Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Red is an oak tree that many animals call home.  The people in the neighborhood call it the Wishtree.  Red has a friend “Bongo” who is a bird who also lives in the tree.

Samar’s family has just moved into the little blue house near red.  Next door a boy named Stephen about the same age, lives with his family.  The families stay apart due to the ethnic backgrounds.  

This wonderful story told by Red, the oak tree and “Bongo” the bird shares a heartwarming view of our natural world.

Each year in May, the people of the neighborhood come out and tie their wishes to Red.  Samar has wished for a friend.  Red is determined to help this lonely girl find a friend and enlists the animals to help him on his quest.

This story shares how all people regardless of background have hopes and dreams and how things can change when a community stands together.