Red is a tall, large-hearted oak tree who is 216 rings old. She is also a “wishtree”—people write their wishes on tags and pieces of cloth and tie them to her branches, and many birds and animals seek refuge in her hollows. Living in a neighborhood that has seen many families come and go, Red now throws her shade over the home of Samar, a gentle ten-year-old girl who visits Red every night. But one horrible morning, a boy attacks her bark with a screwdriver and writes an ugly message aimed at Samar’s family. Red realizes that her experience as a wishtree is more important than ever, and decides to do what she can.

About Roundtable Reading
Young readers are invited to read the beginning of a good book aloud in BAMPFA’s convivial Reading Room, and pick up a copy to continue reading at home. No advance sign-up needed; just show up at 3 o'clock, ready to read!