Wishtree
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Wishtree
Wishtree, by Newbery Medal-winning author Katherine Applegate, is a heartfelt middle-grade novel narrated by a 216-year-old oak tree named Red. The story centers on themes of community, kindness, inclusion, and religious tolerance as Red observes and interacts with the diverse inhabitants of its neighborhood. The central conflict arises with the arrival of a Muslim family, Samar and her parents, who face prejudice from some community members. The book explores how Red, along with its animal friends, works to foster friendship and acceptance, especially when Red itself faces the threat of being cut down. The narrative is presented in short, accessible chapters, making it suitable for young readers typically aged 8-12, though it is also recommended for read-alouds with younger children. While addressing serious topics like discrimination and xenophobia, Applegate maintains a gentle and often humorous tone through Red's observant and wise perspective and the antics of its animal companions. The story encourages empathy and understanding differences, offering a message of hope and the importance of standing up for others.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The main character, Red the oak tree, identifies as both female and male, noting, “Some trees are male. Some trees are female. And some, like me, are both.” Red also states, “Call me she. Call me he. Anything will work,” acknowledging diverse pronouns. This explicit gender-neutral or nonbinary identity of the central character has led to challenges from some parents, particularly those from Christian backgrounds, who view it as promoting nonbinary concepts. The author, Katherine Applegate, has described challenges to the book as 'bigotry against LGBTQ people'.
1. Red, the oak tree narrator, explicitly states its gender identity as encompassing both male and female, saying, 'Some trees are male. Some trees are female. And some, like me, are both.' 2. Red further indicates an acceptance of diverse pronouns, narrating, 'Call me she. Call me he. Anything will work.' This portrayal has been a point of contention and a reason for the book's suspension from reading programs in some school districts due to parental complaints about 'promoting transgenderism and nonbinary pronouns'.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 8-12, suitable for independent reading or as a read-aloud for younger children (ages 4-7) with parental guidance, due to themes of prejudice and gender identity.
Good to Know
The book primarily focuses on universal themes of kindness, empathy, and acceptance, utilizing the unique perspective of a sentient tree and its animal inhabitants to address societal issues like xenophobia and prejudice. While some elements, particularly the gender identity of the main character and the 'wishtree' practice, may spark discussion or concern among certain Christian parents, the overall message champions inclusivity.
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