Family Tree

by Katherine Ayres

Landing in the classroom of her school's toughest teacher, Tyler Stoudt fears she will flunk out when she is told to research her family tree, as her father is the only family she knows, and he becomes angry whenever she asks about the project.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Contemporary

165 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Katherine Ayres is the author of ten books for children and teenagers. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA where she teaches writing to graduate students and Chatham University.

At age 19 she appeared on the TV show, To Tell the Truth--as a liar. "It was good practice for becoming a fiction writer," she says. "These days I have to make up stuff all the time. And I like it!"

Then, as now, Ayres was a convincing story spinner--members of the panel believed her impersonation as young readers believe and enjoy her characters today.

To get to know Katherine better, visit her website (www.katherineayres.com) and her blog (katherineayres.blogspot.com).

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I tracked this book down because I remembered the librarian reading it to my class in elementary school. All I remembered was it was about a girl named Tyler.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. It had a great theme throughout, about perception. The main girl is going into sixth grade, and is having to do a project about her family tree. Her problem is it's only her and her father, and her father doesn't like to talk about his past, her mother, or family. Her mother died when she was born.

This story centers around the girl, but also brings up interesting points about family, religion, even race. The author, I think, did a good job of being subtle about it, where it was interesting, but didn't feel like you were learning a lesson as you read. I think my twelve-year old daughter would enjoy this, she's in the sixth grade as well. It might not be what she normally reads, but it's a very touching story. I was moved in one spot in particular, towards the end.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: I sat in the backseat of the bus and looked out.

Premise/plot: Tyler Stoudt begins her sixth grade family tree project reluctantly. She is a miracle baby; she was delivered thirty minutes after her mother's death. Her only family is her loving father, Jakob Stoudt. She knows nothing of his family or her mother's family--not until she begins the project and her father slowly but surely starts to open up a little about his past. Can she piece together the clues from her father's stories and her mother's writing? (Her mother was an author.)

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. Tyler Stoudt discovers that her father was an Amish man who married an Englisher. She had come to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to research a book on Amish wedding traditions. The two became friendly since it is Jakob's sister who is the bride she's writing about. After that first book is published she returns to the community to write a second book: this time on woodworking--Jakob is the subject! After the two marry, Jakob is shunned by his family, and Sarah (Tyler's mother) is rejected by hers as well.

Family Tree is a satisfying read about making peace with the past and healing. I really enjoyed getting to know Tyler and her father.

I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed reading this one as a child. Readers find out very early on that Tyler's mother died. I may have put the book down right then and there and not given it a fair chance. That's the kind of reader I was as a kid. Anything that even hinted at potential sads was put aside. I have matured as a reader, thank goodness!

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because it kept my attention. I like to read about the Amish. It touched many different topics as I'm
Got this book because of the title as I'm hooked on geneology. Was worried about the age group of this book but I got hooked on the characters, the storyline and I like reading about the Amish. It touched many different topics about researching your family tree. Where they came from, why they left. Really enjoyed this book.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful book about a 6th grade girl who gets the assignment to make a family tree. She realizes that she knows none of her grandparents, aunts, or uncles. She perserveres and open many family secrets. Because of their marriage both parents are kicked out of their families. But maybe not forever.

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t really look at the fact that this is a YA book - the title was the thing that caught my attention. I really like genealogy and figured this would be a good little book to read. I was right! Great book! Very well written - the kind that keeps your attention without being too simple or too complicated. A story about a young girl trying to find out about her family.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

when an 11 yr.old girl is assigned to do a family tree, she learns about her father's Amish roots (shunned by family for marriage outside of faith) & her "English" deceased Mother's roots. She meets family she didn't know she had.

[Picture Perfect · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I never added this book. This used to be my absolute favorite book as a kid. I remember doing a book report on it in third grade.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet, emotional story.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

((read when I was a child, will have to revisit))

[Zazie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story made me rethink my decision to make a family tree. I gave up on the idea long ago, but now I feel like trying again.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this book isn't well known, but I've always thought it was great. It discusses the importance of family and forgiveness, and the lasting damage of past hurts. It also discusses a highly stereotyped culture.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about valuing differences in religion, beliefs and origins, both among family members and among peoples centering around the daughter of an Amish father and "English" mother who has to write down her family tree and realizes she knows nothing about it, not even names.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My moms first book for kids.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book certainly is geared toward the younger ilk, but I did enjoy how the story unfolded. Tyler, through her school project, gained some family back!

[Cws]

JAR5-Ayr

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of an Amish Father raising his daughter as an "English" and her coming to terms with her history.

Especially great to listen to -- the reader has a flawless German accent. Lovely.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half. Very sweet story with thought-provoking ideas. I cried numerous times, but I'm also pre-menopausal...

[Sharri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book we read at school. My favorite part was when her Grandmother comes. I wish her mother had lived from the car accident though. I recommend this book. It wasn't too sad.

[Sharon]

Nice story for kids.