For the young adult who yearns for a grand adventure rooted in the magic of tales, this book explores the profound power of stories to shape worlds and identities.
A parent might reach for this book when their creative, introspective teen is searching for a fantasy epic with deeper meaning. It's perfect for a young reader who loves mythology and wonders about the power of their own voice and imagination. The story follows Kai, a boy who lives in a world that is a single, gigantic tree sustained by stories. When the tree begins to die, Kai must embark on a dangerous quest to find a new story to save his home. This book explores themes of resilience, identity, and the profound impact of creativity. For ages 12 and up, its complex world and philosophical ideas are best suited for mature middle grade readers and teens who appreciate a story that is both a thrilling adventure and a meditation on the nature of reality itself.
The central conflict involves a dying world and themes of loss and decay.
ViolenceMild
Includes scenes of fantasy-based conflict and action, but nothing graphic or gory.
Sensitive Topics
The central conflict is the potential death of a world, a metaphorical exploration of cultural stagnation, environmental decline, or the loss of meaning. The approach is entirely metaphorical and philosophical, with a non-religious, animistic feel. There are moments of peril and loss, but the resolution is ultimately hopeful, celebrating renewal and the power of human creativity.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful 13 to 16 year old who is an avid reader and perhaps a writer or artist. This reader loves complex world-building (think Le Guin or Pullman) and enjoys fantasy that is philosophical as well as adventurous. They are likely introspective and will connect with the idea that imagination can literally change the world.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. No specific scenes require parental previewing for content. However, be prepared for potential conversations about abstract ideas like the nature of truth, the role of tradition, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories. It's a great book to spark deeper philosophical discussions. A parent notices their creative teen is feeling discouraged, questioning the value of their art or writing. The teen might express a cynical view, saying something like, "What's the point?" or "Nobody cares about stories anymore."
Age Experience
A younger teen (12-14) will likely connect most with the exciting quest, the unique world-building, and the friendship between the protagonists. An older teen (15-18) is more apt to appreciate the meta-narrative, the commentary on how stories shape societies, and the complex moral questions about control versus freedom.
What Makes It Special
Among countless YA fantasy quests, this book stands out for its profound, lyrical focus on storytelling itself. The magic system is literally narrative. It’s a book for book lovers, a sophisticated allegory about how the stories we tell ourselves and each other create the worlds we inhabit. Its tone is more literary and meditative than a typical action-driven fantasy.
Read plot summary
In a world that exists entirely within a colossal tree, life is sustained by the constant telling of ancient stories. When the tree begins to sicken and die, a young storyteller named Kai discovers the cause: the stories have grown stale and are losing their power. He embarks on an epic quest with Olenka, a girl with a perfect memory for tales, to journey through the tree's fantastic and dangerous regions. They seek a new story powerful enough to rejuvenate their world, all while being pursued by those who fear the change a new narrative would bring.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The leaders in Kai's world believe that repeating the same old stories is the only way to keep their world safe. Why are they so afraid of new stories? Can you think of a time in our world when people were afraid of new ideas?
2
Kai is a creator of stories, while Olenka is a keeper and rememberer of them. Which role do you think is more important for a society's health? Do they need each other to succeed?
3
The book suggests that a world can literally die if its stories are forgotten or become meaningless. How do you think stories keep our own culture 'alive'?
4
Think about the different 'branches' of the tree Kai and Olenka visit. If you were to create a new branch of the Tree of Story, what would it be like and what kinds of tales would it hold?
