The Tallest Tree

by Sandra Belton

Living in his rundown neighborhood, it's hard for him to imagine the way it must have been during Mr. Odell's younger years when people like Count Basie and Duke Ellington strolled the streets, but with the help of his friend and the planting of some new trees, Little Catfish is determined to return his community back to its glory state of yesteryear.

Genres: African American

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

from Contemporary Authors Online: Sandra Belton has published a number of well-received picture books for children in addition to novels for young adults that include the award-winning McKendree. She is perhaps best known for her "Ernestine and Amanda" series about two African-American girls growing up in the 1950s. In an interview with Janice DelNegro for the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books online, Belton noted that the series is enriched by her own experiences as a youngster in small-town West Virginia. "Ernestine and Amanda are the keepers of my childhood memories and dreams," the author remarked. "Their voices echo the ones I heard while chasing lightning bugs and playing at twilight with the kids down the street. The homes they live in and the schools and churches they attend paint a picture of the neighborhoods that nurtured all of us. The events of their lives and the heroes they celebrate are the ones of our heritage."

Reviews

[Matthew Winner · Rating 3 out of 5]

NO for black-eyed susan.
YES for our school library.

The Tallest Tree is an excellent story of a failing community, a boy's curiousity in a legendary African American figure, and a man's attempt to breath life into a theater once the host to greats like Marian Anderson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Paul Robeson.

The story is wonderfully written but, in my opinion, has one fatal flaw: failure to mention that the main characters and historical figures of our story are African American. Adults will recognize the legends referenced and should, through implicit details, be able to recognize that our characters are African American. However, I don't think students will pick up on it (at least not those in grades 4-6) without looking at the cover or recognizing the historical figures mentioned.

This, on the surface, doesn't seem to be a terrible weakness until realizing that the main plot point in the story revolves around an act of vandalism by a local teen and the message the main adult character tries to pass on of the great strides African Americans have made (no thanks to ignorant teens such as these who need to recognize their roots, their heritage).

It's got deep-rooted "talk about" points, but none I feel the students would pick up on their own without a great deal of background knowledge from parents or teachers. This makes it a weak independent read which makes it even harder to nominate for a student-selected book award.

Still, it's an excellent read and it's value shouldn't be overlooked!

[Jodysegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The once grand Regal Theatre and one small tree are all that remain to remind the neighborhood of its vibrant past. But when the dreams of one young boy nicknamed Catfish merge with those of Mr. Odell, the man who ran the theatre and actually met Paul Robeson, amazing things happen. One small seed planted germinates many a tall tree in this inspirational fable about community, legacies and empowerment.
CIP: When a group of young African-American children learn about Paul Robeson from one of the neighborhood "elders" they decide to reclaim the town theater in order to celebrate Robeson's life.
Kirkus: This appealing and touching, if overly wishful, tale about what can be accomplished when a community works together conveys the value of remembering and embracing the past.
SLJ: The ending is too pat-Lamar and his gang change heart much too quickly. Likewise, some readers may wish for more character development: one finishes the story wanting more information about the lives of Lamar, Little Catfish, and Mr. Odell. The good news is that there is a wealth of information in the back matter to encourage readers to explore the heroes of the past on their own.

[Bobby Simic · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young boy from a poor community is inspired by the legendary (and supreme multi-tasker) Paul Robeson. His interest in the historical figure eventually inspires his community and brings about change.

This was a bit too "gee-whiz" for my taste, as the characters were pretty flat. I thought the community's turn-around, while nice, seemed unbelievable and too simple (Could a refurbished theatre really bring in that much interest and ignite a neighborhood renaissance?).

On the bright side, those that read this book should want to learn more about Robeson, whose story is 100 times more interesting than this dull read.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Catfish can’t remember a time where his neighborhood wasn’t an abandoned shell, but Odell remembers when the local Regal Theater was a major draw for famous performers such as Paul Robeson. Through Catfish’s and Odell’s budding relationship, a seed of revitalization is planted and the neighborhood has a second chance. Several facts about Robeson’s life are integrated into the story and an author’s note gives more interesting information on him.

No reviews found.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Catfish knows that something is missing from his street. For one thing, there are hardly any stores--his grandma has to take two city buses to the market--and there is only one lonely tree left standing on the block. Even the Regal Theater is run-down. Little Catfish's friend Mr. Odell says that the biggest stars used to appear at the Regal, including the legendary...mor

[Mar Mitchell]

Sandra Belton brings to life a story about a great man and how a community struggles to come back to life. This story illustrates how remembering people from the past enrich our lives and our children’s lives. This is a must read story for all.

[Meghan]

Im not very far into it, but the back was very intriguing.

[Daria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another one we're considering for the state book award - not sure right now (about 1/4 of the way through)

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for Kirkus.

[Kesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book about the prowess of Paul Robeson, an American hero.