Nora T and the Champion Tree

An empowering story about an eleven-year-old's love for trees and the stories they tell us.

“Gran, how did that enormous tree get here?!”

“It grew, child.”

Nora T knew her grandmother was crazy about the trees here on the farm that had turned out to be state champions, the biggest trees of their kind in Tennessee. It really is exciting, if you think about it! Would Gran nominate the tulip poplar that stood before them?

“No, I won’t,” said Gran.

Nora T’s face fell. “Oh, Gran! You must! It’s huge and it’s beautiful, and it’s soooo very big! If you don’t nominate it, who will?!”

“You will, my precious girl. You will.” And she smiled.

Nora T Singleton is eleven years old and curious (in a good way) about everything under the sun. Luckily, her family (mostly) encourages her. So, that summer, when Nora T gets curious about the trees on her grandparents’ property, her Gran helps her to nominate a tree for the Tennessee Champion Tree program. During the process, Nora T learns a lot about trees, the environment, activism—and patience!