  | How to grow a family tree Author: Birdsong, Bea | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
A family tree assignment troubles a girl with a single mom and no ties with relatives, until she realizes she has a found family in her neighbors.
| Illustrator: | Hu, Jasu |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (+) (07/01/25)
Booklist (+) (00/10/25)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/09/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 07/01/2025 Gr 1–4—For some children, the ubiquitous school project of creating a family tree can produce anxiety. How do they represent nontraditional families? In this tender and lushly illustrated story, Emmylou dreads the day she must share her family tree. Unlike the other students, she does not have a big, loving family. Emmylou, whose hearing is impaired, lives alone with her mother. She knows nothing about her father or grandfather, and her mother is tight-lipped about family. As Emmylou sorrowfully assesses that her family is different, memories of her neighbors float into her mind. She remembers how Mr. Li patiently taught her to bike and how willingly Mrs. Patel shares mango chutney and wisdom with her. When Emmylou babysits the children next door, she feels responsible as well as loved. As she recognizes the special relationships in her life, she cannot escape a big thought: "there are no spots for neighbors on family trees." Hu alters the watercolor tones throughout the story to reflect Emmylou's mood. Blues predominate when Emmylou is downhearted, but whenever she reflects on the actions of her caring neighbors, the tones of orange and yellow suffuse the illustrations, palpably offering readers the warmth of her memories. VERDICT A beautiful reflection on the wonders of a found family, and an important book for the shelves; blended families, chosen families--all will find succor in this volume.—Sally James - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
