Storytime: Katherine Applegate reads Wishtree

Hear author Katherine Applegate read from her New York Times-bestselling middle grade novel, WISHTREE! This powerful story about acceptance and tolerance is a One Book One Community favorite and a must-share in your classroom or library.

Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood “wishtree”—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Along with a crow named Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this wishtree watches over the neighborhood. You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red’s experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever. Funny, deep, warm, and nuanced, Wishtree is Newbery Medalist and New York Times–bestselling author Katherine Applegate at her very best—writing from the heart, and from a completely unexpected point of view.

Download a Wishtree teacher’s guide and find materials to create a wishtree in your classroom or library at WishtreeBook.com.

Contest: Invent a V.E.S.T. for the InvestiGators

The InvestiGators need help! Kids can invent their own V.E.S.T. (that’s Very Exciting Spy Technology) that Mango and Brash can use to fight the forces of evil.

Upload their essay, drawing, photo, or video explaining what their V.E.S.T. is and how it works! John Patrick Green, creator of InvestiGators, will pick one lucky winner whose invention will be featured in an upcoming book!

2020 School & Library Webinars & Digital Events

We may be sheltering at home, but we’re still ready and eager to spread the word on what we’re excited about this summer and fall, from our computers to yours. See below for a webinar or event for whichever type of book you’re looking for, and be sure to watch this space as more info and events are added! Scroll to the bottom for archived videos and recordings of past events you can watch on demand!

Upcoming Events:

May 12-June 2: FRtbr, 6 PM EDT
Join Fierce Reads every Tuesday evening at 6 PM EDT for #FRtbr, an author event series featuring YA books you may have missed! Find more event details and archived videos here.

June 1-4: MacKids Streaming Schoolhouse: The Picture Book Edition, 1 PM EDT (FREE!)
Join us at MacKids Streaming Schoolhouse! From June 1–4, you can tune in every day at 1pm ET / 10am PT to hear from bestselling and award-winning authors as they give lessons in your favorite school subjects. Featuring Mahogany L. Browne, Michaela Goade, Ekua Holmes, Carole Lindstrom, Tracy Nelson Maurer, Stacy McAnulty, Dashka Slater, Jason Tharp, and Lily Williams!

June 6: Comics Relief: A First Second Festival (FREE!)
Are you a total comics nerd? Join us for Comics Relief: June 2020 taking place on Saturday, June 6th from 12 – 4pm ET (9am – 1pm PT). This free virtual festival will cover some of First Second’s most innovative comics, from Maker Comics to The Adventure Zone. Don’t miss the chance to hear from some of your favorite graphic novel creators from the comfort of your home!

June 23: Macmillan Fall Preview with Macmillan Adult and Tor (FREE!) Join us for this 90-minute presentation and see what must-have titles are heading your way from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; Macmillan Adult (including Wednesday and Flatiron Books); and Tor Teen/Starscape. More info and details to come!

July 21: Booklist’s Fall Young Adult Preview Webinar (FREE!)
Join us for this hour-long presentation to see what young adult titles are headed your way this fall. More info and details to come!

August 4: Booklist’s Graphic Novel Webinar (FREE!)
Join us for this hour-long presentation to see what graphic novels are headed your way this fall. More info and details to come!

Watch archived videos from past events →