The Angel Tree

Gr 4–7—The little town of Pine River has a lovely holiday tradition—every year an enormous Christmas tree mysteriously appears in the town center. Residents can place their deepest, most secret wishes on the branches, and somehow, every year, each wish comes true. But this might be the year that the wishes are too difficult or expensive or just plain impossible. Lucy's guide dog needs an operation that her out-of-work father can't afford. Unhappy new kid Joe wants to see his soldier mom. Prankster Max yearns for a new home for his family to replace the house that burned down in an electrical fire. And Cami just wants her grandmother to be proud of her, even if it means giving up the violin, which she really loves. As their wishes get fulfilled, the four middleschoolers come together to figure out who the mysterious GB (Great Benefactor) of the town is, and in the process learn something about themselves and one another. Yes, this feels like a Hallmark movie, but it is a satisfying read on many levels—misunderstandings are resolved, lessons are learned, friendships evolve, and positive behavior is rewarded. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library