Wishes

The cloth and paper wishes throughout the novel symbolize hope and honesty. One of the most important is Samar’s wish for a friend, which through Red and Bongo’s interference becomes an invitation to Stephen. Another is Maeve’s wish for someone to love, which establishes the entire custom of the neighborhood’s wishtree and teaches the community to hope for the impossible. Applegate points out that while many of the wishes may be unlikely—like a child’s wish for an invisible robot, or an adult’s wish for world peace—an action of hope can give a community the strength to continue on.

Red

Red’s role as the wishtree represents neighborhood unity and hope. Red is the heart of the community, with their deepest desires literally attached to its branches. Red also demonstrates the continuity of the neighborhood, welcoming each new generation...