One of the books that truly shaped my middle school years was Betty Smith’s classic novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. This historical coming-of-age story was the perfect companion to my own coming-of-age, and I’ve revisited it several times since then at different points in my life.

Francie Nolan grows up in early-1900s Brooklyn, New York alongside her little brother (though only slightly younger), Neely. They are raised amid hardship by their loving parents: Johnny, a charming but unreliable Irishman struggling with alcoholism, and Katie, practical, strong, and deeply survival-oriented. The two siblings are about as opposite as it gets, yet they form the perfect companionship for one another.

Told over the course of several years, the tree growing outside their home symbolizes Francie’s development throughout the novel. She faces the typical challenges of growing up, compounded by the situational hardships of the era in which she lives. The story never romanticizes those struggles; instead, it reveals how resilience, imagination, and education become powerful tools for survival.

Tragic yet comforting, this book is an excellent choice for middle school readers as well as adults seeking a nostalgic and reflective read.

In many ways, Francie’s family always reminded me a bit of my own. Another memorable character is her chaotic Aunt Sissy, whose unconventional life choices often brought to mind one of my own aunts.

As a bookworm, I always deeply related to Francie. I admired her goal of reading every book in the library – even approaching them in alphabetical order. Unlike her, I could never muster that level of self-control.

One of the aspects I appreciate most about this novel, especially in an era when nearly anything can be obtained with the press of a button, is how it taught me early on to value life’s smallest comforts. In today’s fast-paced culture, people rarely pause to savor simple joys, yet this book’s ability to linger on something as modest as a piece of candy shared between siblings fosters a quiet gratitude for everyday blessings.

This is the kind of timeless story that deserves to be revisited throughout a reader’s life: in youth, midlife, and beyond. It is a story of resilient survival without spectacle or over-romanticization. If you haven’t experienced this classic yet, now is the perfect time to pick it up (especially through my link!).