Gr 4–8—Newbery Award—winning author Applegate meets high expectations in this tale told by a tree named Red, a red oak who is "two hundred and sixteen rings old." Touching on religious bigotry and the environment, Applegate keeps the emphasis on her characters, the many animals and birds who find shelter in the tree's branches all year round. (All the birds and animals have names and the power to talk, just like Red.) Around the first of May, people write down their wishes on pieces of cloth and hang them from the tree's branches, giving Red a special place in the community. The pacing starts out slowly, with early chapters focused almost entirely on the natural world, but eventually readers meet the human at the novel's center. Samar, a recent Muslim refugee, is lonely and in need of a friend. A nameless boy uses the tree to convey hateful messages to Samar and her family. The owner of the tree is tired of roots in the plumbing and hopes all the nastiness will disappear if the tree is cut down, having forgotten the story of her ancestors and the beginning of all the wishes. Red decides to intervene and ask for help from the animals and birds. Even those who shy away from books with talking animals will find this believable fantasy elegant and poignant. Widening the appeal is a sparse word count, making this a great choice for a family or classroom read-aloud and an inviting option for reluctant readers. VERDICT Another stunning effort from Applegate. This thoughtful read is a top choice for middle graders.—Carol A. Edwards, formerly at Denver Public Library --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Praise for wishtree:

A New York Times bestseller

A Publishers Weekly bestseller

A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2017

A Washington Post Best Children's Book of 2017

A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of 2017

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A Booklist Editor's Choice Selection

A NPR Best Children's Book of the Year

A BookPage Best Children's Book of 2017

A Powell's Books Best Kids' Books of 2017

A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Children's Books 2017

A Southern Living Best Children's Book of 2017

An Indie Next "Top Pick" Title

"A beautifully written, morally bracing story that will leave its imprint on a reader of any age." The New York Times Book Review

"The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate's graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts. Narration comes from Red, an enormous red oak near an elementary school that also serves as a "wishtree" for the neighborhood―once a year,residents deposit wishes in Red's branches and hollows....Red'sopenhearted voice and generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of observation. It's a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Applegate introduces another quiet, resilient protagonist who -- like the cagedgorilla in The One and Only Ivan and the working-class boy in Crenshaw-- speaks movingly to a noisy, fractious world. -- The Washington Post

"The story's wit and humor keep it from being heavy-handed, as do vividportrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, the sarcastic crow who is Red's best friend. This is a book made for family sharing anddiscussion."--Raleigh News & Observer

"Timely, necessary, and brimming with heart."-- Booklist, starred review

"Newbery Award-winning author Applegate meets high expectations in this taletold by a tree named Red, a red oak who is "two hundred and sixteenrings old." ... Another stunning effort from Applegate. This thoughtful read is a top choice for middle graders."--School Library Journal, starred review

"This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade,reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students. A deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and hope triumph."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review"

This gentle yet powerful book is suitable for all ages...and its message remains more vital than ever."--BookPage

"Inspires hope for positive change. Perfect for a powerful classroom read, Wishtree is another winner for Applegate."--Voices of Youth Advocates, starred review

________Praise for Crenshaw:

A New York Times Bestseller

A Publishers Weekly Bestseller

"This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child's mind cansoften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection ofimagination and truth." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A compelling and unflinchingly honest treatment of a difficult topic." ―School Library Journal, starred review

"The tone is warm and, occasionally, quirkily funny, but it doesn'tsugarcoat the effects of hunger and vulnerability." ―The Horn Book, starred review