My Sister the Apple Tree: A Refugee Story of Hope and Resilience

PreS-Gr 2–A young boy lives a peaceful life in his village with his family. After their goat has twins, he asks his parents why they never had a twin with him, so he could have someone to play with. His parents tell him they planted an apple tree when he was born and that she was his sister. From then on, he treats the tree as his sister, leaving the window open at night so he can hear her snore and making her breakfast in the morning. He tells her everything he loves about their village and enjoys spending time together, all the while growing taller together. Suddenly, helicopters bomb their village and the young boy worries what will happen to his beloved sister, the apple tree. He ultimately decides to bring the tree with him, and his family as they flee. This book draws from the author’s experiences and the apple tree that had to be left behind. Readers will appreciate this beautiful refugee story with a kid at its center who has to persevere in a difficult situation. The emotions behind the scenes are impeccably portrayed through the artist’s use of color and minimal background. The boy’s beloved apple tree becomes a bridge between his old life and his new life in a different country, acting as a source of comfort for him when he misses home.