A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Education Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

“What must I do, Mother, what must I do to make a different world for her? How do I start?”

“The secret lies in the reading and the writing. You are able to read. Every day you must read one page from some good book to your child. Every day this must be until the child learns to read. Then she must read every day, I know this is the secret.” (9.57-58)

Francie’s grandma sounds like she could have popped right off a public service announcement from today. Most professionals agree that reading to your children is one of the best things you can do for them.

Quote #2

She yearned for playmates but did not know how to make friends with other little girls. The other youngsters avoided her because she talked funny. Owing to Katie’s nightly reading, Francie had a queer way for saying things. Once, when taunted by a youngster, she had retorted, “Aw, you don’t know what you’re saying. You’re just full of sound and furry siggaflying nothing.” (13.9)

Do you know people who are outcast from their peers because they might be slightly advanced in their education? Why do you think this is?

Quote #3

From that time on, the world was hers for the reading. She would never be lonely again, never miss the lack of intimate friends. Books became her friends and there was one for every mood. There was poetry for quiet companionship. There was adventure when she tired of quiet hours. There would be love stores when she came into adolescence and when she wanted to feel a closeness with someone she could read a biography. On that day when she first knew she could read, she made a vow to read one book a day as long as she lived. (22.3)

Through reading, Francie is able to fill any void she may feel in her life. Have you ever felt close to a character in a novel at a time when you otherwise felt completely alone?