The Two Trees

Author: Sally Meadows
Genre: Children

Jaxon’s older brother Syd is smart, REALLY smart. But all Jaxon wants is someone to play with. When Jaxon sees Syd having problems interacting with other kids, he is torn between loyalty to his brother and the frustration of having a sibling who is “different.”  It is only when Syd gets the support he needs that the whole family is able to move forward in hope and healing.

The Two Trees is a poignant story that gives a glimpse into the difficulties of having a child with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the family. Told from the sibling perspective, it is both an exploration and celebration of brotherly love despite challenging circumstances.
 
The Two Trees is a must-read for all parents and kids, ASD families, educators, and anyone who has witnessed or felt the sting of being left out, bullied, or misunderstood.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

Two brothers. Two trees. Different and yet the same.

Jaxon’s older brother Syd suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder and struggles to interact socially at school and at home. When Jaxon brings home two young trees to plant in their back yard, he gives one of them to Syd, who is fixated on lining up his collection of gem stones, rather than on planting his tree.

As the school year progresses, both boys struggle to make new friends or even keep the friends they have made, as Syd’s differences become more apparent and their family is forced to adjust their routine according to what is best for their oldest son. What a blessing those two little trees will become.

Sally Meadows has written a beautiful, poignant story for families who are entrusted with children whose daily care requires the help of others and celebrate even the smallest of accomplishments.

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Reviewer: Michelle Evans

The Two Trees is a lovely story. A family of four – two children, one with ASD and one seemingly ‘normal’ or not on the spectrum. The story shows what it might look like from the sibling’s point of view, having to deal with an older brother with ASD.

This story didn’t grab or draw me in as I read it, but I can see the value it would have on the child who had a sibling who was on the ASD spectrum. ASD being something that more and more children are being diagnosed with this is a growing niche. I’m sure psychologists, counsellors, parents of ASD kids and social workers would welcome this book in their bag of tools. 

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