A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Who is the intended audience of this novel? Adults? Young adults? How does it line up with contemporary divisions of literary fiction subgenres?
• Have you encountered any of the many adaptations of Smith’s work? If so, how did they compare to the original novel? If not, are you interested in seeking out the movie or Broadway musical versions?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• In the novel, women face tremendous obstacles that men do not. Which elements of their struggles did you identify with when reading? Which were outdated and no longer a concern?
• Johnny is described as an aspiring musician whose inability to pursue music is partially responsible for his alcohol abuse. What dreams did you nurture as a young adult? How did it feel putting them aside?
• Consider the more free-wheeling Sissy, whose eccentricities and forthrightness endear her to Francie. Do you have a person in your life who is willing to go against the grain in a variety of ways? How do you view this approach to life?
• Francie’s family is deeply aware of and frequently ashamed of their poverty. How does this class-based shame affect decision-making? Does your culture still have similar attitudes about poverty today?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Smith is highly critical of the antisemitism that she grew up with and espoused as a child. Given the rise of antisemitism around the world in the 21st century, how did reading this frank depiction of open bigotry affect you? 
• Discuss the several key political issues around gender equality that become plot points in the novel, for example women’s voting rights, Katie’s limited ability to find work, and the attempted sexual assault despite the presence of Honest Cop McShane. 

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Consider the sibling dynamic at the heart of the story. How does Katie’s sense of herself as a less-favored child impact her characterization? 
• How does the novel portray alcoholism?
• Many of the interactions portrayed in the novel are transactional in nature. What does the novel have to say about the pervasiveness of the quid pro quo mentality in Francie’s life?
• Why are trees so significant in the novel? What do they represent and why? Who or what is the tree of the novel’s title? 
• While Francie is fascinated by books, and the novel stresses the importance of education, Francie’s experiences at the library are marked not by literature but by the ever-changing bowl on the librarian’s desk. Why does this bowl so captivate her? What does it symbolize?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If this book were to be written today, what would be different about the way it addresses some of its concerns? What would remain unchanged? 
• How do you imagine Johnny’s music sounding? Neeley’s music? What do you think would be the differences and similarities between their chosen genres? 
• The novel is semi-autobiographical. How much do you know about your own family’s story? If you turned it into a novel, would you have to change elements for a more dramatic work?

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