The Education of Little Tree is a book written by Forrest Carter, published in the 1970s, which

tells the story of an orphaned boy who is sent to live with his Cherokee Indian grandparents in
the Tennessee Mountains, and their journeys and struggles against the civilization of the white
man. It is a story that has underlying messages which emphasize simplicity, family, culture and
the love of nature. Each chapter has lessons that filter through which bolster the underlying
themes of the story. In this report, we will look at the various chapters in the book and provide an
insightful review.
The story starts on a somber note as the protagonist states matter-of-factly the death of his
parents and the dilemma which his relatives had in finding a new home for him. The little boy is
only five years old when his grandparents, whom he calls Granma and Granpa, are saddled with
him. His actual name is never revealed but Granma names him Little Tree when they arrive at
their new home. This name is symbolic of his ties to the land and the animals. The story is told
from Little Trees point of view and his innocence and trusting nature is revealed in many
instances throughout the story. For example, on the bus ride after the funeral, the other
passengers make racial ridicules to Granma and Grandpa but Little Tree thinks the other
passengers are just being sociable. During the walk to their cabin, the vivid description of the
scenery makes sure that the reader has a very clear detailed imaginative image about the
wonderful trail.
Little Tree feels the love from his grandparents especially when Granma makes him boot
moccasins from deer leather which she spent a week on. Little Tree is impressed by this
wonderful gift. Also, his grandpa takes him on a turkey hunt and teaches him Cherokee values of
hunting and conservation and it becomes clear that the two will have a close relationship.
Grandpa, Grandma and Little Tree have grown closer and have mostly adapted to their new
situation. Grandma reads to both of them in the evenings on weekends. Most books she read
were stimulating to them, basically Shakespeare and stories on politics. Grandpa was apathetic to
all politicians except George Washington so grandma would skip anything that wasnt positive
about George Washington when reading. However, she slipped one night and read a piece on
George Washington putting a tax on whiskey, thus deciding who could make whiskey and who
would not. This deeply aggravated Grandpa who admired George Washington thus was
disappointed by his law which he thought a bad decision and also, since he was a moonshiner.
Little Tree and his Grandpa embark on a fox hunt where his grandpa teaches him more Cherokee
values about harmony and connection with animals.
Little Trees grandparents teach him their interpretation of the meaning of kinship. Rather than
the meaning understood by most people of being related by blood, the Cherokee understand it to
mean love and understanding. For one to love something, one must first understand it. Grandpa
and grandma had understanding, so they had love. This understanding could run deeper than
transience and so they called it kin.
Grandpa tells Little Tree about the history of the Cherokee people. He learns that they were
driven from their homes to the lands that the white man didnt fancy. They walked through
many villages until their people started dying by the thousands. The people who watched them
going through this ordeal cried for them and it is these people who gave the name to the Trail of
Tears.
As the book progresses, Little Tree close bond with his grandparents strengthens as they share
various experiences. He meets their friends and becomes very educated in the Cherokee ways
and life. His love for nature and environment is demonstrated in great detail. Little Tree also
experiences the deceptive nature of the white man by seeing their greedy and proud ways.
Eventually, Little Tree is taken from his grandparents and sent to an orphanage because it is
believed that he is not getting the right foundation from living with his grandparents. At the
orphanage he is treated very badly by everyone except his roommate Wilburn who takes a liking
to him. Little Tree is punished severely for being right in class though his teacher is ignorant of
this. He receives a pleasant surprise when his grandpa and his friend Willow John come to rescue
him from the orphanage after Christmas. His arrival back home is received with lots of elation,
even from the hounds and Little Tree is able to go on with his Cherokee upbringing. Little Trees
life and the fates of his family are illustrated until they all pass on, up to the last dog.
In conclusion, the use of first person narration in the story gives the story a personal touch. Little
Trees innocence as he recounts his experiences is brought out and we learn of his spirit as he
seeks answers to private questions. Through his detailed observations, we gain an appreciation of
the splendor of nature-the soil, the leaves, the behavior of the birds and animals and the
mountains that hold special meaning for Little Tree. By virtue of his grandpas lessons, Little
Tree learns to revere nature and rely on his instincts. He learns that he is never alone as long as
he is one with nature and the trees, streams, birds, and deer are all brothers and sisters. We get a
glimpse of a forgotten people and culture that emphasized an understanding and timeless wisdom
that should be lauded for its rousing fortitude.