People & Places
This is the owner of the house where Red grows.
Francesca
Who is the narrator of Wishtree?
Red (the oak tree)
Why do people hang wishes on Red’s branches?
Because the community uses the tree to share hopes and dreams (symbol of wishes)
What figurative language is used when Red describes the neighborhood as “a giant patchwork quilt”? (Name the device.)
Metaphor
Name one theme (or lesson) the author is telling the reader in the story.
Friendship, prejudice, hope, or community
The season when most of the story happens.
Spring
What kind of animal is Bongo?
A crow
What does Samar wish for when she visits Red?
Samar wishes for a friend.
Red is said to spell out words using objects from nature. Who helps Red do this?
The animals that live in Red
Which theme shows how people in the neighborhood come together to help each other?
Community (power of community / helping each other)
What is tied to Red every year on the first day of May?
Wishes / notes / ribbons (wishes hung on branches)
Name the boy who becomes Samar’s friend.
Stephen
How does Red help Samar make a friend?
Red spells out words with fallen branches and leaves to help connect Samar with the boy (or arranges nature to bring them together).
What does the wishtree tradition symbolize in the story?
The community's hopes and dreams (wishes symbolize community hopes)
Why is overcoming prejudice a theme in this story?
Because Samar’s family is treated unfairly and neighbors must decide whether to help; for example, people leave notes and support on the tree rather than join the hurtful behavior.
The carved hateful word that upsets Samar’s family is
Leave
Which character plans to cut down Red and why?
Francesca plans to cut down Red because Red’s roots are damaging her house
What happens at the end of the story to Red?
Red is saved from being cut down.
When Samar’s family is treated unfairly, what is one way they respond?
Because Samar’s family is treated unfairly and neighbors must decide whether to help; for example, people leave notes and support on the tree rather than join the hurtful behavior.
What important lesson does Red learn by the end of the story?
That sometimes breaking rules is necessary to help others
Explain one important memory Red shares about the neighborhood.
One answer might be:
“Red remembers people tying notes and wishes to its branches.”
Describe how Red (the tree) is different from other trees—one thing Red does that trees are not supposed to do.
Red can talk to humans (or Red remembers and tells stories) — trees are not supposed to talk to humans.
Give one clear example from the story that shows someone helping Samar or showing kindness (include a short textual detail).
Neighbors leave supportive messages on the tree and some stand up for Samar; the tree also shelters and holds notes that show support.
Toward the end of the book, what does Red say is important about being a friend?
That sometimes breaking rules is necessary to help others
Explain how the community helps save Red and how that shows the power of community.
“The neighborhood comes together by leaving notes and standing up for Samar, and the animals and Red help connect people. Because neighbors support Samar and work to save Red, the community shows how caring and teamwork can protect someone who is being hurt.”