This classic of American literature and New York Times bestseller follows young Francie as she grows up in early 20th-century Brooklyn amidst poverty. Her greatest joy is the library, where she goes every day to discover a new book. Reading and the love of her family give Francie hope and the courage to believe that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.

November Meeting

During this meeting, we connected with one another, shared our reading experiences, and engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the book using the questions outlined below:

• The title of the book references the tree growing in Brooklyn. What do you think the tree symbolizes, both for Francie and for the story as a whole? What happens to the tree at the end of the book?

• The story takes place in early 20th-century Brooklyn, where Francie grows up surrounded by poverty, diverse cultures, and the daily struggles of her working-class neighborhood. How much do you think a person’s environment shapes who they become? How has your hometown or a place you’ve lived influenced you?

• If you could hear the story from another character’s perspective (e.g., Katie, Johnny, or Neeley), who would you choose and why? What might they emphasize or hide in their version?

• Francie observes more than once that women seem to hate other women (“they stuck together for only one thing: to trample on some other woman”), while men, even if they hate each other, stick together against the world. Is this an accurate portrayal of the way things are in the novel—and in the society of the author’s time? What about our own?

• In a pivotal moment, Katie decides that her son Neeley will continue school while Francie, despite her academic promise, will have to work to support the family. Katie believes that boys need more opportunities because they face fewer options in adulthood without education. What do you think of Katie’s reasoning? What would you have done in her place?

• A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is often called a coming-of-age story. Francie’s journey involves moments of joy, loss, and self-discovery—like the time she realizes her parents are flawed people, not heroes. What do you think defines a coming-of-age moment in a person’s life? Do you remember such a pivotal period in your own life?