The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab- ADVISABLE

Benedis-Grab, Daphne. The Angel Tree, 256 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2014. $16.99. Language: G, Violence: PG (a character punching another character in the past is referenced), Content: G. Every December, in the town of Pine River, the Angel Tree appears one night and everyone is encouraged to place a special wish upon its branches. The whole town works together to make wishes come true and no one really knows who the main benefactor is. The book focuses around four children in the town and how they all have their own story, their own worries, their own problems. Each child has their wish from the Angel Tree come true and they are all so grateful that they decide to try to find out who is behind the Angel Tree so that they can say thank you. The four kids learn to see each other differently and become good friends, while doing good things for other people in the community. This book was so well done. The child characters seemed very realistic and relatable. They were trying to become the best versions of themselves possible and it was refreshing to read a book with flawed lead characters that could still be upstanding people. The book focused a lot on how you never know what lives other people are living or what story someone might have. Looking at a situation from another’s perspective is a difficult lesson for many children, even adults, to understand. It was a lesson presented well. This is a perfect read for the Holiday Season. EL, MS -ADVISABLE. Reviewed by: Shay, School Librarian