![]() ![]() Illustrator’s agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. Author’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. It’s a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator. A successful juvenile by the beloved New Yorker writer portrays a farm episode with an imaginative twist that makes a poignant, humorous story of a pig, a. As tension escalates in both the natural and human realms, Red’s openhearted voice and generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of observation. Two hundred and sixteen rings, and I still haven’t figured them out.” Applegate creates strong parallel between these threats and those that Red faces, as neighborhood matriarch Francesca contemplates cutting the tree down. Though trees aren’t supposed to talk to humans, Red cares for them deeply, especially when a lonely girl named Samar and her Muslim family move into the neighborhood and receive a chilly, then hostile, reception: a boy carves “Leave” into Red’s trunk, and the family endures taunts and other abuses. 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. ![]() The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate’s graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts. ![]()
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