Synopsis
Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this "wishtree" watches over the neighborhood. You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red's experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.- ★★★★☆
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Mindful Muslim Review
‘LEAVE’— a simple word carved into a tree by a coward, yet profoundly hurtful. Told from the point of view of a 216-year-old red oak tree, the story uses this single cowardly act of hate towards a Muslim family to draw powerful parallels between the mass European immigration at the turn of the 20th century and immigrants of today. Though this may sound heavy, using short chapters, humor, figurative language, gorgeous illustrations, and scientific facts related to animals and plants in her story, the author delicately lightens the topics of discrimination and hatred while showcasing the great power of community. Ultimately, the power of kindness triumphs as people come together as one to counteract the hateful act with another–equally profound–word of their own—‘STAY’. This masterpiece earns our Gold Star. Note: We recommend reading this aloud for younger children who may not be aware of anti-Muslim sentiment.
