Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Hopeful, Gentle, Reflective
- Read it if
- You enjoy heartwarming stories about community, belonging, and empathy, especially if you appreciate fables or allegories with animal narrators.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced plots with complex adult themes or a strictly realistic narrative without anthropomorphic elements.
Wishtree Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Red, a Wishtree, and New Beginnings
Red, an old oak tree, is the neighborhood's 'wishtree,' where people tie wishes to her branches every May 1st. She is also home to various animals, including her best friend, a crow named Bongo, and a family of opossums, raccoons, and owls. Red narrates the story, showing her connection to the community and her observations of human behavior. She explains the wishtree tradition and the unspoken rules she follows, like never revealing the wishes. The story shows Red's perspective as a silent, ancient observer of the lives around her, setting the stage for new residents and the challenges they will face.
The Arrival of Samar and Unwelcome Neighbors
A new family, the Alis, moves into the blue house across the street. Red observes them, noting the young girl, Samar, who seems lonely. Shortly after their arrival, a hateful word, 'LEAVE,' is spray-painted onto Red's trunk, directed at the Muslim family. This act disturbs Red and her animal friends, showing the prejudice and unwelcoming atmosphere in the neighborhood. Francesca, the elderly woman who owns the blue house and Red's land, is also upset. The animals discuss what happened, and Red feels a strong desire to help Samar and her family feel safe and accepted, even though she cannot directly intervene.
Red's Secret Language and Samar's Wish
Red, though a tree, talks with her animal friends using rustles, creaks, and shared understanding. She often tells Bongo what she observes. Samar, the young girl from the Ali family, visits Red daily, eventually tying a wish to her branches: 'I wish for a friend.' This wish means a lot to Red, who feels responsible for helping Samar. The hateful graffiti on Red's trunk is a painful reminder of the neighborhood's prejudice, and Red feels a growing need to act, despite being a tree. She starts to think about how she might bring people together.
The Threat of Chopping Down Red
Francesca, concerned about Red's aging branches and messy leaves, starts thinking about having the tree cut down. This idea comes from complaints from neighbors who dislike the leaves and roots affecting their property. Red overhears Francesca's conversations and the discussions among the animal community, who are scared of losing their home. Bongo and the other animals try to find ways to save Red, but their efforts seem useless. The threat of being cut down adds pressure to Red's desire to help Samar and fix the neighborhood's tensions, as she realizes her time might be short.
The Animals' Efforts and Red's Growing Resolve
The animals, led by Bongo, try several times to stop Francesca from cutting down Red. They try to make the tree seem less appealing, like dropping acorns on her head or making loud noises, but their efforts are mostly unsuccessful and even funny. Meanwhile, Red keeps watching Samar, who remains isolated. Francesca eventually paints over the hateful graffiti on Red's trunk, but the underlying tension in the neighborhood continues. Red's focus stays on Samar's wish for a friend, knowing that connecting Samar with someone is important for the girl's happiness and for building acceptance in the community.
Stephen's Kindness and the Seed of an Idea
One day, a boy named Stephen, who lives nearby, shows a small act of kindness towards Samar. He offers her a toy, which, though simple, shows a possible start to Samar's isolation ending. Red watches this with hope. This small connection, along with Red's growing desperation to fulfill Samar's wish before she is cut down, gives Red a daring idea. She realizes she might use the wishes tied to her branches in a new way. The animals, though unsure at first, start to see Red's determination.
Red's Plan to Grant a Wish
Red comes up with a bold plan: she will gather all the wishes tied to her branches and, with her animal friends' help, present them in a way that will grant Samar's wish for a friend. She tells Bongo her plan, and he agrees to help, despite his initial doubts about interfering with human wishes. The other animals are also recruited to collect the wishes, carefully taking them from Red's branches. This is a big change from the traditional role of a wishtree, showing Red's active involvement in human affairs, driven by her empathy for Samar and the desire to mend her fractured community.
The Night of the Wishes
Under the cover of darkness, Red's animal community, led by Bongo, carefully collects hundreds of wishes from her branches. The opossums, raccoons, owls, and other creatures work together, bringing the fabric strips and paper notes to a central spot. Red guides them with subtle movements of her branches and rustles of her leaves. The air is full of purpose and urgency. This communal effort shows the strong bond between Red and her animal family, all united to help Samar and save their home. The collected wishes represent the hopes and dreams of the entire neighborhood.
A Message of Friendship
The next morning, the neighborhood sees a remarkable sight. The animals have arranged the collected wishes on Red's branches and trunk to spell out the word 'FRIENDS' in large, visible letters. This powerful, silent message is for Samar, but also for the entire community. Francesca is the first to see it, followed by Samar and her family, and then other neighbors. The sight of the word 'FRIENDS' made from many wishes, some old and faded, some new, creates a moment of wonder and thought for everyone. It is a clear plea for unity and acceptance, orchestrated by Red and her animal companions.
The Neighborhood Responds
The 'FRIENDS' message causes a strong response. Neighbors gather around Red, discussing the mysterious display and its meaning. The previously hostile atmosphere starts to go away, replaced by curiosity and a shared sense of wonder. Stephen, the boy who showed initial kindness, approaches Samar, and the two children connect over the message. Other children, inspired by the display and perhaps by their parents' softer attitudes, also start interacting with Samar. Francesca, deeply moved, says she will not cut Red down. The wishtree has granted Samar's wish for a friend and has started to heal the divisions in the neighborhood, building a spirit of community and acceptance.
Principal Figures
Red
Protagonist
An ancient oak tree, a wishtree, and the narrator of the story.
Red is a wise, old oak tree, over 200 years old, who serves as the neighborhood's 'wishtree.' She is the home for numerous animals, including her best friend, Bongo the crow. Red is an empathetic and observant character, witnessing generations of human life and collecting countless wishes tied to her branches. Despite being a tree, she possesses a deep understanding of human emotions and yearns to foster kindness and connection in her community. She is a silent guardian and a symbol of endurance and hope, ultimately intervening to bring people together.
Relationships: Bongo (Best friend and confidant); Samar (Recipient of Red's special intervention; Red feels a strong protective bond); Francesca (Owner of the land Red stands on; a complex relationship of dependence and affection)
Bongo
Supporting
Red's best friend, a loyal and practical crow.
Bongo is a clever crow and Red's closest companion. He is often the sounding board for Red's thoughts and acts as her primary communicator with the other animals. Bongo is practical and sometimes skeptical, but fiercely loyal to Red. He plays a crucial role in gathering information, relaying messages, and executing Red's plan to spell 'FRIENDS' with the wishes. His unwavering support and resourcefulness are essential to the success of Red's mission, and he often provides humorous commentary on human behavior.
Relationships: Red (Best friend and confidant); Other Animals (Leader and coordinator in Red's animal community)
Samar
Supporting
A lonely Muslim girl, new to the neighborhood, who wishes for a friend.
Samar is a young girl from the new Muslim family, the Alis, who moves into the blue house. She is initially isolated and lonely, facing prejudice from some neighbors. Samar's wish, 'I wish for a friend,' tied to Red's branches, becomes the central catalyst for Red's intervention. She is a quiet and observant child, deeply affected by the unwelcoming atmosphere but also resilient. Her presence highlights the themes of immigration, prejudice, and the universal longing for belonging.
Relationships: Red (Object of Red's protective affection; Red helps grant her wish); Stephen (Her first friend in the new neighborhood)
Francesca
Supporting
The elderly owner of Red's land, grappling with her own memories and neighborhood changes.
Francesca is an elderly woman who owns the property where Red stands. She has a long history with Red, as her family has lived there for generations. She is initially torn between her affection for the tree and practical concerns about its age and the complaints from neighbors, leading her to consider cutting Red down. Francesca is a kind-hearted but sometimes overwhelmed character, representing the older generation's connection to tradition and the struggle to adapt to change. She is ultimately moved by the 'FRIENDS' message and decides to save Red.
Relationships: Red (Owner and guardian of Red, with a deep, generational bond); Samar's Family (Landlord; initially wary but grows to accept them)
Stephen
Supporting
A boy from the neighborhood who becomes Samar's first friend.
Stephen is a boy who lives in the neighborhood. He is one of the first children to show kindness to Samar, offering her a small toy. This initial act of empathy is significant, as it provides a glimmer of hope for Samar's integration. Stephen eventually becomes Samar's first true friend, demonstrating the power of individual kindness to overcome prejudice. He represents the potential for children to lead the way in fostering acceptance and breaking down social barriers.
Relationships: Samar (Friend and playmate)
Maeve
Supporting
A mother opossum, one of Red's animal residents.
Maeve is a mother opossum who lives in Red's hollows with her babies. She is a cautious but caring member of Red's animal community. Maeve is often concerned about the safety of her young and the stability of their home. She participates in the animal discussions and helps with Red's plan, demonstrating the collective effort and loyalty of Red's animal family.
Relationships: Red (Resident and loyal follower); Other Animals (Fellow resident and co-conspirator)
Harold
Supporting
A grumpy owl, another resident of Red.
Harold is an owl who resides in Red's branches. He is characterized by his grumpy demeanor and his tendency to offer cynical observations. Despite his gruff exterior, Harold is a part of Red's animal family and participates in their efforts to save Red and help Samar. His grumbling often provides comic relief, but he ultimately contributes to the collective good.
Relationships: Red (Resident); Other Animals (Fellow resident)
The Alis (Samar's Family)
Supporting
The new Muslim family in the neighborhood who face prejudice.
The Ali family consists of Samar, her parents, and her older brother. They are a Muslim family who moves into the blue house. Their arrival triggers the central conflict of the story – the prejudice and unwelcoming attitude of some neighbors. They are portrayed as quiet and hopeful, despite the challenges they face. Their experience highlights the themes of immigration, cultural acceptance, and the search for a safe home.
Relationships: Samar (Daughter); Red (Their home is across from Red; Red feels protective of them)
Themes & Insights
Community and Belonging
The book explores community, both among the animals in Red and among the human residents of the neighborhood. The arrival of Samar's family challenges the human community, showing issues of exclusion and prejudice. Red's goal is to help Samar belong and to unite the neighborhood. The wishtree tradition is a community ritual, and Red's act of spelling 'FRIENDS' is a call for collective acceptance and unity, showing that true community includes diversity.
“I was a wishtree, but I was also a home. And homes, I had learned, were all about belonging.”
Prejudice and Acceptance
A central theme is the prejudice Samar's Muslim family faces and their struggle for acceptance. The hateful graffiti on Red's trunk, 'LEAVE,' is a symbol of this intolerance. The story contrasts the open-heartedness of characters like Red and Stephen with the closed-mindedness of some anonymous neighbors. It shows that acceptance and kindness can overcome fear and prejudice, using Red's wisdom and the children's innocence to bridge cultural divides and encourage empathy.
“Human beings. They were a puzzle. You loved them. You hated them. You worried about them. You wished them well. And sometimes you wished they’d simply disappear.”
The Power of Wishes and Hope
Wishes are a basic part of the story, not just as plot points but as symbols of human hope and longing. The wishtree tradition represents the human desire for a better future and the belief that dreams can come true. Samar's wish for a friend is especially touching, showing a universal need for connection. Red's decision to actively grant a wish means that hope, combined with kindness and action, can bring about positive change and create a more compassionate world, even when things are difficult.
“Wishes, I’d discovered, were like seeds. Some took root. Others didn’t. Some grew into something beautiful. Others withered away.”
The Interconnectedness of Nature and Humanity
The book shows the connection between nature and human life. Red, as an ancient tree, sees generations of human experience and is home to an animal community. Her survival is linked to the well-being of the neighborhood, and her actions directly affect the human characters. The story shows how respecting nature and its inhabitants can lead to a more harmonious existence for everyone, suggesting that humans can learn much from the wisdom and interconnectedness of the natural world.
“Trees can’t tell jokes. But we can certainly tell stories.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Anthropomorphic Narrator (Red)
The story is told from the perspective of an ancient oak tree.
Red, the wishtree, serves as the first-person narrator. This device allows for a unique, detached yet deeply empathetic perspective on human behavior and community dynamics. Red's long lifespan provides historical context and a sense of timeless wisdom, while her inability to directly speak to humans creates a poignant tension between her understanding and her limitations. It also allows the author to explore themes of nature's wisdom and humanity's often-flawed interactions from a non-human viewpoint.
The Wishtree Tradition
A cultural ritual where people tie wishes to a tree.
The wishtree tradition is central to the plot, serving as both a cultural anchor and a catalyst for Red's actions. It highlights the human desire for hope and connection. The wishes tied to Red's branches represent the collective dreams and anxieties of the community, ultimately becoming the physical medium through which Red communicates her message of 'FRIENDS.' This tradition provides a tangible link between the human and natural worlds, and Red's decision to manipulate the wishes is a profound act of intervention.
The Animal Community
A diverse group of animals living in Red, acting as her confidantes and helpers.
Red's animal residents (Bongo, Maeve, Harold, etc.) function as a close-knit, loyal community that mirrors and comments on the human world. They provide Red with companionship, information, and, crucially, the physical means to execute her plan. Their discussions and actions highlight themes of loyalty, cooperation, and the interconnectedness of living beings. They also add moments of humor and a sense of urgency to the narrative, particularly when Red's existence is threatened.
Symbolism of 'LEAVE' vs. 'FRIENDS'
Contrasting messages spray-painted on Red's trunk.
The words 'LEAVE' and 'FRIENDS' are powerful symbolic elements. 'LEAVE,' spray-painted on Red's trunk, represents the initial prejudice and hostility directed at Samar's family, embodying the theme of exclusion. Its eventual replacement, orchestrated by Red, with the word 'FRIENDS' created from the wishes, symbolizes the triumph of acceptance, community, and hope over hatred. This visual transformation on Red's body serves as a clear, impactful representation of the story's central conflict and its resolution.
Wishtree Quotes
“It is a great gift indeed to love who you are.”
“Wishes are roots. They dig down and hold us fast.”
“Sometimes the universe has a way of answering when we least expect it.”
“Everyone needs hope. Even trees.”
“A tree is a friend to many, but a friend to all is a rare thing.”
“Change is a part of life. Even for trees.”
“Words are powerful things. They can build bridges or burn them.”
“Home isn't always a place. Sometimes it's a person.”
“Fear makes people do strange things. But so does love.”
“We all have scars. They tell our stories.”
“A wish is a seed. Plant it with care.”
“The world is full of surprises. Some good, some not so good. But surprises all the same.”
“Being different isn't a bad thing. It's what makes you, you.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is listen.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the name of the oak tree that serves as the narrator and wishtree?
- Bongo
- Red
- Samar
- Francesca
Show answer
B. Red The narrator is an oak tree named Red, who explains that trees can't tell jokes but can tell stories. Red serves as the neighborhood wishtree where people tie wishes.
Question 2
What do people traditionally tie to Red's branches to make wishes?
- Paper notes
- Ribbons
- Pieces of cloth
- String
Show answer
C. Pieces of cloth People write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches, making Red the neighborhood 'wishtree'.
Question 3
Who is Red's crow friend that helps watch over the neighborhood?
- Samar
- Stephen
- Bongo
- Maeve
Show answer
C. Bongo Bongo is Red's crow friend who, along with other animals seeking refuge in Red's hollows, helps observe and interact with the neighborhood.
Question 4
What event triggers the main conflict in the story?
- A storm damages Red's branches
- A new family moves into the neighborhood
- Bongo gets injured
- People stop making wishes
Show answer
B. A new family moves into the neighborhood The story's conflict arises when a new family moves in, and not everyone is welcoming, highlighting themes of acceptance and community.
Question 5
Why does Red's role as a wishtree become 'more important than ever' after the new family arrives?
- Because Red is getting older and might be cut down
- Because the wishes help bridge divides and foster understanding in the community
- Because Red needs more wishes to stay alive
- Because Bongo convinces Red to tell more stories
Show answer
B. Because the wishes help bridge divides and foster understanding in the community Red's wishtree role gains importance as it becomes a symbol of hope and connection, helping address tensions and promote inclusivity when the new family faces unwelcoming attitudes.
Question 6
What do animals do in Red's hollows, according to the book description?
- Store food for winter
- Seek refuge
- Build nests permanently
- Hide from predators only
Show answer
B. Seek refuge Animals seek refuge in Red's hollows, emphasizing Red's role as a protector and sanctuary in the ecosystem, which parallels themes of shelter and safety for people.
Question 7
How does the book's opening line, 'Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories,' relate to Red's character?
- It shows Red is humorous despite being a tree
- It introduces Red as a storyteller who observes and narrates the neighborhood's events
- It explains why Red is silent most of the time
- It means Red can only communicate with animals
Show answer
B. It introduces Red as a storyteller who observes and narrates the neighborhood's events This line sets up Red as the narrator who, though not capable of humor like humans, shares wisdom and experiences through storytelling, central to the book's structure.
Question 8
What broader theme is highlighted by the unwelcoming reaction to the new family and Red's response?
- Environmental conservation
- The importance of old traditions
- Acceptance, diversity, and community solidarity
- The dangers of urban development
Show answer
C. Acceptance, diversity, and community solidarity The story explores themes of acceptance and unity, as Red's wishtree symbolizes how wishes and stories can overcome prejudice and build inclusive communities.
Question 9
In what way does Red's perspective as a long-lived tree influence the narrative's message?
- It makes the story more factual and scientific
- It provides a timeless, patient viewpoint that emphasizes enduring values like kindness and connection
- It focuses on the tree's biological processes
- It limits the story to natural events only
Show answer
B. It provides a timeless, patient viewpoint that emphasizes enduring values like kindness and connection Red's age and experience allow the narrative to offer wisdom and a long-term perspective, underscoring themes of resilience and the importance of community across generations.
Question 10
How might the wishtree tradition serve as a practical symbol in the community, based on the book's description?
- As a way to predict the weather
- As a method for recording historical events
- As a means for people to express hopes and foster shared human experiences
- As a tool for teaching children about trees
Show answer
C. As a means for people to express hopes and foster shared human experiences The wishtree acts as a communal symbol where wishes on cloth represent shared aspirations, helping bridge differences and create a sense of belonging, especially during conflicts like the new family's arrival.
Wishtree FAQ
What is 'Wishtree' about?
'Wishtree' follows Red, a 216-year-old oak tree who serves as a neighborhood wishtree where people tie wishes on cloth strips. The story centers on Red's observations of the community, particularly when a Muslim family named the Hassans moves in and faces prejudice, prompting Red and animal friends like the crow Bongo to intervene through subtle acts of kindness and storytelling.
Why should I read 'Wishtree'?
This book offers a gentle yet powerful exploration of themes like community, tolerance, and environmental stewardship through the unique perspective of a tree. It combines fantasy elements with real-world issues, making it accessible for children and meaningful for adults, all while delivering a hopeful message about kindness and connection.
What is the background/setting of 'Wishtree'?
The story is set in a modern suburban neighborhood in the United States, where Red the oak tree has stood for over two centuries. The setting includes Red's immediate surroundings—branches, hollows, and roots—which serve as homes for animals, and the human community that interacts with the wishtree tradition.
What are the most memorable quotes from 'Wishtree'?
Notable quotes include: 'Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories,' highlighting Red's narrative role; 'Everyone needs hope,' reflecting the book's central theme; and 'It takes a long time to grow an old friend,' emphasizing Red's enduring connections with characters like Bongo and the neighborhood.
What writing style does Katherine Applegate use in 'Wishtree'?
Applegate employs a lyrical, first-person narrative from Red's perspective, blending poetic descriptions with simple, accessible language suitable for young readers. The style is contemplative and episodic, weaving together Red's memories, observations, and the wishes tied to her branches to create a cohesive story.
What minor details add significant meaning in 'Wishtree'?
Details like the carved initials 'LOVE + JIM' on Red's trunk symbolize enduring love and history, while the specific wishes tied to Red—such as a child's hope for a friend—mirror larger themes of loneliness and community. The hollow in Red's trunk, used by animals for shelter, represents safety and interconnectedness.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments in 'Wishtree'?
Early mentions of Red's aging and the risk of being cut down foreshadow the conflict with a neighbor who wants Red removed. Bongo's cautious nature and Red's stories about past hardships hint at the prejudice the Hassans will face, setting up the central tension around acceptance and change.
What unexpected character connections exist in 'Wishtree'?
Red connects the human and animal worlds, such as how Bongo the crow indirectly helps Samar, a girl from the Hassan family, by delivering items. The wishes tied to Red also reveal hidden links between neighbors, like shared hopes for friendship or understanding that bridge divides in the community.
What are unspoken character motivations in 'Wishtree'?
Red is motivated by a deep-seated desire to protect and nurture the community, rooted in her long history as a wishtree. Samar, a shy girl, seeks connection and acceptance in a new neighborhood, while Bongo acts out of loyalty to Red and a instinctual drive to safeguard their shared home.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit in 'Wishtree'?
Red grapples with the tension between her passive role as an observer and her active desire to intervene in human conflicts. Samar shows resilience in the face of isolation, and even minor characters like the prejudiced neighbor reveal underlying fears of change, adding depth to the narrative's exploration of empathy.
What are the major emotional turning points in 'Wishtree'?
Key moments include Samar tying her wish for a friend to Red, sparking Red's decision to help; the community rallying to save Red from being cut down, symbolizing unity; and Red's revelation of her own story to Samar, which deepens their bond and underscores themes of legacy and hope.
How do relationship dynamics evolve in 'Wishtree'?
Red and Bongo's friendship grows as they collaborate to support Samar and the Hassans. Samar's initial isolation gives way to connections with neighbors through shared wishes. The community shifts from division over the new family to collective action to protect Red, highlighting evolving bonds based on compassion.
Which parts of 'Wishtree' remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The fate of some wishes tied to Red is left unresolved, inviting readers to imagine their outcomes. Red's future beyond the story's end is hinted at but not detailed, and the long-term impact of the community's actions on prejudice is open to interpretation, emphasizing ongoing change.
What are controversial scenes or decisions in 'Wishtree'?
The neighbor's attempt to cut down Red sparks debate about property rights versus environmental and cultural preservation. Red's subtle interventions in human affairs, such as influencing events through animals, raise questions about the ethics of non-human interference, though portrayed positively in the narrative.
'Wishtree' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The story concludes with the community saving Red from being cut down and the Hassans finding acceptance, symbolized by new wishes tied to Red. This ending reinforces themes of hope, resilience, and the power of collective action, suggesting that kindness and storytelling can bridge differences and foster lasting connections.
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