The Only Branch on the Family Tree

"Sherryl Clark’s The Only Branch on the Family Tree is a book you can easily read in an afternoon, but the emotional punch lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Clean, spare free verse tells the story of eleven-year-old Gemma who has lived her whole life thinking her world was her and her mum. That is until a simple school project on family history brings her to a quiet truth, the grandmother she thought was dead is very much alive living just a few towns over.
Accessible in verse, it’s a remarkably quick read, but it never feels lightweight. Clark explores the messiness of family estrangement, secret-keeping, and the awkwardness of reaching across old divides. It’s very relatable; most people have experience navigating complicated family dynamics, or feeling like they need to know where they come from.
Gemma’s discovery really just shows us that life’s too short for grudges or letting pride get in the way. Clark doesn’t pretend everything’s perfect or tie things up too neatly. She just tells the truth, with a bit of hope, about what happens when someone finally finds the courage to forgive. This story feels gentle and real, and honestly, it makes you want to hug the people you care about while you still have the chance.
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