I’m reading Katherine Applegate’s award winning book, Wishtree, to my library Read Aloud group. The story is told by Red the tree, who is over two centuries old. Red is the Wish Tree in the neighborhood, carrying on a long tradition of making wishes on the first of May. Wish Trees are a real thing throughout the world.
Red’s neighborhood is colorful, with people from everywhere who bring different cultures, food, and languages. Everyone gets along. When Samar moves into the neighborhood with her family, she sneaks out at night to sit under Red. She tells Red she wants a friend.
Today we read that a boy carved the word LEAVE into Red with a screwdriver. Of course we stopped to talk about how terrible that was. It hurt Red. Who would do such a thing? Putting two and two together, we guessed LEAVE was directed at Samar. Even Red was puzzled, as so many cultures were part of the neighborhood.
Children’s eyes were big. No one said anything. That means the words were pouring into their heads and they had to process everything.
I stopped. “Do you know my classroom has a Samar?”
Silence. Big eyes. Everyone stared at me.
“Her name is Gloria. No one understood her or liked her at her old school, so she wanted to be in my classroom. Would you like to see some pictures?”
I pulled up pictures on my phone. Everyone enjoyed them. Children asked, “Why didn’t they like Gloria?”
OMG! This is the magic question, the one every teacher wants to hear, the one that opens the door and validates diversity.
I answered, “People called her a witch. She’s just different, like Samar.”
The nods of heads and matter-of-fact looks told me they got it.
Gloria provided something real, something children could understand in the context of our chapter book.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
The younger children learn about diversity, the better. Gloria is such a good example and the book is perfect.
That’s true, Darlene. Many thanks!
Gloria does it again.
She does! Thanks, Anneli.
tears of joy and sadness
Well said, Annette.
I love her books. I read them being an adult.
I do, too! Have you read DogTown?
No, I haven’t. I am adding it to my reading list.
I’m glad! It’s SO good!
Great lesson, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
You are welcome, Jennie.
Hi Jennie, this sounds like a terrific book. I love how you related it to the children.
Hi Robbie, you would LOVE this book. I didn’t know about wish trees until I read the book. The fact that the tree is the narrator is what makes the book. I’m glad I could relate it to the children.
I’ll have a look for it, Jennie 🙏💚
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Yesss! This gave me goosebumps – plus it’s timely as we just experienced the destruction of ‘Papa (longleaf) Pine’ and his community (all well-over 100 ft tall) behind our home over the past few weeks…long story short: it’s easier to ‘destroy’ than to ‘work with’ in the name of someone’s own idea of ‘development’. ***Papa was my wishtree*** sigh. Yeah, I guess that’s a blog post waiting to be written 😉
No wonder you had goosebumps, Laura. Papa Pine, your wishtree, over 100 feet tall, is gone? Big sigh! I hope you write a blog post about this sad event.
Gloria’s presence is educational gold, helping small children to become more caring adults. I love how old trees are. The two Oaks in our garden are around 275 years and 225 years old respectively. They are protected here, so the houses in our road had to be built around them in 1985. I think that is just as it should be.
Best wishes, Pete.
England (or should I say Britain) is wonderful when it comes to protecting history, albeit architecture or trees. America, take notice. Thank you for what you said about Gloria. ‘Educational gold’ is spot on. What a great phrase, Pete. Thank you.
Such a worthy lesson.
Thank you, Jacqui!
Beautiful teachings from the book and Gloria. Teachings that, hopefully, will stay in those children’s hearts for many many years 🌞
Her teachings really seem to stick, year after year. I’m always amazed. Thank you, Dave.
Gloria helps out again.
Way to go, Gloria!
Gloria is such a star, and a beacon of hope for the future.
Beautifully said, FR. She really is. Thank you.
Gloria speaks more wisdom than most of us, Jennie.
Hear, hear!
The first time you posted about this book (years ago), I bought it, Jennie. What a lovely story, and how wonderful that you connected its lesson on diversity to Gloria. You’re amazing.
I’m so glad you got the book. I had no idea I would connect Gloria to the book until the ‘moment’ in reading aloud. It happened naturally, because Gloria really is Samar. Thank you for your kind words, Diana.
What a great teaching moment! It takes a great teacher like you to take advantage of the perfect moment.
It was certainly a great teaching moment. It’s what I do. Thank you for your kind words, Cathy.
That’s such a great book! Gloria and all your great lessons will surely help them “get it”. 😊
Yes, it’s such a great book! Thank you, Deborah, Gloria is such a big help and a trooper. She helps bring my lessons to life so children ‘get it.’ 😍
You’re welcome!
My heart in singing, Jennie! Thank you for sharing this. Gloria, Gloria, Gloria…so good! 💝😘💝
Many thanks, Vicki. Gloria is the best! 😍
As are you! 🥰❤️🥰
Awww… that is so nice. Thank you! 😍
Xo! 🥰
Once again, Gloria imparts an important life lesson to children!!
She does, Liz. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
I remember that we read this book as a whole school read, and some worried that the youngest children would not understand the lesson, but understand they did and there is always a way at any age, and it never too early to learn about kindness and compassion for all. thanks to gloria for helping your class along.
I’m so glad your whole school read this book, Beth. It’s really wonderful. Children process far more than we give them credit for, so I’m not surprised that your youngest children understood the lesson. Yes, it’s never too young to learn about kindness and compassion. The book does this, and so does Gloria. Hooray!
what a beautiful lesson on diversity, Jennie!! Children are amazing! If only we all embraced as they do! Sending love and hugs! ❤️
Very well said, Karla! Thank you! Mega hugs to you. 💕
It’s my blessing, Jennie! Mega hugs to you!! ❤️♥️💚
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If those pre-schoolers could just remember this lesson as they go throughout their school lives, and beyond. I see the results of students who are ostracized by their peers on a daily basis at the middle school level.
Exactly! The good news is preschoolers remember everything, and introducing diversity at this level is helpful as they go through school. Bottom line – if you want kids to be more understanding and accepting, introduce it in preschool. BTW, my students remember Gloria when they’re in high school.
Reading to children and leaving time to talk about the story is so important in the learning process.
Yes!!
It is!
Along with literacy, you are providing precious lessons regarding love and respect… Thank you!!!
That’s so nice, Will. Thank you.
Jenny you are so good – just what we need to build a positive multicultural community based on respect and tolerance. Counter the hate and division. More power to you!
Thank you, Opher. You said it well!
Another good lesson with the help of Gloria – this is wonderful.
Thank you so much, Dan. She’s the best!
Thank you, Dan!
You can retire, Jenny! Gloria will run the school. Lol
Thanks for telling the way how you are teaching the most important thing of every civilized community. The book you used is also very interesting and perfectly meets the challenge. Best wishes, Michael
Thank you, Michael. I think Gloria could run the school. 🙂 The book is very good and perfectly hits diversity and acceptance.
A vital lesson in an increasingly divided and intolerant world… Bless you, Jennie:)).
Well said, Sarah. Thank you!
Gloria is really good example for the children and the book too is perfect Jennie ❤️
Yes on both counts, Kamal. Thank you.
Yes I completely agree with you Jennie. You are always welcome 🤗🤗🤗🤗
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