The Angel Tree

September 15, 2014
Full of the type of warmth and good cheer found in favorite holiday movies, author and PW reviewer Benedis-Grab’s lively tale spotlights the time-honored tradition—and can-do citizens—that make a small town great, even in the face of financial struggle. Nobody is certain who is behind the stately Angel Tree that appears in the Pine River town square each year, but everyone knows that when people tie notes containing their Christmas wishes to the tree, the wishes are granted. This year, middle-schoolers Cami, Max, Lucy, and Joe (all of whom have benefitted from the Angel Tree’s bounty) try to uncover the tree’s benefactor and thank him or her. As the kids puzzle through clues, they discover things that bring them closer to their families, neighbors, and each other—all in time for a satisfying, celebratory reveal. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger.

July 15, 2014
This quick tale of generosity is as warm and simple as a Christmas postcard. As the calendar counts down to Christmas in the idyllic little town of Pine River, four children hang their wishes on the Angel Tree, a tradition in which an anonymous benefactor and the close-knit residents pool their resources to help one another. The kids are sugar-cookie cutouts: Lucy, a timid blind girl whose family can't afford her guide dog's cancer treatment; class clown Max, who lost his house in a fire; Joe, "the most hated kid in Pine River," whose only parent-a Marine-can't be home for Christmas; and Cami, a violinist who can't seem to make her grandmother proud. When the kids' wishes are granted, Cami decides that they should work together to find "GB"-the "Great Benefactor" who started the tradition-to say thanks. Questioning kindly adults, the kids learn confidence and tolerance as they discover the story behind the tree. Mentions of cellphones and Harry Potter DVDs feel almost anachronistic against Pine River's folksy charm. The kids seem younger than they are, and their dialogue often sounds unrealistic, but their innocence might appeal to readers who want a winter break from typical middle school drama. A light holiday read with little mystery or development but a lot of happy endings. (Fiction. 8-11)

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October 1, 2014

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

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2014
Grades 3-6 Every December, the Angel Tree is set up overnight to greet the town of Pine River at dawn. No one knows who is behind this annual event, but the townspeople attach their wishes to the tree, knowing that somehow they will be fulfilled. Needing to express their gratitude, an unlikely quartet of middle schoolers join forces to discover the generous soul behind the Angel Tree. Cami, a violinist, struggles with doubts about the value of her talents. Max, the school prankster, hides his efforts to read. Lucy, blind from birth, feels she is in the way and slows everyone down. Joe, new to town and friendless, internalizes his concern for his mom fighting overseas. The Rockwellian-with-issues setting enhances the cozy small-town feel, though elder characters are a bit stereotyped and not much varied. Nevertheless, this is a pleasant story in which kids learn life lessons from one another. Part mystery and part holiday high jinks, this will be a little gift to readers who enjoyed Dean Pitchford's Nickel Bay Nick (2013).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)