Life is grand for an old oak tree and the family that lives next to it. The tree enjoys watching the children play around it. The family enjoys the shade and the adventure of climbing on its limbs. Everything seems so perfect. Then, one summer day, a bad storm heads for the community where the oak tree and his beloved family dwell. The old oak, which has experienced many storms, senses great danger for the family but is relieved when they evacuate their home. As the storm batters the community, the family’s home is completely destroyed, and the oak tree fears the family will never return.
What will become of the oak tree? Or the family? Will they see each other again?
Based on the landfall of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, The Oak Tree is a love story in the midst of calamity. Told from the perspective of a southern oak tree, this story will have readers on the edge of their seat as they follow this tree’s resilience through the storm. Only the family’s promise of return provides the hope and courage for the tree to endure this catastrophic disaster and its aftermath.
“The Oak Tree is a good starting point for discussions on natural disasters and the strength and resilience that comes from such events.” — THE CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW
(Inspired Books, 2015)
1 review for The Oak Tree
“I cried all the way through it. With the upcoming anniversary of Katrina, it made me look back and think about that terrible time. I know that trees have no feelings. I taught that to my seventh graders when I taught science. However, when you look at those majestic creations you just have to feel the pain they went through during that terrible storm. Though we have lost so many beautiful oaks, it makes my heart feel good when I see the ones that did survive and the ones that became works of art through beautiful sculptures. I believe that they represent the resilience of the people who endured this catastrophe. Thank you for your story. I just love it.” – ANN SHIRLEY