How to Grow a Family Tree

Gr 1-4–ADD RACE, SKIN COLOR, ETC>For some children, the ubiquitous school project of creating a family tree can be anxiety producing. How do they represent nontraditional families? In this tender and lushly illustrated story, Emmylou dreads the day she must share her family tree. Unlike the other students, she does not have a big, loving family. She lives alone with her mother, and her hearing is impaired. She knows nothing about her father or grandfather, and her mother is tight-lipped about her grandmother. As Emmylou sorrowfully assesses that her family is different, memories of her neighbors float into her mind. She remembers how Mr. Li patiently taught her to bike and how willingly Mrs. Patel shares food and wisdom with her. When Emmylou babysits the children next door, she feels responsible as well as loved. As she recognizes the special relationships in her life, she cannot escape a big thought; “there are no spots for neighbors on family trees.” Hu alters the watercolor tones throughout the story to reflect Emmylou’s mood. Blues predominate when Emmylou is downhearted, but whenever she reflects on the actions of her caring neighbors, the tones of orange and yellow suffuse the illustrations, palpably offering readers the warmth of her memories.