Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the kind of book that reminds you why Katherine Applegate has a Newbery Medal. Wishtree is genuinely original—a tree narrator!—and uses that unusual perspective to tell a story about community, belonging, and standing up to prejudice that never feels preachy.

The plot is simple: a Muslim family moves in, not everyone is welcoming, and Red the oak tree (along with Bongo the crow and a bunch of woodland creatures) figures out how to help. But Applegate's writing elevates it—funny, warm, and wise without being saccharine. Kids love it (4.7 stars on Amazon, glowing Common Sense reviews), and parents appreciate that it tackles real issues like racism in an age-appropriate way that invites conversation.

It's a quick read (under 200 pages, large print) that works as a read-aloud for younger kids or independent reading for 8+. If your kid groans at 'another talking animal book,' trust me—this one's different. And if you're looking for a book that builds empathy without being a lecture, this is it.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-12 as independent readers, though the gentle tone and short chapters make it a lovely read-aloud for kids as young as 5-6. Teens and adults will appreciate the craft, but it's squarely middle-grade in sensibility.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

A gentle, emotionally intelligent story narrated by an oak tree that models kindness, community care, and standing up for neighbors facing prejudice. The tone is warm and age-appropriate, with humor from the crow Bongo and other animal characters. Tackles anti-Muslim bigotry with nuance and empathy rather than preachiness. The pacing is calm and reflective, perfect for bedtime or classroom read-alouds.

Imaginative

88

Told entirely from the perspective of a 200+ year-old oak tree—a genuinely original narrative choice that invites kids to see the world differently. The wishtree tradition (neighbors tying wishes to branches) creates a magical-realist framework that sparks curiosity about community rituals and nature. Applegate's ability to make a stationary tree compelling shows real creative craft. Not interactive in the game sense, but the unusual POV and talking animals encourage imaginative thinking.

Safe

95

Extremely safe for the target middle-grade audience. The book addresses prejudice and racism (specifically anti-Muslim sentiment toward the new family) but does so gently and age-appropriately—no graphic violence, slurs, or traumatic scenes. Common Sense Media confirms it's moving and gentle. No content that would shock or disturb a child reading independently or having it read aloud. The conflict is real but handled with care.

Enriching

90

Builds empathy by centering a story about welcoming newcomers and confronting bigotry without being didactic. Kids learn about community solidarity, the importance of standing up for others, and seeing beyond differences. The tree's long perspective offers lessons about patience, observation, and interconnectedness. Raises awareness about racism in an accessible way for ages 8-12. Also entertaining—reviews consistently mention it's funny, warm, and engaging, not just worthy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Narrated by a 200-year-old oak tree—a perspective shift that's both charming and thought-provoking
Addresses anti-Muslim prejudice with nuance and heart, sparking real conversations without lecturing
Funny and warm, with a crow sidekick named Bongo and a cast of animals living in Red's hollows
Quick read (under 2 hours) that works beautifully as a read-aloud for ages 4-12 or independent reading for 8+
Katherine Applegate (Newbery winner) knows how to make kids care about characters—even when they're trees

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What to Watch For

The book directly addresses racism and anti-Muslim bigotry—handled gently, but worth a heads-up if you want to read alongside and discuss
Some kids who resist 'talking animal books' might need encouragement, though reviews say even skeptics find this one believable and moving
It's a quiet, reflective story—not action-packed, so better for kids who can sit with slower, thoughtful narratives

Conversation Starters

"If you were a wishtree, what kinds of wishes do you think people would tie to your branches?"
"Red has watched the neighborhood for 200 years. What do you think has changed the most? What do you think stays the same?"
"Why do you think some neighbors weren't welcoming to the new family? Have you ever seen someone treated unfairly because they were different?"
"Bongo the crow is Red's best friend. What makes a good friendship when you're really different from each other?"
"Red can't move or talk out loud, but still helps. What are ways we can help people even when we feel powerless?"

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