The Last Apple Tree

By: Jamie Steinberg

Precious. That is exactly how I would describe Claudia Mills’ book The Last Apple Tree. Sonnet is a precocious twelve-year-old who has just moved across the country with her family to live with her grandpa, who recently lost his wife of many years. Gramps lives in a once prominent apple orchard and all that remains is one heirloom tree. While Sonnet loves spending time with her Gramps, his memory isn’t what it used to be. Adding to Sonnet’s concerns is the annoying boy next door whom she shares a class with – Zeke (or Zebra as he’ll affectionately be known). When a class project unearths a dark family secret, Sonnet is stuck between a rock and an apple tree. The Last Apple Tree is a sweet tale of family, memories (good and bad), environmentalism and reminder to keep an open mind.

Sonnet has been rubbed wrong by neighbor Zeke since the moment he brought the family cat Moo-Moo back to her worried arms. When the teacher assigns the class a project to interview an older individual to ensure oral histories are passed down, Zeke has the nerve to pick Sonnet’s grandpa – and without asking her permission! Worried that doubling up on the questions will cause heartache and strain on her grandpa, the two agree to partner up for the project. Shockingly, when Zeke deviates from the questions provided by the teacher, he unearths a family secret long held by Gramps and Nana. Added to this sweet tale is Villanelle (“Villie”), Sonnet’s little sister who has a knack for coming up with lands that have a theme. Plus, Sonnet’s hardworking mom Julie who cleans houses to support her true passion – writing poetry.

Author Mills intersperses the family’s history with beautiful apple themed poems, ones you imagine Sonnet’s mother has been hard at work on. Adding to this warm tale of Zeke and Sonnet’s rivalry is a subtle lesson in saving the environment and a heavier reminder that our parents love us – no matter how different we may be from them. It all combines for an intriguing reminder that life is fleeting. Readers will quickly endear themselves to Sonnet and her strong will and stick around for how her forced partnership brings her closer to Zeke – something she truly tries to fight wholeheartedly.

They may say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but this is a book you will enjoy so much you might be able to savor it in one sitting. Certainly, young readers will be eager to make a bowl of popcorn and reach out to the older family members to learn more about their histories and their life lessons. And those that find themselves working on a family tree after they read this book, be sure to thank Claudia Mills for helping you keep your legacy of ancestry alive.