The Last Apple Tree

I was completely moved by this poignant middle grade story of grief, loss, preteen angst, and family secrets. Beautifully written with such a gorgeous cover, the tale of Sonnet and how her family changes after her grandmother dies, and of Zeke, embarrassed by his activist father, pulled at my hearts......more

Sonnet’s going through so many changes: her mom just moved their family across the country, her grandma has passed away, and her grandfather is having some cognitive struggles. A school assignment leads to Sonnet and her neighbor Zeke working together on an oral history project interviewing her gran......more

This was such a wonderful read! The story covered some big topics (grief, love and acceptance, the power of story) with care and tenderness. So many powerful life lessons woven into a very well- crafted and well-written story. I would happily recommend this book to readers of any age.......more

A duel narrative told by two disgruntled middle-school neighbors. Sonnet is the new kid, dealing with a grieving Grandfather, sliding into forgetfulness, a mother distancing herself from family dynamics and a little sister who demands all the attention. Zeke is new to school, after a lifetime of bei......more

Read from ARC: Middle School student Sonnet moves from Colorado to Indiana with her sister and single-mother to live with their grandfather after their grandmother passes away. The family had only visited Gramps once before the funeral and Sonnet’s mother avoids any discussion of why she chose to sta......more