Summary
This book follows a young boy as he moves to a new place. In the backyard, there is a plum tree that reminds him of where his family used to live. Whenever the boy feels homesick, he goes out to try reconnecting to where he used to live. When the tree falls during a storm, the boy and his friends use the tree to begin new adventures. When the tree is taken away, a new plum tree is planted; it symbolizes all the changes the boy has gone through and the new adventures he can have with a new tree.
Theme(s):
Loss, new starts, challenges of starting over
Personal Response
This book represents the challenges of an immigrant child and all of the new changes and experiences that they may go through. Although I am not an immigrant child, I could relate this book to trying new things as an adult. The biggest is moving out and away from the parent’s house. My parents have always been consistent in my life, and moving out was challenging for many reasons. I initially had similar feelings to what the boy in the book experienced. Anyone can relate to trying new things.
Teaching Ideas
When applying this to my classroom, I will teach ELL students next year; their parents are immigrants and are new to the area. I could use this book to show my ELL students they are seen in my classroom. I want to create an environment where they feel supported and realize that I recognize and validate their life experiences. Even having this book in my classroom library would be a way to show my ELL students that I am supporting them and trying to learn more about them and their challenges.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03, Grade 04, Grade 05
