Kyleah's Tree

Kyleah's father and twin brother had just disappeared after their parents' divorce, and then her mother died. Kyleah's life in foster homes has been lonely and she feels great despair from the loss of her family. Now she climbs her favorite tree each morning just at sunrise, because she is sure that if she makes a wish just as the sun starts to appear over the horizon, and she keeps her eyes closed until the sun is in full view, her wishes will come true. Her main wish is to find her father and brother again. Kyleah doesn't really feel like she fits in with her foster family, and she and her foster brother, Benjamin, plot to run away. Benjamin has a family in Moose Jaw, just across the Canadian border, and since Kyleah came from Montana, she thinks she might find family members there. The great escape is filled with suspense and emotion, and sometimes the adventure turns dangerous as they flee from Kansas to Canada, stowing away on vehicles or catching rides when they can. Kyleah and Benjamin sometimes contradict each other as they tell lies about who they are to keep from being caught by the authorities and sent back to the Holcomb farm. This story addresses the emotional problems of being abandoned and living within the foster care system. It shows how a child might imagine threats that either don't exist or are misinterpreted, and might be tempted to take matters into their own hands. Herb Leonhard's black-and-white illustrations add visual depth to the story. We have come to expect great characters from Janet Muirhead Hill, and Kyleah and Benjamin are impossible to forget. This great storyteller is a master at realistic, but nearly heart-stopping excitement, in a fast-moving plot with a satisfying ending. Reviewed by: Grandma Bev

When nothing is going right, sometimes all you can do is run away. "Kyleah's Tree" is the tragic tale of one young Kyleah. Losing her brother, losing her father, losing her own personal place, she finds the only person to understand her in her foster brother. The two leave the serenity of Kansas on a long whirlwind journey that crosses international borders, learning that even when things are at their worst, love and respect can bring joy to one's heart. "Kyleah's Tree" is a unique story of growing up done in a rarely before seen way, greatly recommended to youth readers.

Reviewed by Brenna Bales (age 10) for Reader Views (7/08) This is the first book I have read by Janet Muirhead Hill, and I enjoyed it immeasurably. I am hoping that the sequel will come out soon and the same for the third of the series. The author brings out the characters' true feelings and visions of what is happening in the book. She produces a feeling of understanding in you for Kyleah. Kyleah lives in a foster home in Kansas, but runs away hoping to find her father and twin brother, Kendall. She runs away with her brother-like friend Benjamin, who makes up their phony travel story. They hope to get to Canada, where Benjamin hopes to find part of his family. They finally find relatives of Benjamin's once they get there, but they never find Kyleah's family during their trip. Her foster family flies Kyleah back to Kansas after the police come and find them in Benjamin's grandmother's house. Benjamin is allowed to stay with his family. Kyleah is in high spirits for Benjamin, but disappointed that she won't get to see him anymore. The author writes in a way that reminds the reader of what can happen in the real world. Anybody would enjoy reading this book because you see the characters learning life skills such as trust, determination, and working together. The trip secures the friendship between Benjamin and Kyleah as if they actually were brother and sister. I give the book a perfect score of five. This book has even taught me some life skills. The ending reveals that Kyleah's dream does come true. She discovers she really is beautiful inside and out, and in her own special way. I would very much like to see the author write a book about Kyleah's real mother and father, and maybe even one about Benjamin's life before the orphanage. The ending of "Kyleah's Tree" fills you with happiness just as when Benjamin sees his real family once again. It's a great story that anybody will adore. It's also a great story that you can read to the family. The author is a superior writer, and a great storyteller. I certainly hope to read more of Janet Muirhead Hill's books.