It Came from the Trees

By Ally Russell

Informational Resources:

Author Information:

Ally Russell's Website:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2276671/ally-russell/

Illustrator Information:

Chris Shehan's website:

https://www.artstation.com/chrisshehanart/albums/1152441

Activities & Resources:

Maine:

Camping in Maine: Acadia National Park

https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Maine pictures and facts

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/maine

Is there a Bigfoot in Maine? (5:26)

https://www.youtube.com./watch?v=wTGO4zT_w4E&t=19s

Outdoor Adventures:

Essentials for Camping:

https://koa.com/blog/camping-with-kids-checklist-packing-essentials-where-to-camp-more/

Information about Scouting:

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/scouting/390621#:~:text=The%20Boy%20Scouts%20and%20the,part%20in%20other%20outdoor%20activities.

Kids Corner: How to pitch a tent (5:52)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkO_l-4_86Y

Make ahead S'More's kit

https://unsophisticook.com/smores-kits/

Make a water compass

https://the-gingerbread-house.co.uk/make-a-water-compass/

Nature Art:

Salt Dough Footprints and Handprints

https://justplayinghouse.com/uncategorized/salt-dough-recipe

Pressed Nature Bookmarks

https://thebarefoothomeschoolingmom.blogspot.com/2021/07/pressed-flower-bookmarks.html

MakerSpace Activities:

Make a Map/Treasure Map

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Treasure-Map

Popsicle Stick Tents

https://www.lunarlearners.com/crafts-and-more/2019/8/1/mina-popsiclesticktents/hajj

Make marshmallow constellations

https://www.livinglifeandlearning.com/marshmallow-constellations-printable.html

Friendship crafts:

https://craftprojectideas.com/now-trending/9-international-friendship-day-crafts/

Camping lantern craft

https://www.thecrazyoutdoormama.com/kids-rip-and-stick-camping-lantern-craft-using-a-recycled-container/

Discussion Questions:

What is the significance of the title It Came From the Trees? How does it reflect the themes or events in the book?

How do the trees in the story function as a symbol? What might they represent on a deeper level?

What role does nature play in the novel, and how does it influence the characters' actions or choices?

How does the author build tension and suspense throughout the story?

Discuss the relationship between Jenna and her friends. How does it change over the course of the novel?

How are fear and uncertainty depicted in the book? What are the sources of these emotions for the characters?

In what ways do the characters confront or react to the unknown? How does this affect their development?

How does the author blend elements of horror and mystery in the narrative?

What is the significance of the setting in the story? How does it contribute to the overall mood or atmosphere?

Are there any characters who act as foils to the protagonist? How do these contrasts help deepen the story?

What is the role of isolation in the novel, and how do different characters experience it?

How does the author use point of view to create a sense of unease or curiosity for the reader?

How do the characters grapple with themes of survival or fear of the unknown?

How does Jenna feel about how she and Reese interacted before she disappeared?  Does Jenna's feeling of guilt add to her emotions?

In what ways does the story comment on the relationship between humans and nature?

How does the fact that no one really believes Jenna about her stories affect her confidence?

Do you think the ending of the novel is satisfying? Why or why not?

What role does memory or past trauma play in shaping the characters' present behavior?

How do the events of the book help Jenna regain trust in those around her?

If you could change one decision made by a character in the story, what would it be, and how would it alter the plot?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for It Came From the Trees by Ally Russell.

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes: 

Arden, Katherine. Small Spaces. After eleven-year-old Ollie's school bus mysteriously breaks down on a field trip, she has to take a trip through scary woods, and must use all of her wits to survive. She must stick to small spaces. (NoveList Plus)

Brandt, Juliana. Exit Nowhere. Visiting the abandoned Raithfield Manor, a decrepit house surrounded by rumors of ghosts and kids disappearing, for her history group project, Barret and her assigned partners find themselves trapped in this mansion that's a maze of childhood games -- ones they must solve to survive. (NoveList Plus)

Hassan, Rochelle. Nox Winters and the Midnight Wolf. Motivated by desperation and brotherhood, a boy must venture deep into the Nightwood to find a cure for his mysteriously sick brother. (NoveList Plus)

Strand, Jeff. Nightmare in the Backyard. Camping in the backyard for a spooky sleepover, Chloe, Avery and Madison get more than they bargain for when someone — or SOMETHING -- starts scratching on the tent, and they must figure out what’s going on -- and if they can make it through the night. (NoveList Plus)

Winans, Justine Pucella. The Otherwoods. Born with the ability to see monsters and travel to The Otherwoods, River Rydell has no choice but to confront this place they've only seen in their nightmares when their only friend (and crush) Avery is dragged into this terrifying world. (NoveList Plus)

Reviews:

Booklist (September 1, 2024 (Online))

Grades 4-6. For Jenna, the outdoors is a second home, so it’s with some resentment that she and her best friend, Reese, are made to feel like outsiders on the Cottontail Scouts’ camping trip in Massachusetts’ Sturbridge Pines Reservation—the very place where Jenna’s grandfather worked as its first Black park ranger. On the final night of the trip, annoyance is replaced by terror when a hulking, hairy creature snatches Reese from her and Jenna’s tent, leaving only screams and an unbelievable story in its wake. After the police stop searching for Reese, Jenna returns to the reservation as a newly minted Owlet Scout on a mission to bring her friend home. First-time author Russell cooks up a campfire-worthy tale that delivers chills (including a formidable cryptid) and is fortified by a strong emotional core. Jenna experiences heartbreak, guilt, and racial microagressions, but she shows tremendous courage and determination in the face of it all. Russell adds texture to the narrative by interspersing newspaper articles, blog posts, and scout-handbook excerpts. A spirited story that positively centers Black and brown characters in the horror genre and in the outdoors.