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Like the deep roots of a neighborhood tree, our community stands taller and grows more compassionate every time we take the time to listen, share our stories, and make room for everyone to belong...
Introduction
Introduction
Superintendent- Dr. Ken Saranich
Executive Director of Curriculum and Support Services-Kristen Santilli
Book Trailer
Book Trailer
The trailer for Katherine Applegate’s Wishtree serves as a moving invitation to our "One Book, One Community" journey, introducing us to Red, an ancient oak who has seen the best and worst of human nature. Through soft, hand-drawn animations and a soulful narration, the video captures the spirit of a neighborhood at a crossroads—where colorful wishes tied to branches represent the shared hopes of a diverse people. As we watch the animals find refuge in Red’s hollows and see the community grapple with a need for true belonging, the trailer sets a powerful tone for our collective reading experience. It reminds us that while a tree’s roots may be deep, the bonds of a community are grown through intentional acts of welcome, making it the perfect centerpiece for our shared dialogue on empathy and inclusion.
About the Author
About the Author
Katherine Applegate is a celebrated author of children’s and young adult fiction, best known for her ability to blend profound emotional depth with accessible, imaginative storytelling. She was awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2013 for The One and Only Ivan, a story inspired by a real-life gorilla that captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Her work often explores themes of empathy, environmental stewardship, and the resilience of the natural world—hallmarks that are beautifully reflected in Wishtree. Beyond her award-winning novels, Applegate is also widely recognized as the co-creator of the iconic Animorphs series. She lives in California with her family, where she continues to write stories that encourage young readers to look at the world with a more compassionate and curious eye.
A Message to Our Community From the Author
Our Public Library Partners
Plumb Memorial Library
Plumb Memorial Library
Huntington Branch
Huntington Branch
This endeavor was coordinated in conjuction with the Shelton Public Library Board!! Special thanks for their generous donation!
Educational Partnership
Valley Regional Adult Education
Valley Regional Adult Education
Established in 1969 as Connecticut’s first regional adult education agency, Valley Regional Adult Education (VRAE) provides essential academic and enrichment programming to the communities of Ansonia, Derby, Monroe, Seymour, and Shelton. Operating primarily out of the Richard O. Belden Cultural Center in Shelton, the organization offers local residents free access to state-mandated programs including English as a Second Language (ESL), U.S. Citizenship preparation, and multiple pathways to a high school diploma such as the GED® and the National External Diploma Program. Beyond these core services, VRAE fosters lifelong learning through a diverse catalog of in-person and online enrichment classes—ranging from digital literacy and career training to world languages and the arts—all designed to empower adult learners to reach their professional and personal goals in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Our Community Sponsors
Special thanks to ALL of our Community Sponsors
Shelton Public Schools' Parent Teacher Organizations
Community Read Aloud
Reading Calendar
Reading Calendar
April 11-19 is Spring Recess
Chapters 1-3 (pp. 1-12)
Chapters 1-3 (pp. 1-12)
Day 1-April 6
Guest Reader: Kan Saranich-Superintendent of Schools
Chapters 4-7 (pp. 13-26)
Chapters 4-7 (pp. 13-26)
Day 2 -April 7
Guest Reader: Kristen Santilli - Executive Director of Curriculum and Support Services
Chapters 8-10 (pp. 27-35)
Chapters 8-10 (pp. 27-35)
Day 3 -April 8
Guest Reader: Jamie Weber- Pricipal Elizabeth Shelton School
Chapters 11-14 (pp. 37-56)
Chapters 11-14 (pp. 37-56)
Day 4 -April 9
Guest Reader: Joan Stokes-Shelton Library System Director
Chapters 15-17 (pp. 57-71)
Chapters 15-17 (pp. 57-71)
Day 5 -April 10
Guest Reader: Dina Marks- Principal Booth Hill School
April Break Activities
April Break Activities
April 11-19
Shelton Public Library Activities
Click the link above to see all of the amazing opportunities that are available!
Community Spotlight:
Community Spotlight:
Shelton's Very Own 200 Year Old Oak Tree
Shelton's Very Own 200 Year Old Oak Tree
Terry Jones-Jones Family Farms
Chapters 18-21 (pp.73-94)
Chapters 18-21 (pp.73-94)
Day 6 -April 20
Guest Reader: Terry & Christiana Jones-Jones Family Farms
Chapters 22-24 (pp.95-104)
Chapters 22-24 (pp.95-104)
Day 7 -April 21
Guest Reader: Andrea D' Aiuto- Principal Long Hill School
Chapters 25-28 (pp.105-122)
Chapters 25-28 (pp.105-122)
Day 8 -April 22
Guest Reader: Jenna Terrasi- Real Estate Two
Chapters 29-31 (pp. 123-132)
Chapters 29-31 (pp. 123-132)
Day 9 -April 23
Guest Reader: Darla Franklin-Principal Sunnyside School
Chapters 32-35 (pp. 133-144)
Chapters 32-35 (pp. 133-144)
Day 10 -April 24
Guest Reader: Brock Gydus-SHS Student/Board of Education Representative
Chapters 36-38 (pp. 145-152)
Chapters 36-38 (pp. 145-152)
Day 11 -April 27
Guest Reader: John Coppola- Principal Mohegan School
Chapters 39-42 (pp. 153-167)
Chapters 39-42 (pp. 153-167)
Day 12 -April 28
Guest Reader: Stephanie Sanborn-SHS Student/Board of Education Representative
Chapters 43-45 (pp. 169-183)
Chapters 43-45 (pp. 169-183)
Day 13 -April 29
Guest Reader: Doug Cucchiarelli- Principal Shelton Intermediate School
Chapters 46-48 (pp. 185-195)
Chapters 46-48 (pp. 185-195)
Day 14 -April 30
Guest Reader: Amy D' Amico- Perry Hill School Teacher
Chapters 49-51 (pp. 197-211)
Chapters 49-51 (pp. 197-211)
Day 15 -May 1
Guest Reader: Kathy Riddle- Principal Shelton High School
Thank you to everyone who participated!
Thank you to everyone who participated!
Thank you to everyone in our school district and the wider community for your incredible participation and support during our "One Book, One Community" event. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to share in the joy of reading and strengthen our local connections through a single story.
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