The Listening Tree

Celia Barker Lottridge
Fitzhenry & Whiteside (2011)
ISBN 9781554550524
Reviewed by Kaytlyn Odom (age 10) for Reader Views (4/11)

 

In the book “The Listening Tree,” Celia Barker Lottridge shows that you can still make friends, even when you don’t play with them. You may wonder how or what I’m talking about. Young Ellen learned a valuable lesson. Ellen has moved into the big city from her small, quiet life on a farm. The change is intimidating and Ellen needs to find solitude in something, so she spent most of her time sitting on a branch in a tree, listening to everyone else’s conversations. Of course, you may think that eavesdropping is bad manners, but Ellen proved this to be incorrect. Ellen was a shy girl who was afraid to approach anyone, so instead she watched from the shelter of a tree, her “listening tree.” She was able to get to know the children who passed by on the street below. After overhearing some disturbing news, Ellen realizes that she must face her fears to help her friends.

It’s my opinion that Celia Barker Lottridge did a wonderful job writing this story. I love that she wrote with such beautiful words. They inspire me.

My favorite sentence is, “I know you’ve never met Gladys but she is dying to see you.” I like this so much, because it shows that people really do care for others. It makes me remember how it feels when I meet new people. It’s exciting.

I think this book will be equally enjoyed by both children and adults, because the message speaks to your heart. Friendship is a special bond that we all experience and can relate to. I also would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading stories that are set in history. This story takes place during the Great Depression. 

I myself can relate to this story, because I’ve been in Ellen’s shoes. I’ve also felt uncomfortable and like I didn’t fit in, but I soon learned that I had nothing to fear.

As you can see, I love this book and think you should get “The Listening Tree” for yourself. I know that you won’t be disappointed. Celia Barker Lottridge is an author who writes from her heart and you can tell in this wonderful story that turns uncertainty into a promise of friendship.

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