The concept that children uphold bravery and wisdom more than their adult counterparts finds voice throughout Applegate’s narrative. The theme presents itself most notably though Samar and Stephen—as well as the actions of the entire elementary school when children and teachers like end up overflowing Red’s branches with the wish that Samar and her family stay in the community. Though one child’s immature actions—carving LEAVE in Red’s trunk—became an inciting incident that caused Red’s owner to move toward felling Red, the actions of children as a whole here show that bravery triumphs over cowardice.

In the face of adult prejudice, bigotry, and harassment, the young Stephen forges solidarity and support for Samar. He does what the adults around him cannot. And he empowers his entire school to do the same—to rally in support for Samar and her family. This is due in no small part to his ability to listen to Red’s story—something that Francesca repeatedly dismisses as childish nonsense.

The theme of adolescent bravery also plays out in the animal world, as Flash the baby opossum emerges as an unlikely hero. By returning to Red’s hollow exactly when the tree-cutter attempts to fell Red, he’s the first animal aside from

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