The Chestnut Tree

by Mathew Tekulsky

Genres: Fiction

154 pages, Paperback

Expected publication 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

[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

[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? 📚🕰️

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Arin Kate (Trying my best, but really stressed) · 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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to find the heart in this book.

I half felt I was reading someone’s diary which just recorded what they did each day due to the shallow touch of each event. It felt like the writer was trying too hard to present the story as if it were true given the overwhelming detail of which song was playing and what they ate. These details took the place of sharing emotion and getting deeper into the very fascinating issues only lightly touched upon.

The cover is delightful which made me even more surprised when the description of the characters didn’t match.

Missed the mark for me.

[Sara Aoyama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It's quite heartwarming and creates cozy images in your head while also addressing the issues of the time period. However, it was simply too contrived for it to ring true. I think readers familiar with this era will feel as I did when reading it. I am not entirely sure who the target reader is. It seems like it would be a good YA title and something for kids to discuss with their parents or grandparents. The cover, of course, is lovely and immediately draws you in.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I hope it finds readers who will love it.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I 100% judged this book by its cover and it seemed very wholesome. I read this novella in one sitting. It was a super quick read and I found it to be very heartwarming.

In this novella, 12 year old Adam Jacobs grows up in the suburban town of Beachmont, New York, during the 1960s.

Adam navigates his first crush on Sally Fletcher-a Catholic girl from a very different world as he is a member of the Jewish community.

Thank you NetGalley & Get Red PR for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review!

[Mary Fabrizio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and sweet and way too simplistic. Details given like songs that were popular took the place of real meat on the story's bones. I suppose this works as YA but I didn't get the sense it was billed that way. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[KK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming slice of life books with a thoughtful message that continues to resonate today.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short read!