How to Grow a Family Tree

Description: "A family tree assignment troubles a girl with a single mom and no ties with relatives, until she realizes she has a found family in her neighbors"--

Review Quotes: [A] tender and lushly illustrated story. . . . A beautiful reflection on the wonders of a found family, and an important book for the shelves; blended families, chosen families--all will find succor in this volume.
--School Library Journal (starred review)

The familiar family-tree school project is thoughtfully explored in this beautifully illustrated, tender story. . . . Stunning textured watercolor illustrations chart her journey from loneliness and uncertainty to hope and belonging. A moving, sensitive portrait of blended and chosen families.
--Booklist (starred review)

Hu threads ginkgo branches through her muted, watercolor-in-digital illustrations with the same nuance Birdsong brings to her text. . . . A sensitive answer to a potentially insensitive and sadly common school exercise.
--Kirkus Reviews

This meditative picture book touches on all forms of familial bonds and delicately taps into Emmylou's quiet introspection of what a family is and what it means to her. Gradient watercolor palettes and blurred digital techniques enhance the compositions and blend borderless panels for an almost ethereal effect.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books