Katherine Applegate is the New York Times bestselling author of Wishtree, Crenshaw, and Home of the Brave, all from Feiwel & Friends, as well The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, and its sequel The One and Only Bob. She lives in Southern California with her family.
"Katherine Applegate's Willodeen, like most fairy tales, takes
place in a world that is familiar in its generalities and
supernatural in its particulars. Applegate's most inventive
contribution, however, comes after the main business of the story
has been resolved[: ] It takes empathy to cherish all living
things, no matter how small or ugly. But it takes imagination to
recognize both the agonies and the marvels of the future that
awaits us." --The New York Times Book Review "Employing flawlessly
simple, candid prose that belies deeper messages, Newbery Medalist
Applegate again considers the complex relationship between humans
and the natural world. ... Fiercely protective Willodeen is easy to
champion, and her belief that "nature knows more than we do" is a
message worth sharing." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Applegate's gentle yet honest tale mixes magic with very real
environmental messaging, both warning of human-caused harm and
pointing to nature's resilience and interconnectedness.
...Applegate empowers her young characters by not only granting
them courage but also ensuring they earn the respect of their
elders."--Booklist, starred review
"This accessible fantasy offers hope as well as a tender
examination of people re-learning to work together to care for one
another and the world around them." --The Horn Book Magazine "An
endearing fable that illuminates the importance of recognizing that
all living things serve a purpose in our beautifully complex world
and are worthy of care and dignity." --BookPage
"Applegate's latest fantasy is a simple but beautiful story about
humans' relationship with the natural world. ... A sweet fantasy
about standing up for what you believe in."--School Library
Journal
Praise for Wishtree:
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
A New York Times Notable Book, 2017
A National Public Radio Best Book of 2017
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Washington Post Best Book of 2017
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2017
San Francisco Chronicle 2017 Gift Guide
Los Angeles Times 2017 Gift Guide
Autumn 2017 Kids' Indie Next List "Top Pick" Title
Winner, E.B. White Read Aloud Award
2018 ALSC/ALA Notable Children's Book "A beautifully written,
morally bracing story that will leave its imprint on a reader of
any age." -- The New York Times Book Review "The simplicity of
Newbery Medalist Applegate's graceful novel contrasts powerfully
with the prejudice it confronts. Narration comes from Red, an
enormous red oak near an elementary school that also serves as a
"wishtree" for the neighborhood--once a year, residents deposit
wishes in Red's branches and hollows....Red's openhearted voice and
generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of
observation.--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Applegate introduces another quiet, resilient protagonist who --
like the caged gorilla in The One and Only Ivan and the
working-class boy in Crenshaw -- speaks movingly to a noisy,
fractious world. -- The Washington Post
"The story's wit and humor keep it from being heavy-handed, as do
vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, the
sarcastic crow who is Red's best friend. This is a book made for
family sharing and discussion."--Raleigh News & Observer
"Timely, necessary, and brimming with heart."-- Booklist, starred
review "Newbery Award-winning author Applegate meets high
expectations in this tale told by a tree named Red, a red oak who
is "two hundred and sixteen rings old." ... Another stunning effort
from Applegate. This thoughtful read is a top choice for middle
graders."--School Library Journal, starred review "This swiftly
moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade,
reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students. A
deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and
hope triumph."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This gentle yet
powerful book is suitable for all ages...and its message remains
more vital than ever."--BookPage
"Inspires hope for positive change. Perfect for a powerful
classroom read, Wishtree is another winner for Applegate."--Voices
of Youth Advocates, starred review
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