Secrets of the Great Fire Tree

Gr 4-6–Set in rural China, Laismith’s middle grade debut tells the story of 10-year-old Kai and his quest to reunite his family. Kai rarely sees his father, who works in the city, and when his mother is hired to care for a wealthy man’s ailing grandson, Kai is left behind with an elderly neighbor. When it’s discovered that the fruit of a tree that grows near Kai’s home might offer a cure, he assists in finding the tree. While the adults rush the preparation of the fruit, to tragic ends, Kai and his friend Xinying carefully and slowly ready the fruit, ultimately creating a medicine that could cure the boy. This book may be billed as fantasy, but at its heart is a story of relationships with all of their myriad hardships and benefits. Readers won’t need to suspend much disbelief; the fruit may be magical, but the characters and their challenges feel very real. Kai’s journey is not easy, and difficult losses give weight to the happy ending. Readers may find themselves occasionally flipping back to previous chapters to clarify details. A glossary of Mandarin words is provided.