What is The Ailanthus tree?

The Ailanthus tree represents the resiliency of the ARTT room kids as they struggle with some very difficult life situations. The story begins and ends with Haley mentioning the tree outside her window. It is a tree that is able to grow in very difficult conditions and still grow and thrive. The tree is a metaphor for the children who work through their problems together and find the strength to not only carry on but be stronger, better people through their situations. Where they were a loose group of six children in the beginning of the novel, they form tight-knit bonds and leave school that year as the best of friends looking forward to connecting again.