In Stand Tall, Jean Bauer’s 2002 middle grade novel, protagonist Sam Benton, known as Tree, navigates his parents’ recent divorce and life as an exceptionally tall seventh grader. Drawing strength from family and friends, Tree learns to believe in himself, highlighting the themes of Resilience in the Face of Adversity, The Power of Community, and The Impact of Expectations on Identity Development. Stand Tall was named a 2003 Notable Children’s Book by the Association of Library Services for Children.

This guide refers to the 2002 G.P. Putnam’s Sons print edition of the text.

Plot Summary

Not feeling at home anywhere, Tree struggles with his parents’ recent divorce. There are empty spaces where furniture used to be in his dad’s house and an unwelcoming newness to his mom’s house, punctuated by her unfriendly dog, Conan. Although Tree’s mom creates a website for Tree and his college-aged brothers, Larry and Curtis, to communicate with her, he feels disconnected and broods over how complex and challenging his life has become. Additionally, Tree is uncomfortable with his height—six feet three inches. Although he likens his stature to that of the great white oak in the town park, Tree often feels that he does not belong. Despite the expectation that he excel at basketball, Tree struggles with the sport. However, his coach believes that he is destined for greatness while Jeremy Liggins, a bully, frequently mocks Tree.

Tree’s grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, recently had his leg amputated. Tree visits him in the hospital, and together they dismantle and rebuild things for fun. At home, Tree creates a pulley system to deliver food to his grandfather, and everyone marvels at his ingenuity. Often, Tree accompanies Grandpa to his rehab appointments where his physical therapist, Mona, pushes and encourages Grandpa to get stronger. Despite the grueling work, Grandpa remains steadfast in his positivity and determination. Inspired, the normally shy Tree gives a powerful presentation on the Vietnam War to his class. His report garners applause from his teacher and an A.

With Christmas on the horizon, all Tree wants is for things to be like they were before the divorce. As he supports Grandpa at physical therapy, the boy longs for exercises to take the pain of divorce away. Memories of the day his mom moved out frequently spring up, and he notices that his brothers are struggling too when they come home from college.

Then, one day at school, Tree befriends an eighth grader named Sophie who stands up to bullies. Unafraid to speak her mind, Sophie tells Tree that his height gives him “presence,” something Tree has not considered before. Moments later, two girls ask Sophie if she fell off a garbage truck. As Sophie walks away, Tree is disappointed in himself that he did not defend her. Later, Coach Glummer mandates that the basketball team take ballroom dancing lessons. On the first night, Sophie arrives too, and Tree musters the courage to ask her to dance.

As Christmas approaches, Tree accompanies Sophie to Baltimore to give a gift to her father. Even though the man is not warm, Sophie remains positive. On another adventure, Tree escorts his grandfather, dressed as Santa Claus, to the children’s hospital. Soon Tree’s brothers return home for the holiday, and on Christmas Eve, they ambush Tree’s dad at his sporting goods store to “borrow” the Christmas tree and decorations. The next day at their mom’s house, the holiday cheer goes sour when they argue, and smoke from the fireplace fills the house. Tree encourages his mom to laugh, so she will not cry.

After the holidays, the Bentons temporarily look after a friend’s parrot, Fred, who is grumpy and tells people to back off. Meanwhile, Sophie worries that her pet iguana, Lassie, is slowing down. Tree also notices that their dog Bradley is getting older. When his dad mentions that maybe the dog is nearing the end of its life, Tree panics and encourages Bradley to be more active.

Grandpa gets his new prosthetic leg and learns to walk again. The following week, in the rain, Tree accompanies Grandpa and his friend, the Trash King, to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, where they place memorabilia by the names of fallen friends. Grandpa reminds them that behind every name on the wall, there is a person with lost hopes and dreams.

Meanwhile, the rain continues. The day after Sophie successfully auditions for a flute solo, the mean girls affix smelly trash bags to her locker. Irate, Sophie storms into their class and screams at them. Tree speaks on her behalf. Despite the principal’s promises to make things right, the bullies continue to snicker and make fun of Sophie at school and ballroom dancing lessons.

One night, Tree’s mom visits for dinner, hoping to talk with his dad. However, the night is chaotic, for Sophie arrives with Lassie to watch a nature show, and a neighbor and the Trash King also stop by. At one point, Grandpa removes his prosthetic leg and places it on the table, prompting jokes and laughter from everyone, a sound Tree has not heard in a while.

On the basketball court, the team’s woes continue. Unable to secure a victory, Coach Glummer is disappointed, and Jeremy insults Tree, who stands up for himself. Despite working hard, he still struggles with the sport. When the coach accuses the boys of not paying attention and not trying, Tree respectfully disagrees. The team surrounds Tree and thanks him for defending them.

Then, one morning, Bradley does not get up, and the family makes the difficult decision to put the dog down. Tree, his mom and dad, and Grandpa are present. However, when the veterinarian prepares to administer the shot, Bradley spies a cat and slowly stalks toward it. Surprised, the vet suggests that maybe Bradley has more time left. Jubilant at the news, the family returns home.

Not long after, an evacuation notice booms from a loudspeaker outside. The town levee has burst, and floodwaters threaten the residents. Tree, his dad, and Grandpa trek to the middle school: the evacuation site. Once there, Tree creates makeshift cages for pets while Grandpa comforts neighbors. Two days later, the rain finally stops. Grandpa helps erect a sign welcoming everyone home. Despite this encouragement, there is destruction everywhere. Devastated by the damage in their house, Tree cries. However, Grandpa insists they can rebuild. Working long days, the house is eventually stripped and ready for construction. Tree salvages two of his brothers’ sports awards, which he restores and gives to them. In a moment of solidarity, the boys play basketball and then hug.

On Memorial Day, Tree marches alongside Grandpa in the parade. Afterward, Sophie plays her flute solo, and Tree blocks the wind so a candle can be lit. He realizes that being tall is not such a bad thing. He knows that his stature gives him purpose far beyond athletics.