42 pages • 1 hour read
Forrest CarterThe Education of Little Tree
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1976A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Education of Little Tree follows a young boy named Little Tree, who moves to the Tennessee mountains to live with his Cherokee grandparents after his mother’s death. They teach him about nature, cultural heritage, and survival skills through various experiences, including farming, fishing, and whiskey-making. The narrative includes sensitive topics such as racial prejudice and the loss of loved ones.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter offers a vivid portrayal of a young boy’s experiences growing up with his Cherokee grandparents in the 1930s. Praised for its heartfelt narrative and cultural insights, it has also faced criticism for historical inaccuracies and the author's controversial background. The book remains divisive yet impactful in its storytelling.
Who Should Read The Education of Little Tree?
Readers who cherish heartfelt coming-of-age stories with rich cultural themes will enjoy The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter. Fans of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Wilson Rawls’s Where the Red Fern Grows will appreciate its themes of innocence, nature, and the deep bond between a young boy and his grandparents.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
890LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Children's Literature
Relationships: Grandparents
Natural World: Environment
Society: Education
Education