The Chestnut Tree

by Mathew Tekulsky

In the tradition of To Kill a Mockingbird, Mathew Tekulsky's The Chestnut Tree is a coming-of-age novel about conscience and courage.

A twelve-year-old boy comes of age in the suburbs of 1960s New York, where first love, family, and quiet divisions in his community shape his understanding of who he is.

In The Chestnut Tree, twelve-year-old Adam Jacobs comes of age in the suburban town of Beachmont, New York, during the turbulent years of 1966-67. As he navigates his first crush on Sally Fletcher-a Catholic girl from a very different world-Adam is drawn into a complicated web of friendships, loyalties, and unspoken tensions within the community.

When a sudden event brings Adam into Sally's family orbit, unexpected bonds begin to form, even as divisions linger just beneath the surface. At home and at school, Adam struggles to understand where he fits, guided in part by Gladys McKinley, a reclusive writer whose past holds its own quiet secrets.

Set against the backdrop of a changing country, Adam's experiences unfold in small but meaningful moments-at school, in living rooms, on neighborhood streets-where questions of identity, belonging, and courage take on personal stakes.

At once intimate and quietly expansive, The Chestnut Tree captures a boy on the threshold of adulthood, discovering that the world is more complicated-and more connected-than he ever imagined.

Genres: Literary Fiction, Fiction

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2026

About the author

Mathew Tekulsky is an award-winning and best-selling author of novels, screenplays, and nonfiction. His novels include The Chestnut Tree; Saving Annie, a Feathered Quill Book Awards Gold Winner in Adult Fiction and finalist in the American Book Fest Best Book Awards; and Bernie and the Hermit, a finalist in the William Faulkner – William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition. His adapted screenplays have received awards from film festivals including the Paris Film Awards, the London International Film Festival, the Cinema New York City Film Festival, and the Toronto Film Awards. His short stories have appeared in a variety of literary magazines.

In nonfiction, he is the author of books including How to Create a Butterfly Garden, The Art of Hummingbird Gardening, Backyard Bird Photography, Galapagos Birds: A Photographic Voyage, Americana: A Photographic Journey, and Making Your Own Gourmet Coffee Drinks. He also wrote “The Birdman of Bel Air,” an online column for National Geographic chronicling his bird experiences through essays and photography. His bird photography has been exhibited in galleries and museums, including the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

A native of Larchmont, New York, Mathew attended Mamaroneck High School before earning a BA in history with a minor in English from University of Rochester in 1975. During his Junior Year Abroad at the University of Birmingham, he wrote a thesis on Aldous Huxley. In his senior year at Rochester, he studied Southern literature with novelist Jesse Hill Ford. His work often explores memory, history, nature, and the emotional landscape of American life.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

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⭐⭐1/2
Publication Date: September 22nd, 2026
Get Red PR | Palmetto Publishing
154 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Novellas & Short Stories

This was a quick read that I mostly enjoyed. It is a coming-of-age story that takes place in 1966–1967 New York. The main character is twelve-year-old Adam. Adam is a Jewish boy getting ready for his Bar Mitzvah who has a crush on Sally, who is Catholic.

Their friendship is frowned upon because of their different backgrounds. They become friends with local Gladys McKinley, an author with a history of being a political agitator. She’s also a recluse, so she’s known as an eccentric. She teaches Adam and Sally about acceptance and having the courage to buck norms. Adam and Sally face a lot of pressure from their families as well as bullying at school, so Gladys also teaches them the strength it takes to rebuff the pressures they face. This gives Adam a lot to ponder, and he learns to be an empathetic soul.

The quiet way the author gets his point of view across was appreciated by this reader; it made it feel realistic and true to life. The tree in the title is a perfect symbol for a town and growth in the community. It is obvious to me that the author is a nature lover, given the rich descriptions throughout. I actually liked the slow pace of this one because it fits with the town itself.

There isn't an amazing plot here—it's more about the characters' thoughts and processes, which left me feeling more like a spectator, somewhat disconnected from Adam. It may be because he was a boy, so young, or even because he is Jewish—or perhaps a combination of all three, as I am none of those things. Overall, this was a very thoughtful read and not unpleasant in any way. It was written with sincerity, but it didn't wow me or make me feel like I'll remember it in any special way. I am giving it the 2.5 median rating but rounding up to three for the quiet contemplation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.



Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was more than just your typical “coming of age” story. Major events of the 60’s, particularly those involving the Civil Rights movement, are seen and told through the eyes of young Adam. As well, the ups and downs of growing up a Jewish child within an area inhabited by many Catholics are well detailed and at different turns both amusing and heart-rending.

I assume that this book was written for a middle-grade and/or a Y.A. audience, due to the pre-teen age of the main characters, and the writing style. If so, some adult guidance would be advisable, because there were things that kids did back in the ‘60’s that would be considered unacceptable in today’s society. (Examples: Pre-teens frequently smoking cigarettes; scenes of Playboy magazine being closely perused by young boys).

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[kesy_books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and quick read. It takes place in tome where there was still a lot of racism and racial prejudice. Adam, a Jewish boy has a crush on Sally a Catholic girl. Because of his ethnicity, Adam is constantly treated unfairly. He is determined to be better all while trying to come up with a mitzvah, which takes him on a journey, he even got to meet MLK!

The book is very direct, realistic and political. If you are looking for a short, fast and interesting story, pick this up!

Thanks to the author and getredpr for the lovely ARC

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Get Red PR for the gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.

📖 Book Review 📖 Sometimes the most powerful messages come in a little box all beautifully wrapped in a autumn bow…

We had a moment last week in the car ride home from school when my teenager asked me if I realized that Anne Frank’s best friend had only just died recently. She is just starting to truly understand how close some of the horrors of history are…and the hate that still exists in this world. And while it’s not a lesson you ever want to teach your child, it’s an important conversation that we will continue to have.

The Chestnut Tree channels this pivotal age, where the veil of innocence is lifted and choices about right and wrong take greater stakes. And while Mathew Tekulsky whisks us back to the 1960s, accompanied by a Beach Boys soundtrack, the echoes of the conversations on tough social and political topics are ones that should be broadcasting loudly across the outlets in this current environment. There may be hate in this world, but love and human connection will always prevail…

[Joanna Rasmussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a powerful read. I really loved the heart of this story. At its core, it’s a coming-of-age story about Adam, a Jewish boy growing up in the 1960s, but it becomes so much more than that. His relationship with Sally, a Catholic girl he has a crush on, brings a lot of really interesting conversations about prejudice, religion, and the things people allow to divide them. I loved watching them navigate those challenges while still seeing each other for who they actually were.

One of my favorite parts was Adam and Sally’s friendship with their neighbor Gladys. Through her, they get a glimpse into the much bigger world happening around them, including the civil rights movement and the protests against the Vietnam War. The connection to Martin Luther King Jr. was especially meaningful, and I loved seeing these kids begin to understand that they could actually have a voice and take part in something bigger than themselves.

There are so many powerful messages woven throughout this book without it feeling like it’s trying to beat you over the head with them. Prejudice, social justice, standing up for what you believe in, empathy, and learning to question the things you’ve always been told. There was just so much heart here.

And this book totally gave me The Wonder Years vibes. That same feeling of watching a kid grow up while major historical events are happening in the background and slowly realizing how much those events are shaping the world around them.

Overall, this was a really touching and thought-provoking read. I went into it expecting one kind of coming-of-age story and ended up getting something with so much more depth and heart. This is one that will definitely stick with me.

Thank you to the author, Get Red PR, and NetGalley for the gifted advanced copy. As always, this reviews is my honest opinion and is voluntarily given.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ The Chestnut Tree – Matthew Tekulsky ✨

📚 Releases September 22, 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

🌳📖✨

If you love:
• Coming-of-age stories
• Historical fiction
• First love
• 1960s settings
• Family & friendship

The Chestnut Tree is a quiet coming-of-age story following Adam, a twelve-year-old boy growing up in 1960s New York as he begins to experience first love, friendship, family, and the complicated divisions within his community.

I enjoyed the nostalgic 1960s setting and the way the story focuses on the smaller moments of growing up. Adam’s experiences with Sally, his family, and the people around him slowly shape his understanding of himself and the world.

I gave this 3.5 stars because I really enjoyed the themes and nostalgic setting, but the slower pacing made it take a little longer for me to fully connect with the story and characters.

Overall, this was a thoughtful coming-of-age story about growing up, finding where you belong, and realizing that life isn’t always as simple as it seems. 🌳🤎

“A nostalgic coming-of-age story that reminds us how much the people and moments around us shape who we become.” 🤎📚

Thank you to the author, Matthew Tekulsky, and GetRedPr for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🤎📚

💭 Question: What’s a book that made you nostalgic for a different time period? 📚🕰️

[sammi_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella set in the 60s. It starts with a boy with a crush and ends being about two 12-year-olds discovering acivism. They learn about treating people with equality and differences. They learn about treating people with equality and differences, particularly with the narrator's Jewish background defining his interactions and separating him from his crush and her Christian family. Race also comes up as they begin to admire and even meet Martin Luther King Jr., thanks to their mentor, author Gladys. They begin anti-war demonstrations and learn to come together, even though many elements wanted to keep them apart at the start of the story.

This was very cute and captured a lot about the 60s we love- the passion, the discovery, the change movement. And it captivates the two main youths in this story. I did hurt for lack of a true buildup and a good close out- there was definitely just a missing element, although the story was still enjoyable. However, it had a lot of great elements for giving you a piece of a special time period told as a coming of age novella.

Thank-you so much to Matthew Tekulsky and Get Red PR for my free reader copy. My opinions are my own and my review is unbiased. Look out for this one, publishing on September 22!

[Marcia reading past dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chestnut Tree by Mathew Tekulsky is powerful coming-of-age story, one told through the eyes of Adam Jacobs. How quickly the reader engages with this youngster as he describes his home life, his view of the world around him, and especially his feelings. The author has done an exemplary job in relating how deeply Jacob is moved by occurrences, and he pulls back the curtain to reveal the adolescent’s hidden thoughts, fears, and hopes. Political issues of the day are revealed, but it was the reasoning and inner thoughts of a 12-year-old that kept this reader tuning the pages.

Sally Fletcher is his girlfriend, and a sweet and innocent romance develops, but he is Jewish, and she is Catholic. Can that ever work? Maybe between the two youngsters, but their families are a different matter.

My favorite parts are Adam’s interactions with Gladys McKinley, the neighborhood recluse, a blacklisted writer, who offers him hot chocolate, a listening ear, and solace beneath her chestnut tree.

Adam Jacobs is one who thinks deeply and feels intensely. This book made me wonder if, with age, I’ve lost the ability to do the same.

This novella, of only 145 pages, is a profound and thought-provoking read. Don’t miss it.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little novella. I loved the coming of age feel of this story and getting to experience everything through Adam’s eyes as he tries to figure out where he fits in. I just kept thinking throughout the entire book, “wow this boy is only 12 and so insightful.” His first crush on Sally was so sweet, especially with the differences between their families and backgrounds adding another layer to their relationship.

I also really liked how the bigger changes happening in the country were woven into Adam’s everyday life without taking away from the more personal moments. The friendships, family dynamics, and little moments around the neighborhood made this feel very intimate and nostalgic. It’s a quieter story, but there’s something really special about watching Adam slowly realize that growing up means discovering the world and the people in it aren’t always as simple as they first seem. This is a short little book, but so much is packed into it. The pacing is great, making it extremely easy to sit down and read this in one sitting. Thank you Get Red Pr for the arc.

[Nicole (readwithnicolepdx) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coming-of-age novella that takes place over the course of one year (1966-67) in a New York suburb.
A young Jewish boy develops a crush on a Catholic schoolmate and despite their differing backgrounds, develop a strong friendship. They find common ground in fighting prejudices and the war in Vietnam. Through a neighbor they encounter Martin Luther King and develop a deep respect for him and his mission.
It’s a sweet story with rich references to this particular year in history using songs and pop culture to reference time.
However, there wasn’t enough tension in the plot to really hold my interest and I found the writing quite simple and bland. Unfortunately, this one was just meh for me. I thought the MLK interactions were a stretch and just hard to believe.
Thank you to Net Galley & Get Red PR for the advanced copy.

[Indru · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book's premise is simple and straightforward: Adam Jacobs is twelve, Jewish, and living in a Westchester commuter suburb in the autumn of 1966. He follows a girl home from school. He wants to be a writer. On the way home he passes the long driveway of a reclusive author who has not published in years, and one afternoon she puts him to work raking leaves under a horse chestnut tree. From there the book runs a single school year, and it puts its children in rooms with people who were actually in those rooms in 1967.

This was clearly written by a novelist who has been through the archive and enjoyed it, and there is a real pleasure in watching a year assemble itself out of that much correct detail.

There is also a cost, and it is the book's central problem: the research is displayed rather than absorbed. Almost every scene is timestamped by a song on the radio, and the songs are told to us rather than heard. A character turns on a transistor, the narrator names the artist and the title, then tells us what the lyrics say and what they made him think about. This happens many times. It would be attenuated if it was narrated by a child, as children love over-explaining things, but the story frames it as if this is an adult remembering his childhood.

The same instinct governs the historical set pieces. Speeches are summarized at length in indirect discourse. Newspaper articles are described. We are repeatedly told what a great man said and what it meant, which is precisely the work a novel is supposed to make unnecessary. Especially a novel narrated by an adult that remembers childhood events, and not by a child.

The more serious issue is that there is no tension in the story.

It's dominated by antisemitism, which is a bit annoying because the narrator constantly whines to the reader (we got it the first time), but this antisemitism always turns out to be a misunderstanding that dissolves on contact. Every antagonist is converted, in sequence, and the conversions are quick, unearned, and structurally identical: a bully turns out to be decent, a father turns out to be reasonable, and so on. Any single one of these would be okay. Delivered as a series, they cancel each other out, and by the final one is nothing left in the book to push against. The novel's own thesis, that people are essentially good and hatred is a thing they can be talked out of, is morally good but dramatically fatal. Nobody in this book holds a conviction that survives one honest conversation. Which simply doesn't happen in real life.

The one thread that does work is the father, a German Jewish refugee running a dry cleaning shop who is desperate that his son would attract attention. His caution has a real source, and comes at a cost.

Big no-no: The novel puts Martin Luther King's most famous formulation, the mountaintop and the Promised Land and the possibility that he will not get there himself, into a private conversation in the spring of 1967. He delivered those words on 3 April 1968, in Memphis, the night before he was killed. This is not a stray detail. The bar mitzvah section is built on it: the Torah portion chosen, the Moses at Mount Nebo parallel, the whole symbolic architecture of the book's last act depends on Martin Luther King having said this to a child a year before he said it to anyone.

The dramatic irony is enormous and free. But it is borrowed against a moment that had not happened, and in a book whose principal virtue is its accuracy, it is the one place where the author reached for an effect he had not earned. The narration even flags it, having King speak the line "as if for the first time," which tells you the author knew.

Line-level editing in this book is loose, but it's not the end of the world. Some of the text is presumably meant to sound like a boy writing/thinking/talking, but the narrator is elsewhere a retrospective adult with adult vocabulary, so the register wobbles rather than establishes itself, and the reader gets long stretches where nothing is subordinated to anything.

A police officer is named Grady in an early chapter and Gray later on. And in one paragraph a line of narration has been trapped inside quotation marks (Chapter Ten), so a character appears to describe his own actions aloud in the third person. I would fix these prior to publishing.

To sum up on the stance of this book: it's not that original (boy who wants to be a writer, first love, a year of his life), it has low literary merit (everything is explained, nothing is implied), the writing quality is serviceable and clean (great relaxing summer reading, but it doesn't necessarily train your mind). Probably the strangest component is the marketability: everything about this book says classroom (protagonist's age, chapter length, themes, the historical component), yet twelve-year-olds smoke cigarettes in it repeatedly and look at pornographic magazines in several scenes, both described vividly. Now, for me, this isn't problematic: stuff like this happens in real life. BUT for marketability in 2026, it might cost the exact target it's aimed at, because let's be fair: this does not look like a book aimed at adults. And leaving this kind of stuff in a book for children is not something a publisher would agree on.

To conclude: read it as a reconstruction rather than as a novel. The author knows this year intimately and conveys real affection for a place and a moment, and the father's story has more in it than the rest of the book combined. What is missing is friction. A year in which a boy discovers that speaking up is difficult should contain at least one person who does not eventually agree with him, and/or one adult who is wrong and stays wrong. This book is a pleasant way to spend a few hours and a poor way to dramatize courage, which is the book's declared subject.

[Donna Krutsinger - Mockingbird Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short and concise historical fiction novella about a 12-year-old boy coming of age in the US in 1967. It is truly chock-full of so much history—antisemitism, Civil Rights, the Vietnam War, political unrest. Even the Red Scare was hinted at through the main character's relationship he forges with a reclusive author.

Antisemitism plays a huge role in the story as our main character, Adam (who is from a Jewish family), becomes quite smitten with Sally, a 12-year-old Catholic girl from his school and neighborhood. Adam's father, who not only has vivid memories of the Holocaust but also lived through and escaped from it, plays a huge role in the story as he is always warning Adam that they are viewed as being "different." He continually warns his son not to pursue any kind of relationship with a girl who is not Jewish and also basically just to accept some blatantly prejudiced remarks from older boys in the neighborhood. His father's inherent belief is not to "upset the applecart" for fear of retribution and also of damage to his father's dry-cleaning business.

The plot really gets going as one day Adam stops to help an older neighborhood woman, Gladys, bag up leaves from a chestnut tree in her yard. The character of Gladys, who becomes a pivotal force in the plot, has become a reclusive author who, in fact, is viewed by other neighborhood kids as scary and crazy. Gladys welcomes Adam into her home (and life) when he professes that he thinks he would like to become an author.

Through Adam and Gladys' budding friendship, the reader is introduced to many of the book's important aspects: social injustices (through Gladys' friendship with MLK Jr.); racial injustice (through Adam's encounters with and exposure to some of MLK Jr.'s speeches); the Red Scare (through Gladys' friendships with other prominent writers); and political indifferences (through the culture at the time, specifically political unrest concerning the Vietnam War).

To be such a short book—154 pages—there is indeed so much presented. I think this could be an excellent book to accompany a unit on antisemitism or Civil Rights or political unrest when presenting any of those topics to older junior-high or lower-high-school-aged students. I also enjoyed the references to pop culture as songs were mentioned frequently as playing on the radio. If you are looking for a short but thought-provoking and powerful introduction into late 60s culture as seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy, look for The Chestnut Tree by Mathew Tekulsky when it hits shelves September 22, 2026. Thank you, NetGalley and Palmetto Publishing, for this interesting glimpse into the mind of 12-year-old Adam.

[Manuella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Mathew Tekulsky and Get Red PR for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

The Chestnut Tree was my first book by Mathew Tekulsky and, to be honest, it was one of those "judge a book by its cover" cases. Yes, I did the unthinkable and chose a book for its cover – the horror! But there was something about the art in this and the colors that just made me feel warm and comforted and I knew I needed to read it – I was right. Historical fiction is usually a hit or miss for me but I really liked this story. it took me a minute to realize what it was about, and that we were dealing with a different time and context but... Well, did things really change that much when it comes to prejudice? Adam, Jimmy and Sally, however, had me hooked from the start.

It is always interesting to look at discrimination situations through the eyes of children because they usually have not learned how to be hateful – and they do not understand why. It is the beauty in their innocence and Adam is a perfect example of that. He does not care about labels of "Jew" and "Catholic" or "slow" or "Comunist" – all he cares about is the girl he has a crush on, his friend and the nice old lady who makes him hot chocolate and who should go back into writing. It is a breath of fresh air and incredibly amusing.

"I went upstairs to my room, but I couldn’t concentrate on the Torah. I kept thinking about the war in Vietnam and about the differences between people and what made them hate each other and kill each other, and I was wondering why we couldn’t all be just happy together, and then I drifted off to sleep."

The Martin Luther King mentions were also always a hit because he was a very powerful and inspiring man, and added more realism to the story – as well as the songs being mentioned to show the passing of time and setting even more context. Gladys was a fantastic character too, and she made the story better. I also think it is important to note that this book did not feel like only 115 pages, given the development and complexity of the story. Again, thank you for the opportunity of reading such a rich story.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌳 Some stories don’t need to shout to leave a lasting impression.

The Chestnut Tree by Mathew Tekulsky is a thoughtful, nostalgic coming-of-age story that transported me to suburban New York in the 1960s and reminded me how complicated growing up can be when the world around you is full of divisions you’re only beginning to understand.

Twelve-year-old Adam Jacobs is navigating first love, family, friendship, and the confusing question of where he belongs. His crush on Sally Fletcher, a Catholic girl from a very different background, becomes the doorway into a world of complicated relationships and quiet tensions within their community.

I really appreciated the way this story captures that in-between stage of childhood when you’re old enough to notice that adults have their own histories, beliefs, and conflicts, but still young enough to be trying to make sense of them all.

Adam’s relationship with Sally felt especially poignant to me because their connection exists against a backdrop of differences that neither of them fully understands at first. As circumstances draw Adam closer to Sally’s family, unexpected bonds begin to form, while the divisions around them never completely disappear.

I also found myself drawn to Gladys McKinley, the reclusive writer whose own past adds another layer to Adam’s journey. Her presence gives the story a sense of mystery and reminds us that everyone carries stories and secrets we may never see on the surface.

What stayed with me most was the quietness of the storytelling. The Chestnut Tree isn’t simply about first love or growing up it’s about the moments, people, and experiences that slowly shape who we become. There’s something beautifully nostalgic about watching Adam begin to understand that the world is far more complicated than it seemed when he was younger.

📚 Thank you to Get Red PR, Palmetto Publishing, and Mathew Tekulsky for sharing The Chestnut Tree with me!

[NothingButTheGood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every so often I skim through NetGalley, allowing the algorithm to guide me. This was an unexpected find. I was unfamiliar with the author, Mathew Tekulsky prior to this novella and I’m interested to see where he continues to go with his works. Thank you to Get Red PR for the ARC via NetGalley.

Thrust into 1966 we continue the novel through the perspective of our leading male character, a Jewish boy. Immediately the author is asking us to enter the mind of a 12 year old boy obsessed with his first true crush, a catholic girl. We journey throughout the year as the children get closer and closer through a shared bond. Both are against the anti-war in Vietnam and through a shared friend, a former children's author they are able to explore and grow those opinions.

I was not expecting there to be so much about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Those moments were lovely reminders of the icon that he was and the power that his words had. In my day job I talk about Dr. King several times a week, this helped strengthen my admiration for him.

There was a moment toward the end of the book that reminded me of a question I was once asked by a young person. “As children we are taught how to avoid conflict, how have we never moved away from war?” and this question broke me. Are characters struggle with this very concept, Mathew handles the turbulent Vietnam era with a gentle if perhaps a little to “everyone gets a long” hand.

These are characters you’ll sympathize with. A plot you’ll think about for days. Lessons will be taught that we need desperately right now in our divided society. I hope you enjoy this read and share your opinions to help water this plant.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired teacher, I wish that "The Chestnut Tree" by Mathew Tekulsky was published while I was teaching so I could share this literary treasure with my children. This book is small but mighty. I also love the name of number one songs in previous years being discussed during the time period of the sixties. The Genres for this book are Coming of Age, Historical Literary Fiction, and Fiction. Adam Jacobs is a Jewish boy that is coming of age in a suburban town in New York. Adam is getting ready for his Bar Mitzvah, and is obsessed with Sally Fletcher, a Catholic girl, his age. Both parents aren't thrilled if there were to be a "match" at a later date, because Jewish and Catholic boys and girls were told to stay with their own kind. Some of the boys bully Adam for being Jewish, and also one of Adam's friends with a learning disability. An older neighbor Gladys Mckinley is quirky and a writer. At one time her books were banned because she was blamed for including Communist information. Gladys provides the the safe place for Adam and Sally's friendship. Gladys was friends with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and introduces Adam and Sally to him. Adam is impressed with Dr. Martin Luther King's peaceful ideas, and thinks about writing and including this in his Bar Mitzvah speech. Adam starts to ponder and develop a new consciousness of all people getting along together, (all religions and colors)and starts to think about the animal population, and children that are different. It is a breath of fresh air to see how friends share their differences and are brave to learn from them. I highly recommend this thought-provoking book.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short YA historical that packs a lot of history in a time of war, upheaval and change in the US. Adam is Jewish and has started to yearn after Sally but he is told that she is catholic and he needs to stay away from her. Vietnam war is discussion everywhere and Adam is trying to understand what is so different between him and Sally. Becoming friends with a blacklisted author, Adam helps her around the yard and anything else she needs help with while learning about Gladys and her past that made her the recluse she is. History is everywhere and yet it seems that not many things are changing for the better. After getting to hear Martin Luther King JR speak, and learning that Gladys is a close friend, Sally and Adam can't wait to listen to more by him. He speaks for everyone and anyone who needs to be seen and helped for the better and Adam and Sally both really connect with his speeches. As Adam and Sally's friendship grows, they find out things about the past as well as about each other's beliefs and religions. Wanting to do something, they work to get a protest for the war together and with this event they both learn the impact they have made as well as their passions and that mostly everyone wants the same things; peace, safety, equality and loved ones back home. I really enjoyed this novel and learned a bit about these historical events that happened. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Get Red PR for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chestnut Tree by Matthew Tekulsky has that rare reflective tone that feels both lived‑in and immediate — a voice shaped by experience but still touched by innocence. It reminded me of Hemingway’s directness and Jean Shepherd’s nostalgic clarity (In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash), the same emotional register that made A Christmas Story so enduring.

Tekulsky writes with the sense of someone stepping back into a stream that carries the same name but not the same water — a return to youth filtered through the wisdom of adulthood. The novella’s use of popular songs as emotional markers is especially effective. They’re not just period details; they’re connective tissue, linking Adam’s present to his past and linking the late 1960s to readers born long after. These songs are still alive, their messages still resonant, and the sentiments Adam and Sally navigate are, sadly, still familiar today.

There’s a simplicity here — almost the clarity of an older teen novel — but it’s purposeful. Tekulsky uses directness to illuminate memory, longing, and the bittersweet ache of growing up. It’s a quiet, thoughtful novella that feels like listening to your parents talk about their youth: intimate, honest, and unexpectedly moving.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

At just 151 pages, The Chestnut Tree is an absolute little gem that manages to pack an impressive amount of history, heart, and thought provoking conversation into a beautifully atmospheric coming of age story. Set against the backdrop of 1960s America, Matthew Tekulsky gives us a young protagonist learning about friendship, prejudice, love, family, and the complicated world around him, and I especially appreciated experiencing so much of that history through a child’s perspective. The 1960s music woven throughout added an extra layer of nostalgia and transported me right into the era, while the story itself left plenty to think about without ever feeling like a history lesson. Originally developed as a screenplay, the story makes sense on the page in a way that feels incredibly visual, and knowing that the screenplay won Best Period Romance Feature Screenplay at the 2022 Marina del Rey Film Festival makes that even more interesting. This is a quick, accessible, sweet and meaningful read that I could absolutely see becoming wonderful fodder for younger readers and an even better classroom discussion. Sometimes a small book can open up a very big conversation, and The Chestnut Tree does exactly that.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chestnut Tree by Mathew Tekulsky is a really powerful story that digs into racism, identity, and growing up during the Vietnam War. It’s told through the eyes of a young Jewish boy, and what makes it stand out is how personal everything feels—this isn’t just about the war overseas, but the tension and prejudice happening at home.
There’s also a central romance between him and a Catholic girl that adds another layer to the story. It’s sweet, but never simple, especially given the religious and cultural divide between them. That relationship really highlights how deep those biases run and how they affect everyday life.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the internal monologues and side reflections. They give you a clear look at how Jewish people were viewed and treated, and you can feel the weight of that on the characters. Watching that shift, from staying quiet to speaking out, especially around the Vietnam War, was one of the most impactful parts of the story for me.
Overall, this is a meaningful and thought, provoking read that tackles some heavy themes without losing its emotional core. Definitely a strong 4-star book for me.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed discovering The Chestnut Tree by Mathew Tekulsky.

Set in suburban New York in 1966 and 1967, this coming of age story follows twelve year old Adam Jacobs as he begins to see the world around him in a whole new way.

There is first love, family, friendship, and all those confusing moments when you are trying to figure out where you belong. Adam’s feelings for Sally Fletcher, a Catholic girl from a very different background, bring him into situations that make him question the divisions and assumptions he has grown up with.

What I especially loved is how personal the story feels. The bigger changes happening across the country are always there in the background, but the heart of the novel is Adam and the small moments that slowly shape who he becomes.

It reminded me of why I love coming of age stories. Sometimes the quietest moments are the ones that stay with you the longest.

If you enjoy To Kill a Mockingbird and stories about growing up, finding your voice, and learning to see beyond the world you thought you knew, The Chestnut Tree is worth picking up.

[Arin Kate (Where's Waldo for Halloween) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this book.

Holy cow, this short story.

It was so...real...so...genuine.

I loved everything about this. The character? Chefs kiss. The plot? Chefs kiss. Everything? CHEFS KISS!

Adam felt so real. His narrative and thoughts were so relatable.

I wish this was longer and had gone on to elaborate more, but it was still so incredible.

It focuses on war and justice, with Martin Luther King Jr. being one of the characters. It spotlights the differences in religions while giving us a romance im the midst, too. War is a key part and there is some mention of concentration camps, so be aware of this content.

Its differently worth reading, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to read it.

Content warning: War, Smoking, Mention of nudes, Kisses, religion disagrements and issues, Segregation, and one curse word.

Thank you, Matthew Tekulsky for this literary masterpiece.

[Christina Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌳 Book Review 🌳- The Chestnut Tree by Mathew Tekulsky
This was an interesting coming of age story of 12 year old Adam Jacob at a turbulent time in the the US in the mid 1960’s. The book reminded of the TV show The Wonder Years. The book was a quick read at 145 pages and told through the narration of Adam. This novel tackles his attraction to Sally Fletcher, who is Catholic which is problematic for both families as Adam is Jewish. The book also deals with racism and other issues of the times.
What was endorsing about this book is the development of a friendship with a neighbor, elderly Gladys McKinley, who educates him and is also a place where he can go to for advice under her chestnut tree in her yard.
If you like coming of age stories, this one is for you!

Thank you to Get Red PR and Mathew Tekulsky for an advance copy of this book for review. This book will be released on September 22, 2026.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publishes 9/22/2026, I read an advanced reader copy. I was surprised when I the average rating from other advance readers was only 3 ⭐️s! This coming of age book touched my heart. Set in the mid 1960s, a 12 yo Jewish boy, Adam, crushes on a classmate, a Catholic girl, Sally. So the first conflict is the religious difference, but ultimately Adam and Sally traverse a year of the 1960’s social tumult. They meet an older woman who was a McCarthy blacklisted author, Bob Seeger, and even MLK Jr. The year changes their lives and the background music to their story is a playlist of the songs from my youth. As the songs and artists are listed throughout I could hear them in my mind. As I read I was increasingly concerned how this would end…there is some foreshadowing but my sense proleptic irony had me on edge. Excellent storytelling with very good story development as well as conflict.

[Niki McDowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Powerful, coming-of-age short story, where a young boy expresses how it feels to not fit in, while also learning what it means to stand up for others.

It’s the 1960s and young Adam Jacobs is a Jewish boy on the outside looking in. He spends his days with few friends, longing for a girl in class, and finding himself drawn to the creepy house up the block; home of the local reclusive writer, Gladys.

Following a heroic act, he is finally allowed to spend time with Sally Fletcher, the girl he’s always admired from afar. As the two develop their friendship, they are also influenced by Gladys, who ignites their desire to stand up for others during the political unrest around them.

Told from a 12-year-old perspective of the social inequities and crimes against cultural groups in the 60’s, this was a quick read, but well worth the afternoon.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
This was an interesting one. We start off strong, page 1!
“I was twelve years old and in seventh grade when I started following Sally Fletcher home from school.” For a book that’s only around 150 pages, I guess we can’t waste words, and find a better way to phrase that. First line of the story, by the way.
“In English class the next day, I couldn’t stop staring at Sally Fletcher and wondering what she would look like with her clothes off.” At 12 years old. I’m just going to leave that there.
‘ “You never know what’s going to happen. I mean, they pray.”
“We do too,” I said.
“But God listens to us,” my father replied.
“Yeah, sure,” I said. “Like with the Holocaust.” My father got up and slammed his hand down on the kitchen table.’ Ummm….. I’m concerned on a number of levels. This young man has SASS, but he needs to TONE IT DOWN. And believe me, he doesn’t.
Martin Luther King Jr plays a big role in this book, which was honestly what kept me reading. Other than that, I was not enthused.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1960s were a time of growth, politics, change and tension. Now, imagine being a kid in that time and trying to discover who you are and where you fit. The story talks about political divides, religious division, separation by social class and more. While it is a very short read, it packs a lot into those pages.

The main character autumn is a voice from Jewish descent. He has a crush on Sally, a girl from a catholic background. While the main characters were phenomenal, I think my absolute favorite character was Gladys. She gave these adolescents a different view of the world that they were walking in.

The author did a good job of finding that delicate balance of talking about prejudice and social injustice. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chestnut Tree by Mathew Tekulsky is a powerful YA novella set in the 1960’s. The protagonist, twelve year old Adam, is a Jewish boy living in Suburban New York. Adam develops feelings for Sally, a Catholic girl who is his classmate and neighbor. As the story progresses we experience the controversy Adam and Sally’s friendship causes.

The issues facing our country in the 1960’s, such as racism and the Vietnam War, are addressed throughout the story. We witness the growth of Adam, Sally, their families and even their community as turbulent times unfold.

The Chestnut Tree reminds us of the wonder and difficulty found in growing up. It left me with a feeling of gratitude for this author who tackled some very challenging issues in a highly readable story.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A well-intentioned story with a simple yet important message. Unfortunately, much of it seemed quite contrived, particularly the efforts to evoke a sense of place. This then extended to unnatural dialogue and somewhat unconvincing plot developments. I think if the story had focused more on the interiority of characters rather than lots of ‘telling’, and listing details of setting, this story may have been more emotionally evocative and compelling. The closing line also seemed incongruous to the entire story that preceded it (given its attempts at profundity), seeming more like an opening for a sequel.

[TaleshaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is around 3.5 stars for myself. This was a sweet and quick coming of age story that talks about equality along with learning the importance of advocating for one's self.

At first this one felt like it was going to be like the movie Flipped because of the crush Adam has on Sally, but then it goes more into the territory of Adam learning about what it meant to be a kid and a jew in 1966 and how to be courageous. This overall was a nice and light read especially compared to what I usually tend to read, so I enjoyed it for that reason.

Thank you GetRedPR and the author for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest review.