The Learning Tree - Gordon Parks

The Learning Tree tells the story of Newt, a young African American boy growing up in the Midwest in the 1920s. During this period, racial segregation was still accepted by many. He has a group of friends with whom he has many adventures including trapping animals in the winter and swimming in the river in the summer.

While Newt is extremely innocent in some ways, his experiences with being discriminated against force him to function beyond his age. He is very smart, but does not have the access to resources some of his white peers and friends have.

He must face the death of loved ones through natural causes, as well as because of racial and economic circumstances of his time.

Throughout the book, Newt has to make several decisions far beyond his age and often decide between telling the truth and protecting himself and his family from harm.