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The Hollow Tree
In 1777, fifteen-year-old Phoebe Olcott is thrown headlong into the turmoil of war when her cousin Gideon is hanged for being a British spy.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
4 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Janet Lunn
30 books35 followersJanet was born Janet Louise Swoboda on December 28, 1928 in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A, moved to Vermont when she was two and lived there until she was ten when the family moved to the outskirts of New York City. She came to Canada in 1946 to go to Notre Dame College in Ottawa and then to Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. There she met and married Richard Lunn, a fellow student. She has lived in Canada ever since. Janet has five children, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her husband died in 1987.
"Those," she says, "are the bare bones of my life story. The part that's interesting to readers has to do with reading, writing and daydreaming which are all, in my case, one and the same." She calls herself a dedicated daydreamer and says she has been that, "almost from the moment I was born. Even before I could read I was dreaming up stories. The sound of the wind in the ancient pine tree outside my window in our old farmhouse accompanied all my childhood imaginings. When I was in my teens and living far from that beloved home, I began writing stories with the sound of that tree still singing in my head."
Years later, in Canada, when her children were in their school years, the Lunn family went to live in an old farmhouse at the edge of a bay on the north shore of Lake Ontario. "I loved that house, too, she says, "and I began writing stories about it and the people who might once have lived in it. The stories I made up about the Vermont house have long since vanished but the ones I wrote about the Ontario-house families are The Root Cellar, Shadow in Hawthorn Bay and The Hollow Tree."
Janet lives in Ottawa now in a small city house but, chances are, her stories will still reflect her love of the countryside and those old farmhouses.
"Those," she says, "are the bare bones of my life story. The part that's interesting to readers has to do with reading, writing and daydreaming which are all, in my case, one and the same." She calls herself a dedicated daydreamer and says she has been that, "almost from the moment I was born. Even before I could read I was dreaming up stories. The sound of the wind in the ancient pine tree outside my window in our old farmhouse accompanied all my childhood imaginings. When I was in my teens and living far from that beloved home, I began writing stories with the sound of that tree still singing in my head."
Years later, in Canada, when her children were in their school years, the Lunn family went to live in an old farmhouse at the edge of a bay on the north shore of Lake Ontario. "I loved that house, too, she says, "and I began writing stories about it and the people who might once have lived in it. The stories I made up about the Vermont house have long since vanished but the ones I wrote about the Ontario-house families are The Root Cellar, Shadow in Hawthorn Bay and The Hollow Tree."
Janet lives in Ottawa now in a small city house but, chances are, her stories will still reflect her love of the countryside and those old farmhouses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 18, 2023
Re-Read of 2023
A young woman watches as her family members take sides when war breaks out in the colonies.
Janet Lunn, as I mentioned in my updated review of The Root Cellar was a childhood favorite of mine. In her 1997 middle-grade novel The Hollow Tree Lunn explores the events of the 1770s and how a neighbor was pitted against a neighbor. A good adventure novel, is also how readers learn when Hawthorn Bay received its name.
Goodreads review published 18/03/23
A young woman watches as her family members take sides when war breaks out in the colonies.
Janet Lunn, as I mentioned in my updated review of The Root Cellar was a childhood favorite of mine. In her 1997 middle-grade novel The Hollow Tree Lunn explores the events of the 1770s and how a neighbor was pitted against a neighbor. A good adventure novel, is also how readers learn when Hawthorn Bay received its name.
Goodreads review published 18/03/23
September 7, 2016
One of my favourite childhood novels that I constantly kept coming back to for at least 10 years. Something about the struggles that Phoebe faced, though very unlike my own in that I wasn't trying to pass messages in a rebellion, was at the same time very similar to the internal struggles that I could empathize with like her loyalty to those she loves.
“Wasn't it more important to be loyal to what was right or to those people you knew and cared about? What was the good of killing people or being hateful to them because someone you didn't know was doing something hateful to someone else you didn't know?”
I loved the elements that any child would appreciate - orphan bear cub friend, a little bit of romance, a healthy amount of danger in the form of being a spy for war. It's just so gratifying to see her succeed in what she set out to do, despite the really terrible things that happen along the way!
*I may cry each time. And by may, I mean I do.
“Wasn't it more important to be loyal to what was right or to those people you knew and cared about? What was the good of killing people or being hateful to them because someone you didn't know was doing something hateful to someone else you didn't know?”
I loved the elements that any child would appreciate - orphan bear cub friend, a little bit of romance, a healthy amount of danger in the form of being a spy for war. It's just so gratifying to see her succeed in what she set out to do, despite the really terrible things that happen along the way!
*I may cry each time. And by may, I mean I do.
August 12, 2020
A nicely described story of historical fiction which managed to avoid sounding like a school reading, or a YA adventure story. I enjoy this style of writing. There were a couple fanciful elements, and also and old times flavour of "well that was weird" but this seems very much aligned to my experiences researching family history. Sometimes things are weird.
The account of the civil war was not what I expected, and did come across somewhat modern (the main character takes a neutral stance), but I learned about both sides and appreciated seeing how the information would have sounded in its historical context.
There is some death, but nothing too stomach turning. Safe for delicate readers in general.
The account of the civil war was not what I expected, and did come across somewhat modern (the main character takes a neutral stance), but I learned about both sides and appreciated seeing how the information would have sounded in its historical context.
There is some death, but nothing too stomach turning. Safe for delicate readers in general.
September 6, 2007
ohhhhhh goodness! I read this book five times in a row... all over a period of about four days!!!! Then a few months later i got it out again and read it twice.... then again in a few months....! Yeah, its that good...!
July 23, 2021
AR POINTS: 9.0 READING LEVEL: 5.8
(Ages 10-12 or higher)
--------------------
This novel was written by Canadian author Janet Lunn and is written about the Revolutionary War from the point of view of the Tories of Britain’s king versus the Patriots of New America. So, the story may be a little biased on the fact that it just wasn’t the rebels (Patriots) going around killing and removing families from their homes. History shows the Tories were also going around and murdering whole families where they had more control during this time. Still, I very much enjoyed this novel. The divisiveness among friends and families, so great they were willing to kill each other for their views, makes one pause as the tensions escalate here in America today. These are things I never would have thought about ever happening during the Revolutionary War.
The year is 1777. Families and friends were being divided between the Loyalists, or also known as the Tories, who stood with Britain and its king’s totalitarian control, and the Rebels, the Patriots who wanted to be free from underneath king's high taxation and control. Rumors of war had just begun, and anger and violence between the two parties has escalated to an all time high.
This story is about fourteen year old Phoebe Olcott who lived on one side of the Connecticut river in New Hampshire, and her cousins who lived just across the river in Vermont. Her father went off to fight with the rebels and was killed, leaving her alone. Phoebe's mom had died some years earlier of a sickness.
Gideon, her cousin, went off to fight with the Tories. But, he came back as he was passing through to see the one he loved and left one last time. Gideon was found out and hung from a tree by the local rebels, the Patriots, people he knew and who were most likely neighbors and/or friends of his before the war began.
Gideon's sister, Anne, blamed Phoebe and her family for Gideon's death. She ran away to the hollow tree that had been the cousin’s secret meeting place ever since they were small children. There she found a tiny package and letter written by Gideon, who had been given orders from the Loyalists to deliver a message to Fort Ticonderoga in New York in regards to providing safety for three families whose sons were away fighting the Revolutionary War with the Tories.
Phoebe loved Gideon as a brother, even though he did side with Britain's, so she made a promise to herself that she would try and deliver this message for him to save the three families, who probably had little children, as Phoebe had just witnessed a close neighbor and her children being thrown out of their home by the local rebels with no regard for the children's lives.
Phoebe would have to walk a 50 mile trek, she thought by following a creek, called Trout Brook, and over a mountain range to Lake Champlain. What would take a grown man who knows how to survive in the wild one week, it would take fourteen year old Phoebe three weeks. But, the creek ended pretty suddenly a little way's into the woods. Now she would have to try and find her own way through as she remembered survival skills taught her by her cousin, Gideon.
This is her adventure along the way, a story I really enjoyed. Although, I felt like her surviving in the woods would have been more believable had it been a young boy, especially during that time period.
(Ages 10-12 or higher)
--------------------
This novel was written by Canadian author Janet Lunn and is written about the Revolutionary War from the point of view of the Tories of Britain’s king versus the Patriots of New America. So, the story may be a little biased on the fact that it just wasn’t the rebels (Patriots) going around killing and removing families from their homes. History shows the Tories were also going around and murdering whole families where they had more control during this time. Still, I very much enjoyed this novel. The divisiveness among friends and families, so great they were willing to kill each other for their views, makes one pause as the tensions escalate here in America today. These are things I never would have thought about ever happening during the Revolutionary War.
The year is 1777. Families and friends were being divided between the Loyalists, or also known as the Tories, who stood with Britain and its king’s totalitarian control, and the Rebels, the Patriots who wanted to be free from underneath king's high taxation and control. Rumors of war had just begun, and anger and violence between the two parties has escalated to an all time high.
This story is about fourteen year old Phoebe Olcott who lived on one side of the Connecticut river in New Hampshire, and her cousins who lived just across the river in Vermont. Her father went off to fight with the rebels and was killed, leaving her alone. Phoebe's mom had died some years earlier of a sickness.
Gideon, her cousin, went off to fight with the Tories. But, he came back as he was passing through to see the one he loved and left one last time. Gideon was found out and hung from a tree by the local rebels, the Patriots, people he knew and who were most likely neighbors and/or friends of his before the war began.
Gideon's sister, Anne, blamed Phoebe and her family for Gideon's death. She ran away to the hollow tree that had been the cousin’s secret meeting place ever since they were small children. There she found a tiny package and letter written by Gideon, who had been given orders from the Loyalists to deliver a message to Fort Ticonderoga in New York in regards to providing safety for three families whose sons were away fighting the Revolutionary War with the Tories.
Phoebe loved Gideon as a brother, even though he did side with Britain's, so she made a promise to herself that she would try and deliver this message for him to save the three families, who probably had little children, as Phoebe had just witnessed a close neighbor and her children being thrown out of their home by the local rebels with no regard for the children's lives.
Phoebe would have to walk a 50 mile trek, she thought by following a creek, called Trout Brook, and over a mountain range to Lake Champlain. What would take a grown man who knows how to survive in the wild one week, it would take fourteen year old Phoebe three weeks. But, the creek ended pretty suddenly a little way's into the woods. Now she would have to try and find her own way through as she remembered survival skills taught her by her cousin, Gideon.
This is her adventure along the way, a story I really enjoyed. Although, I felt like her surviving in the woods would have been more believable had it been a young boy, especially during that time period.
Read
April 29, 2019hello, it's baby theo again! as far as i can remember, this book was about a war but also there was romance and all pint-sized theo cared about at age 10 was THE DRAMA OF IT ALL. I was talking to my sister about this book the other day, and she said she remembered the Revolutionary War part and I told her I had no memory of the war but JEM WAS IN IT AND HE WAS CUTE. We had very different priorities back then. Janet Lunn really Did That to me in grades 3-6. It was all her, Kit Pearson, and whatever very dark historical fiction I was reading about how Princess Anastasia gets brutally murdered. You know, for kids!
June 6, 2021
I began reading this book with my son (one chapter a week) what feels like forever ago. I offered him the choice of two historical fictions, and this is the one he chose.
We are both familiar with Janet Lunn and The Root Cellar (one of my favorites! and my son enjoyed it too, as well as my daughter).
The Hollow Tree I would consider the prequel to The Root Cellar as you will recognize last names like the Yardleys, Morrissays and Bothers. However it wasn't much like The Root Cellar. I think the added time travel is what gripped my children and myself in The Root Cellar.
The Hollow Tree is much slower paced, and so full of history it's drenched (I love it!). It is definitely more description than dialogue, which is my preference and how I write as well.
The story centers primarily on Phoebe, so one would think it's best for girls, but it's so full of adventure, I think it's great for boys and girls.
However, my son thought it was boring (he's 14). I gasped when he told me. I proceeded to ask my daughter (16) if she would read it with me, and she murmured that it was boring as well. (Are we related?!)
All that to say, maybe it depends on the reader, and not so much on the age group. I absolutely loved this book. Lunn is a fabulous Canadian author and I love her all the more for that, but I will say The Root Cellar gripped me most. (But I'm a sucker for time travel).
Fantastic story. Will recommend and reread it... to myself!
We are both familiar with Janet Lunn and The Root Cellar (one of my favorites! and my son enjoyed it too, as well as my daughter).
The Hollow Tree I would consider the prequel to The Root Cellar as you will recognize last names like the Yardleys, Morrissays and Bothers. However it wasn't much like The Root Cellar. I think the added time travel is what gripped my children and myself in The Root Cellar.
The Hollow Tree is much slower paced, and so full of history it's drenched (I love it!). It is definitely more description than dialogue, which is my preference and how I write as well.
The story centers primarily on Phoebe, so one would think it's best for girls, but it's so full of adventure, I think it's great for boys and girls.
However, my son thought it was boring (he's 14). I gasped when he told me. I proceeded to ask my daughter (16) if she would read it with me, and she murmured that it was boring as well. (Are we related?!)
All that to say, maybe it depends on the reader, and not so much on the age group. I absolutely loved this book. Lunn is a fabulous Canadian author and I love her all the more for that, but I will say The Root Cellar gripped me most. (But I'm a sucker for time travel).
Fantastic story. Will recommend and reread it... to myself!
July 10, 2016
This review is copied from my blog, The Towering Pile. It was originally published here.
The Hollow Tree tells the story of Phoebe Olcott, a young girl who becomes caught up in the American Revolutionary War, with people she loves fighting and dying on both sides. Though Phoebe does not feel that she is on either side, she decides to carry out her dead cousin's mission by delivering a message to the Loyalists. To do this, she must go on a dangerous journey across the Appalachian Mountains on foot.
I must admit, at the beginning I was bored. For the first couple of chapters I wasn't really sure where the story was going. But after a while, I really started to care about Phoebe. I could definitely relate to her point of view about the war. She's so far removed from it that it just seems like pointless death to her, so she feels no loyalty to either side. All that's important to her is helping those she cares about.
I love the various characters that come into Phoebe's life as she travels. I especially like Bartlett, the orphaned bear cub who starts to follow Phoebe on her journey, and curls up next to her to sleep. And I love the kids that Phoebe cares for in the Loyalist camp, especially the rambunctious Tibby Thayer.
One thing to consider if you're planning on reading this book to kids is that there is the occasional racial slur. I understand that they're included for historical accuracy and whatnot, but I'm not sure at what age a kid can read that the right way. So if you're reading this to a young child, make sure you explain why those words are not ok to use.
Overall, it's a really nice story, a bit slow moving at times, but it definitely made me care about the characters.
The Hollow Tree tells the story of Phoebe Olcott, a young girl who becomes caught up in the American Revolutionary War, with people she loves fighting and dying on both sides. Though Phoebe does not feel that she is on either side, she decides to carry out her dead cousin's mission by delivering a message to the Loyalists. To do this, she must go on a dangerous journey across the Appalachian Mountains on foot.
I must admit, at the beginning I was bored. For the first couple of chapters I wasn't really sure where the story was going. But after a while, I really started to care about Phoebe. I could definitely relate to her point of view about the war. She's so far removed from it that it just seems like pointless death to her, so she feels no loyalty to either side. All that's important to her is helping those she cares about.
I love the various characters that come into Phoebe's life as she travels. I especially like Bartlett, the orphaned bear cub who starts to follow Phoebe on her journey, and curls up next to her to sleep. And I love the kids that Phoebe cares for in the Loyalist camp, especially the rambunctious Tibby Thayer.
One thing to consider if you're planning on reading this book to kids is that there is the occasional racial slur. I understand that they're included for historical accuracy and whatnot, but I'm not sure at what age a kid can read that the right way. So if you're reading this to a young child, make sure you explain why those words are not ok to use.
Overall, it's a really nice story, a bit slow moving at times, but it definitely made me care about the characters.
April 7, 2018
Enh. It was okay. A bit clinically written, if that makes sense. Like Phoebe is thrust into the wilderness with no real survival training, and without any particular descriptors to paint the details of such a life. Bit of a witch-trial vibe. Not sure why the bear and the cat were of any importance. The romantic interest sure sounds like somebody with a temper. An interesting read, however, you never really hear stories from the Loyalist point of view.
October 5, 2025
(I read this on the advice of my 12yo,who loved it, and wanted to discuss it with me.)
Janet Lunn’s *The Hollow Tree* is one of those rare books that brings history to life in a way that feels real and deeply personal. Set during the American Revolution, it follows a strong, brave young woman who finds herself caught between loyalty, loss, grief, and the need to make choices no one her age should have to face. It’s a journey most of us wouldn’t dare to take, but one that becomes an unforgettable testimony of the MC’s strength.
Lunn doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—anger, grief, betrayal, family feuds—she also gives us moments of beauty, selflessness, childhood and deep connection. The characters she meets along the way feel incredibly familiar—not because they’re predictable, but because they reflect real people we’ve all come across: the kind-hearted, the meek, the selfish, the arrogant, the quietly generous, and those who surprise us in both good and bad ways. Lunn also explores the subtle contrast between outward beauty and inner character. The relationships and characters present such incredible discussion points for young people.
One of the most moving parts of the story is the portrayal of the Mohawk people. Their generosity, love of the land, desire to help, and sense of community offer a quiet counterpoint to the chaos of war. There’s a quiet dignity in their ways that leaves a lasting impression.
There’s also something really touching about the loyalty of animals, familiar birdsong, awesome nature, and the trust of children throughout the story—small things that end up enriching the story and giving it heart.
*The Hollow Tree* is not just a historical novel; it’s a story about resilience, conscience, and the quiet bravery of doing what’s right—even when it's the hardest path to take.
5 stars.
Janet Lunn’s *The Hollow Tree* is one of those rare books that brings history to life in a way that feels real and deeply personal. Set during the American Revolution, it follows a strong, brave young woman who finds herself caught between loyalty, loss, grief, and the need to make choices no one her age should have to face. It’s a journey most of us wouldn’t dare to take, but one that becomes an unforgettable testimony of the MC’s strength.
Lunn doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—anger, grief, betrayal, family feuds—she also gives us moments of beauty, selflessness, childhood and deep connection. The characters she meets along the way feel incredibly familiar—not because they’re predictable, but because they reflect real people we’ve all come across: the kind-hearted, the meek, the selfish, the arrogant, the quietly generous, and those who surprise us in both good and bad ways. Lunn also explores the subtle contrast between outward beauty and inner character. The relationships and characters present such incredible discussion points for young people.
One of the most moving parts of the story is the portrayal of the Mohawk people. Their generosity, love of the land, desire to help, and sense of community offer a quiet counterpoint to the chaos of war. There’s a quiet dignity in their ways that leaves a lasting impression.
There’s also something really touching about the loyalty of animals, familiar birdsong, awesome nature, and the trust of children throughout the story—small things that end up enriching the story and giving it heart.
*The Hollow Tree* is not just a historical novel; it’s a story about resilience, conscience, and the quiet bravery of doing what’s right—even when it's the hardest path to take.
5 stars.
October 13, 2025
I started this book years and years ago. However, in spite of what I tell my students about how Loyalists were not the "bad guys" in the Revolution; and in spite of the fact that Phoebe claimed not to be on either side, the book had Loyalist leanings and my patriotic spirit just struggled with it. So, I stopped reading it.
I'm trying to build up a library in my classroom for my 8th grade students to read, so I decided to pick it up again. (I want to make sure the books I'm putting in my library are not objectionable.) I remembered virtually nothing about the story. Again, even though I know what I know, I still struggled enjoying the book because of the Loyalist leanings and the terrible way the Patriots were portrayed. Do I think some of the things portrayed in the book were not only possible, but likely? Yes. However, do I believe those things were all one sided? No. Not all the Patriots were terrible, and not all the Loyalists were wonderful. (She sort of tried to portray that with Phoebe's dad and Joseph Heaton, but the bias was so lopsided, that those two characters just didn't offset the representation.)
There was also a little too much wandering in the woods and I was just left unsettled about some of the plot points. It wasn't so much that I was left with unanswered questions, but they didn't seem totally resolved to me.
I had wondered about someone writing a Loyalist leaning book, and then realized the author was from Canada, which made that make sense. However, she did live in the United States until she was 18...
At any rate, it wasn't a terrible book, but I did have to force myself to finish it. I'm not sure it's one I really want to add to my school library. Thus -- two stars.
I'm trying to build up a library in my classroom for my 8th grade students to read, so I decided to pick it up again. (I want to make sure the books I'm putting in my library are not objectionable.) I remembered virtually nothing about the story. Again, even though I know what I know, I still struggled enjoying the book because of the Loyalist leanings and the terrible way the Patriots were portrayed. Do I think some of the things portrayed in the book were not only possible, but likely? Yes. However, do I believe those things were all one sided? No. Not all the Patriots were terrible, and not all the Loyalists were wonderful. (She sort of tried to portray that with Phoebe's dad and Joseph Heaton, but the bias was so lopsided, that those two characters just didn't offset the representation.)
There was also a little too much wandering in the woods and I was just left unsettled about some of the plot points. It wasn't so much that I was left with unanswered questions, but they didn't seem totally resolved to me.
I had wondered about someone writing a Loyalist leaning book, and then realized the author was from Canada, which made that make sense. However, she did live in the United States until she was 18...
At any rate, it wasn't a terrible book, but I did have to force myself to finish it. I'm not sure it's one I really want to add to my school library. Thus -- two stars.
September 7, 2020
I read this a long time ago but I remember nothing except that it was where I first heard of the name Phoebe and learned how to pronounce it. This book wasn't super great, but it wasn't bad either. Like the other of Janet Lunn's books that I've read (the Root Cellar) the characters weren't particularly interesting, but the story was much better. If I am not mistaken, the Morrisay's are the same ones from the Root Cellar, which I thought was interesting. I recognized the name right away, and guessed at the connection long before the end of the book. I like how the end tied up all the loos strings except the exact whereabouts of the bear.
December 27, 2020
Phoebe Olcott lived during the American Revolutionary War. She was dismayed when her beloved cousin Gideon was hanged for being a British spy. Later she discovered the secret message he was trying to deliver to the British army. Determined to deliver the message he left she treks across the wilderness accompanied by a cat and a bear cub. Somewhere along the way she connects with Loyalist refugees on their way to Canada. Some of them were suspicious that she was a rebel spy and traitor since her father had fought on the side of the Patriots. After much danger she finally reached the British Commanding Officer and was commended for her bravery.
May 16, 2017
This is a take on the start of the American Revolution from the point of view of backwoods colonists in Vermont and New York, particularly Loyalists driven from their homes and trying to reach Canada. I found it interesting and thoughtful. There are a lot of points of view portrayed and I am reminded again that at some point, politics comes up against the need to survive. Survival works best when people work together, but politics can drive people apart.
November 18, 2017
While it was absolutely fascinating to read a book that was mostly from the loyalist POV (I really wish I could find more of these), the dialogue was rather stiff at times and there were other writing issues that put me off. :/ I did really like the story, though.
February 7, 2021
I found this bk kind of dull. There were parts that the author seemed to gloss over that I would have been interested to know more about. A shame really , as I have read Lunn's books before and found them good
December 4, 2024
I read this as a tween, and liked it then, so after finally remembering the title read it again as a 30s-year old. It holds up pretty well, but is best for it's intended audience of tweens and teens.
Read
December 27, 2019Gave another view into the british supporting side of the revolutionary war.
March 16, 2021
Well written historical adventure for YA.
April 24, 2021
omg I remember she had a crush on her cousin or something ?? I shipped her and that other dude so hard tho
May 25, 2021
Yesss, lovelovelove this book. Reminds me a bit of the Dear Canada books (which I love and obsessed over in grade 6)
December 26, 2021
nostalgia re-read; doesn’t hold up as well as some of my other favorites from this era but i fully understand why 14-year-old me loved it
August 24, 2014
This is the third book in a trilogy that I believe only has the connection that they take place in the same geographic area at some point. I read this book before a very long time ago but did not remember it as I re-read it this time. It's a bit slow to get into and not exactly a page-turner story. The plot is quiet and meandrous even though an adventure and mission is taking place. We are privy as much as to what is taking place inside Phoebe's thoughts as to what is happening to her physically. It is still a refreshing approach to the American War of Independence. The characters in the book are Loyalists who have to flee from their homes to Canada after being made to leave by the rebels, some violently others just forcibly. However, the main character, Phoebe, is neutral. Her freedom loving professor of a father leaves to fight for the rebels and gets killed the first year. At 13 she moves across the creek to her Aunt and Uncle's house. The Uncle is a pacifist, but his eldest son is Loyalist and goes off to fight for the King. Needless to say he suffers a gruesome end. Phoebe, now 15, goes across the country on her own, followed by a stray cat and bear cub, to complete her cousin's mission because she is loyal, loyal to family, not any side in any war. The book heavily portrays the terrible ways that neighbour turned against neighbour and the Loyalists were, any combination of, kicked out of their homes, property and chattel stolen, beaten, tarred and feathered, women and children with husbands gone off fighting were kicked out in the middle of the night with virtually nothing but their horse and cart and a bag of flour. Young men accused of being Loyalist were hanged and after the war these refugees hiding out in Canada were not allowed back into the new Independent America. The book also heavily focuses on that even while there was a war going on and many angry people had taken sides, just like in all wars anywhere, there were just so many people who really had no side, couldn't care less who won, just wanted their homes back, their towns to be safe, to be neighbourly again and their loved ones back home alive and hopefully in one piece. Even though I found the pacing slow, it is an enjoyable story with an exciting journey of survival across country and populated mostly with female characters.
July 24, 2020
I read this book when I was in grade 7 and figured I would give it another go when it was still sitting on my shelf 17 years later. I like young adult books and decided to go back to my own pre-teen/teen days.
I remember liking this book many many moons ago and I can still understand why; it's got adventure, animals, relatable characters and a touch of young love. The writing was fluid and easy, I am guilty of skimming some of the longer descriptions but I mark that up to having read the story before.
The plot and setting were great. It is a story of self discovery wrapped in an adventure. Phoebe Olcott is an underestimated girl, everyone dismisses her and takes her for granted. She lets them because she feels that is just how things are. When her cousin is hung for being a loyalist spy she undertakes to complete his last mission and brave the wilds to deliver his final message. Along the way she befriends a bear and runs into a group of refugees who were also displaced by the Revolutionary war. While traveling with them she undergoes several self aware epiphanies and eventually goes her separate way again. In the end she does complete her mission and make friends (and enemies) through her trials.
The book is set on the Eastern seaboard as the characters travel up through New York and Vermont to get to Canada. The surroundings and place names are familiar which added an extra draw to the story for me (since I have grown up and lived on the East Coast my whole life).
I like Phoebe as a character. She was relatable, especially when I was younger and reading this, she is quiet, mousey and servile. It's not until she is tested that the reader gets a sense of her inner strength and resilience. I think we all like to believe we have that inner fortitude.
I liked this book as a kid and I like it now - it was a nice “blast to the past” of a read (in more ways than one -- its historical fiction heh heh heh).
I remember liking this book many many moons ago and I can still understand why; it's got adventure, animals, relatable characters and a touch of young love. The writing was fluid and easy, I am guilty of skimming some of the longer descriptions but I mark that up to having read the story before.
The plot and setting were great. It is a story of self discovery wrapped in an adventure. Phoebe Olcott is an underestimated girl, everyone dismisses her and takes her for granted. She lets them because she feels that is just how things are. When her cousin is hung for being a loyalist spy she undertakes to complete his last mission and brave the wilds to deliver his final message. Along the way she befriends a bear and runs into a group of refugees who were also displaced by the Revolutionary war. While traveling with them she undergoes several self aware epiphanies and eventually goes her separate way again. In the end she does complete her mission and make friends (and enemies) through her trials.
The book is set on the Eastern seaboard as the characters travel up through New York and Vermont to get to Canada. The surroundings and place names are familiar which added an extra draw to the story for me (since I have grown up and lived on the East Coast my whole life).
I like Phoebe as a character. She was relatable, especially when I was younger and reading this, she is quiet, mousey and servile. It's not until she is tested that the reader gets a sense of her inner strength and resilience. I think we all like to believe we have that inner fortitude.
I liked this book as a kid and I like it now - it was a nice “blast to the past” of a read (in more ways than one -- its historical fiction heh heh heh).
December 30, 2025
Not Janet Lunn having a whole Hawthorn Bay cinematic universe
July 13, 2010
i really enjoyed this book when i was younger, i had it purchased for me and read it more than once.
it is a story about a girl named phoebe in the time of the america revolution. phoebe’s father was a rebel in the war and was killed, so she had to go live with her loyalist relatives. her elder cousin was fighting in the war as a loyalist, but was caught for being a spy and hanged. as children phoebe and her cousins were close and they would play games or send messages by leaving each other notes in a hollowed out tree. after her cousin’s death, phoebe goes to this tree and discovers an undelivered mission that her cousin was unable to complete, so she takes it upon herself to deliver the message. she sets out on her own and travels over a mountain, picking up a stray cat and a bear cub on the way. after she got across the mountain she meets up with a group of loyalists travelling to canada so they won’t be killed for supporting the king. and travels with them for a while before going to complete her mission.
i’m not sure whether or not this person actually existed in history, but if she didn’t, this story sort of mimics the laura secord story. it’s a fast paced novel with action, adventure, and a bit of romance. it’s well researched and overall, and enjoyable read.
it is a story about a girl named phoebe in the time of the america revolution. phoebe’s father was a rebel in the war and was killed, so she had to go live with her loyalist relatives. her elder cousin was fighting in the war as a loyalist, but was caught for being a spy and hanged. as children phoebe and her cousins were close and they would play games or send messages by leaving each other notes in a hollowed out tree. after her cousin’s death, phoebe goes to this tree and discovers an undelivered mission that her cousin was unable to complete, so she takes it upon herself to deliver the message. she sets out on her own and travels over a mountain, picking up a stray cat and a bear cub on the way. after she got across the mountain she meets up with a group of loyalists travelling to canada so they won’t be killed for supporting the king. and travels with them for a while before going to complete her mission.
i’m not sure whether or not this person actually existed in history, but if she didn’t, this story sort of mimics the laura secord story. it’s a fast paced novel with action, adventure, and a bit of romance. it’s well researched and overall, and enjoyable read.
January 25, 2021
Edit upon reread:
As mentioned, I read this book twice in middle school, and loved it. I considered it as one of my all time favorites due to the connection and nostalgia I’ve felt for it.
More than a decade later, I picked it up again (despite my long list of TBR) and devoured it in 2 days. I ignored my other “currently reading” books and buried my nose in this whenever I could!
I still give it 5 stars. I still feel sorrow, bliss, melancholy, and butterflies in my stomach at the thought of it.
I will reread it again in the future for sure! The story and characters remain to be special. In fact, I feel a bit sad I’ve finished this already.
I read this book in middle school and LOVED IT, so I read it again within that same school year.
It doesn’t have a rollercoaster type, overwhelmingly exciting plot. Instead, this book has a a rather heartwarming and interesting feel to it. The characters are round characters with slow developments and the love story is shy and charming (totally understated, I was in love with their love story!) As for the ending, it’s quite satisfying.
Can’t wait to re-read this :)
As mentioned, I read this book twice in middle school, and loved it. I considered it as one of my all time favorites due to the connection and nostalgia I’ve felt for it.
More than a decade later, I picked it up again (despite my long list of TBR) and devoured it in 2 days. I ignored my other “currently reading” books and buried my nose in this whenever I could!
I still give it 5 stars. I still feel sorrow, bliss, melancholy, and butterflies in my stomach at the thought of it.
I will reread it again in the future for sure! The story and characters remain to be special. In fact, I feel a bit sad I’ve finished this already.
I read this book in middle school and LOVED IT, so I read it again within that same school year.
It doesn’t have a rollercoaster type, overwhelmingly exciting plot. Instead, this book has a a rather heartwarming and interesting feel to it. The characters are round characters with slow developments and the love story is shy and charming (totally understated, I was in love with their love story!) As for the ending, it’s quite satisfying.
Can’t wait to re-read this :)
May 27, 2012
I struggled with rating this book, but finally awarded it the extra star I had been hesitant to add. The story is certainly wordy, throwing in countless names of historical places and people that, though eventually prove to be relevant and interesting, send my eyes skimming over them in search of the point. I respected the research that went into writing The Hollow Tree, and was definitely moved by the aesthetics and descriptions of the mountainous land that Phoebe Olcott had to conquer. The heroine's arch from feeble to independent was satisfying, and the romance wasn't so bad either. The Hollow Tree would be a nice piece of historical fiction for mid-teenagers, delving into the trials of life for both Loyalists and Rebels during the Revolutionary War.
June 26, 2010
I first read this book when I was ten years old. It has remained a favorite of mine ever since then! This book was my introduction to the world of historical fiction (I'm not counting Laura Ingalls Wilder) and boy, what an introduction that was!!!
Phoebe is a heroine that you immediately fall in love with, and instantly connect with (at least for all of us quiet shy types). You cry with her, cheer with her, and feel for her every step of the journey. This is a great book for teens (in retrospect this book is probably a little old for ten year olds - maybe a little graphic) and really anyone who loves historical fiction. Read it and you won't be disappointed!
Phoebe is a heroine that you immediately fall in love with, and instantly connect with (at least for all of us quiet shy types). You cry with her, cheer with her, and feel for her every step of the journey. This is a great book for teens (in retrospect this book is probably a little old for ten year olds - maybe a little graphic) and really anyone who loves historical fiction. Read it and you won't be disappointed!
September 29, 2010
This is always an awesome read. Pheobe Olcott is a loveable, independent, strong leading lady, and Jem Morrisay is just about the sweetest guy ever. Every secondary character in this novel is loveable and interesting, and while it is uplifting, it is also sad and tragic.
I always felt so bad for Tibby Thayer, but Pheobe's interaction with the kids in this book was always my favourite to read about. Aside from Jem, of course. I read this first in grade seven, and then accidentally took it from my grade seven class library. To this day whenever I feel like reading something that I know will be good, this is the book I pick up.
Read to the end. Be like Pheobe Olcott, and don't give up.
I always felt so bad for Tibby Thayer, but Pheobe's interaction with the kids in this book was always my favourite to read about. Aside from Jem, of course. I read this first in grade seven, and then accidentally took it from my grade seven class library. To this day whenever I feel like reading something that I know will be good, this is the book I pick up.
Read to the end. Be like Pheobe Olcott, and don't give up.
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