Review on No Family Tree

Do any of you remember that project you probably had to do in grade school where you have a make a family tree? You know, you research both sides of your family and try to trace back as far as you can. This lets you learn more about your family, your culture, and yourself as well.
I read... No Family Tree by T.Katz!!!



Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: December 13th, 2013
Summary:
Tessie Tremaine is mortified when her middle school English teacher, affectionately known as Mean Old Mrs. Parker, assigns a family tree project. As the daughter of parents who were both adopted, Tessie is mortified; she imagines a postage-stamp twig showing nothing but her four immediate family members. As the rest of her classmates begin to create trees filled with many family members, Tessie agonizes over the thought of exposing what her parents call their own little family island. Desperate for help, Tessie turns to her honorary grandmother, who takes her to a rose show where she learns about the art of grafting roses. Suddenly, the family tree project takes on a whole new meaning. In this poignant young adult tale, a girl struggling to find her roots soon discovers that family is much more than who she is related to by blood.
My rating: 5 out of 5 trees!
My recommendation: Anyone who likes short, cute stories!
My review:
My copy was provided by Netgalley.
Tessie feels as if she has the smallest family tree possible. Her parents were both adopted so Tessie can only trace back that far. She has no way of expanding her family tree before her project is due. In her English class, the class has to research family trees, but Tessie can't do it. She doesn't want to show that she has virtually no family.
Tessie doesn't want to get humiliated at school. She envies the girl who has a giant family tree filled with people from all over the world. Tessie goes to her grandmother and soon Tessie learns the true meaning of family with the help of the art of grafting roses.
This book was really cute. It was interesting and a short read. I enjoyed it and I love how the book came with a message everyone should know. This book is perfect for younger kids, maybe for kids in middle school, especially for people who are adopted.
The book gives a lesson that family isn't just about blood. You don't have to be blood related to someone to be considered family. Your friends and people who love you are all considered to be your family. This book did a terrific job at conveying the message.
I'm not adopted so I don't know what it's like to not know who your real parents are, like with Tessie's dad, but this book made me feel connected to all the characters.
I loved this book as it was so sweet, humorous, and deep. I definitely want to read more from this author, especially if it's anything like No Family Tree.