is a fast book and one that won’t
take more than a few hours to read. I recommended this book to kids and adults ages
eight and up who enjoy a good story about friendship.
Has anyone else read Wishtree? Or another book by Katherine Applegate? We’d love to hear
your thoughts.
Happy reading!
This sounds wonderful, it's going on my wishlist right now. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, Valerie! :) ~L
DeleteThis book sounds like an interesting read. I have not yet read a book by this author, but your post inspired me to add her name to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing this book with us for MMGM!
ReplyDeleteJune- You definitely have to read a book by Applegate. You will love her writing! :) ~L
DeleteIt sounds most excellent.
ReplyDeleteThe Ents were my favourite character from Lord of the Rings, and I still mourn the Entwives.
Of course trees can hear us... And how I wish they would share their wisdom.
EC- I wish they'd share their wisdom too. Maybe in Wishtree Red will share her wisdom. :) ~L
DeleteNow that is an interesting take on the writing of it through a tree's view. It must have been challenging to "think" like a tree :) Sounds like a great story though!
ReplyDeletebetty
Betty= It is a really great story and so interesting to read from a tree's point of view. :) ~L
DeleteI think I read this with my daughter once. It sounds like a great story to read with a kid.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- I think it's a wonderful book to share with someone else. Lots of great things to discuss! :) ~L
DeleteThe cover does draw one in. A story from a tree's perspective sounds interesting indeed.
ReplyDeletePat- Isn't the cover just beautiful! :) ~L
DeleteTrees are a popular and fascinating part of many MG stories. This one shines on many levels. I've only read THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN by this author and have added WISHTREE to my future read list. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
ReplyDeleteGreg- I loved The One and Only Ivan! I hope you enjoy Wishtree when you get to it. :) ~L
DeleteThe book sounds good!
ReplyDeleteChristine-
DeleteIt really is! :) ~L
Another book I loved reading! So many great themes in this one that kids will love and understand! Have given it as a gift in the past!
ReplyDeletePatricia-
DeleteWhat a special gift to give! I agree with you that it has so many wonderful themes. A great book to discuss and think about. :) ~L
I'm actually reading this book right now (I’ve enjoyed Applegate's other books The One and Only Ivan and Crenshaw), and I love it so far! Your thoughts are spot-on, and I agree that the cover is beautiful as well! Thanks for spreading the word about this great book!
ReplyDeleteCompletely Full Bookshelf- I went and read your review! So glad you loved it too. I love Applegate's writing. :) ~L
DeleteI tried reading Wishtree a while ago, but couldn't get into it. You make it sound so good, I definitely give it another try. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteRandomly Reading. The audiobook is really good too. Maybe you would enjoy it more in that format. :) ~L
DeleteReading a book from a tree’s point of view definitely sounds interesting … may have to give this book a try!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- It is unique for sure! :) ~L
DeleteWow. A point of view character that's a tree. That's a new one. It sounds like a sweet book. Thanks for your review. I will put this one on my list.
ReplyDeleteRosi- I hope you enjoy it too! :) ~L
DeleteAwesome review. I like the sound of this book.
ReplyDeleteRomance Reader- It is a fast read! I really enjoyed it. :) ~L
DeleteI haven't read it but it sounds great.
ReplyDeleteMary- I really liked it! :) ~L
DeleteSounds a great read.
ReplyDeleteNas- It is! :) ~L
DeleteI like the idea of the story being told from the viewpoint of a tree. That's interesting.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- I really liked the POV too! :) ~L
DeleteI like the story premise.
ReplyDeleteRomance Reader- Isn't it cool! :) ~L
DeleteI love the story like sounds !!
ReplyDeleteGloria- I am so glad it sounds good to you! :) ~L
DeleteOh - this sounds great - I don't think I've ever had this one in my class! Sounds great!!
ReplyDeleteJemi- I bet your students would enjoy it! :) ~L
DeleteMost definitely one for my Wish List, this sounds treemendous.
ReplyDeleteFelicity- Enjoy! Red is very wise! :) ~L
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