A parent might reach for this book when their child is sensing family stress, like that caused by a job loss or financial worry. Tree of Hope gently explores these themes through the eyes of a young girl named Florrie during the Great Depression. Her father, a once-vibrant actor, has grown sad and withdrawn since the theater in Harlem closed. The story follows Florrie’s unwavering belief in her father and the magic of a special tree, which seem to bring an opportunity for him to act again. This beautifully illustrated book handles topics of parental depression and hardship with immense tenderness, making it appropriate for ages 7-10. It’s an excellent choice for starting conversations about resilience, hope, and how pursuing our passions can help heal a family.
Context of the Great Depression and Harlem Renaissance may require brief explanation for some readers.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with financial hardship and its consequence: parental depression. The father's sadness is portrayed gently through Florrie's observant, loving perspective. The narrative is secular, focusing on community, art, and personal resilience as the sources of recovery. The resolution is entirely hopeful, celebrating the triumphant opening night and the father's emotional rebirth.
Ideal Reader
An 8- or 9-year-old who is aware of a parent's stress or sadness due to work or money issues. This child is likely empathetic and needs a narrative that validates their feelings while providing a strong message of hope and the assurance that difficult times can pass.
Parent Prep
A brief, simple explanation of the Great Depression (a time when many people lost their jobs) will be very helpful context. Parents can read this book cold, but being ready to talk about why not being able to do a job you love can make someone sad will deepen the child's understanding. The historical note at the end is excellent for this. A parent has just seen their child trying to cheer up a withdrawn or stressed parent, or has been asked, "Why are you so sad lately?" The parent wants to acknowledge the family's struggle in a safe, non-frightening way.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will connect with the strong father-daughter bond, the 'magic' of the tree, and the clear emotional shift from sad to happy. An older reader (9-10) will appreciate the historical significance of the all-black cast, understand the concept of finding one's purpose, and grasp the deeper social commentary on community resilience.
What Makes It Special
This book's uniqueness lies in its focus on the emotional and spiritual cost of unemployment rather than just the material lack. It uses a specific, inspiring true story from the Federal Theatre Project to powerfully illustrate how art, culture, and community are not luxuries but essential tools for survival and hope.
Read plot summary
Set in Harlem during the Great Depression, a young girl named Florrie watches her father, a talented stage actor, suffer from unemployment and depression after his theater closes. He loses his 'shine' and sits despondently on a park bench. Florrie holds onto hope, symbolized by the real-life 'Tree of Hope' outside the Lafayette Theater, a stump that actors touched for luck. When Orson Welles arrives to stage an all-black production of Macbeth, Florrie's father auditions, gets a part, and rediscovers his passion and joy, bringing light back into the family's life.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Florrie notices that her daddy has 'lost his shine.' What do you think she means by that? What do you think makes a person 'shine'?
2
The Tree of Hope was a real stump that people in the community touched for good luck. Why do you think having a special ritual like this was important, especially during hard times?
3
When Florrie’s father is on stage again, the book says he 'was home.' What does it mean to feel 'at home' while doing an activity you love? What activity makes you feel that way?
4
The whole neighborhood comes out to support the actors on opening night. In what ways did the community help Florrie's father and the other actors succeed?
5
Florrie never stopped believing in her father's talent. How did her hope and encouragement help him?
