The Together Tree
Written by Aisha Saeed
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Published by Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
At his new school, quiet Rumi feels small and unwelcome, and a few kids bully him for being different and wearing bright shoes. He finds refuge beneath the old willow tree by the playground and builds his own world of hope and dreams of belonging.
One day, when Rumi is made a target again, one of his classmates bravely steps in to defend him. It’s in that moment of solidarity Rumi’s class finally realizes that under the shade of the willow tree, all are welcome, and they create a space they can all play in—together.
Primary ISBN: 9781534462960
Publication Date: May 2023
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Pakistani/Pakistani American
Themes: Arts, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Cultural, Generation: 3rd, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Welcoming by Individual, Welcoming by School
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 3rd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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