A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Author: Betty Smith

ISBN:978-0061120077

Publication Information: Harper Perennial Classics

Plot Summary: Francie Nolan is a girl growing up in Brooklyn during the turn of the century. She, her brother Neely and her parents are part of the lower class Irish immigrant population living in Brooklyn, and often struggle to survive. Francie's father is an alcoholic and often drinks away the earnings he make as a singing waiter, but his good humor and sunny disposition makes him an idol in Francie's eyes. Francie's mother, a grim woman with a hard life, works as a maid and washerwoman in order to support her family. She strives to save up enough to buy property, but life continuously has a way of draining their resources. The novel is ultimately a coming of age story for Francie (and her brother), as she strives to be educated, and to improve her position in life. The book follows Francie's life as she grows from a girl to a young woman, going from grade school to high school, from holding different jobs and eventually on to college.

Critical Evaluation: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is perhaps one of the most famous female coming of age novels of all time. The tale of Francie Nolan, set against the backdrop of turn of the century New York is instantly captivating. From a personal perspective, I remember first reading this book in 8th grade, and continuing to read it about once a year up through high school. I was enthralled with the incredible world that the Nolan's inhabited. It wasn't glamorous, but it was full of heart. Smith writing is so vibrant that the readers are instantly whisked away to an era with horse drawn ice trucks, penny candy and pickles fished from barrels. She truly captures the spirit and essence of working class Brooklyn in a way that is easy to read and approachable. This is an excellent book for all readers, and is a great curriculum tie to American history.

Reader's Annotation: Francie Nolan is growing up in Brooklyn during the turn of the century. Follow her as she lives through bullies, a war and heartbreak.

Author Information: Betty Smith was born on December 15, 1886 two German immigrants. She spent most of her childhood in Brooklyn, New York. In Brooklyn, she met her first husband, George Smith, and moved to Ann Arbor with him while he pursued a law degree. They had two children, and she eventually enrolled in college courses at the University of Michigan, despite not having a high school diploma. Betty and George eventually divorced, and Betty moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she married her second husband, Joseph Jones, and went on to write A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She is the winner of several awards, including the Rockefeller Fellowship, and is the author of four books. (Information taken from the website http://web.njit.edu/~cjohnson/tree/bio/wg.htm).

Curricular Ties: American History

Genre: Urban Life, Historical Fiction

Book talking ideas:

• Discuss the relationship between Francie's Mother and Father.
• Why does Aunt Sissy have a bad reputation? Is it deserved? Why or why not?
• Why is Neely the favored child?
  

Challenge issues: n/a

Interest Age:Grades 7 and up

Why I selected this piece: I first read this book before I ever knew it was geared towards young adults. I loved the book and had to include it in the blog.