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Sep 03, 2017samcmar rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Katherine Applegate is a household name in middle grade fiction when it comes to writing emotionally charged stories that linger with you long after reading. Much like The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree is one of those stories that seems simple on the surface, but offers so much more below the surface. This story is about a tree named Red, who is the neighbourhood 'wishtree.' They are a large part of the community, with people in the area pinning their wishes on them, hoping they would come true. Not only does Applegate give us the stories of all the neighbourhood residents, but we see this all through Red's perspective, with our tree offering their opinion, sympathy and kindness. I also want to point out how much I learned about trees when reading this book. I didn't realize that trees are multigendered! I also loved learning about their growth as well. It seems appropriate that Red doesn't have a gender construct given how all-knowing they are. I also liked Red's friendship with Bongo the crow, and how they would watch the neighbours, trying to understand their wishes. This is a book was difference and a community coming together. Given the fear of 'others' that exists in the world right now, this story shows multiculturalism in a way that shows difference, but how people should be better to one another. The families in this story all want what is best for themselves, but they also wish to help others. It's a good message, and for those who love stories from a more unique prespective, look no further than Wishtree.