During a special kick-off assembly, students each received a wrapped copy of Wishtree of their very own. “We hope all will be inspired to add wishes to our school tree. Elser, NM librarian, and Miss Bennett selected the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate mainly for its message of 'kindness, acceptance and accepting people for who they are,' as stated by Miss Bennett. We provided wish tags in the main office and posted information about the wish tree on the office windows near the tree, and the wishes have been coming in. “The book ‘Wishtree’ inspired me to put up a wish tree for everyone – students and staff – to make wishes on,” said Kretser. There are wishes to adopt all of the cats in town, play in the NFL and become rich, to have gas and food be less expensive, to get along with siblings, and even to have dinosaurs be alive again. Some wishes are for pets or toys, others are for love, respect and acceptance, and yet others wish to see family members who have passed away. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this 'wishtree' watches over the neighborhood. The wishes, which are all anonymous, are touching, telling, and, most importantly, full of kindness and compassion. Red is the neighborhood 'wishtree'people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. On the branches of Harry Hoag’s own tree, wishes of all kinds have been sprouting over the past few weeks, written on colorful paper tags. Red’s own wish is for kindness and understanding to prevail. Red, who observes all that goes on in the neighborhood, serves as a “wish tree,” where people can leave their wishes to be fulfilled. The story is narrated by Red, a large, ancient red oak tree who lives near an elementary school. There’s a tree in the main office at Harry Hoag School that is rooted in kindness and blooming with wishes.Īmanda Faitell’s and Eileen Kretser’s 5th grade guided reading students are enjoying the book “Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate. JHear author Katherine Applegate read from her New York Times -bestselling middle grade novel, WISHTREE This powerful story about acceptance and tolerance is a One Book One Community favorite and a must-share in your classroom or library.

The book wishtree