Why do you think Red spoke to Samar and Stephen? Why won’t Red speak to Francesca?.

Red says that “Making others feel safe is a fine way to spend your days.” Who feels safe with Red, and how can you tell? What does Red do that makes others feel safe? Do you agree with Red’s statement? How do you make others feel safe? What do others do that make you feel safe?.

Why does Francesca want to cut the tree down? Based on her reasons, would you cut the tree down?.

Red asks, “How does friendship happen?” What do Red and the animals decide? What do you think?.

Are there things in nature that make you feel safe?īook club questions (these would be more appropriate if you’ve read the book):

What wish would you tie on the wishtree?.

What do you think would have happened to the neighborhood and the animals if Francesca had cut down the tree?.

Red says of Sumar’s family, “Their words held new music.” What do you think that means?.

Why do you think the animals are so comfortable with Samar? Has anything like that ever happened to you?.

Red says of Sumar and of him/herself that they need to “stand tall, reach deep.” What does that mean to you? Have you ever had to stand tall and reach deep?.

Who was your favorite character? What did you like about that character?.

Questions to ask your reader (these work great if you haven’t read the book): If you haven’t had the chance to read it but you’d like to talk with your young reader about it, ask them the questions anyway! If you and your young reader would like to do a book club, I’ve provided some questions (and resources for additional book club ideas). Red gets involved and you’ll absolutely fall in love with the characters – from the crow, to the babies who live in Red’s hollows, to Samar and her neighbors.

People in the neighborhood have come to the wishtree on May Day for decades, writing their wishes on slips of paper or fabric and tying them to the tree.Ī new family has moved in and they are not being welcomed the way other families have in the past. The book is narrated by Red (the wishtree) and tells the story of the tree’s neighborhood and friends.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a truly lovely book and I hope you know some kids who are reading it!

The wishtree book