Though it certainly doesn't feel like it here in Philly (I thought we were done with this whole 90-degree-temperatures business!), today is the first day of autumn--my favorite season. Hopefully soon, I'll be able to pack away my short sleeves for good and break out my plaid scarves and beat-up boots as the air turns crisp and the leaves turn color.
I lived for several years in a part of the country dominated by tall pines, so seeing the bright displays of deciduous fall color is a highlight of the season for me. If trees are your thing, too, why not listen to the Free Library's great Author Events podcast with David Allen Sibley, author of the delightfully comprehensive Sibley's Guide to Trees?
Trees (both literal and metaphorical) also play an integral part in some of my favorite books:
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: Who doesn't get weepy at this bittersweet classic about a boy who grows to manhood and old age thanks to the generosity of a tree who doesn't ask for anything in return?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: This touching, simple story of a smart young girl trying to find beauty in her sometimes ugly, poverty-stricken life is an engaging and memorable read.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: This award-winning YA novel tells the powerful story of 14-year-old Melinda Sordino, who finds herself a social outcast freshman year after calling the cops to an end-of-summer party. Retreating into herself, Melinda must find the words to speak the truth about why she placed that phone call, bringing to light the secret she's been struggling with the entire school year. Unfortunately, Speak has been the recent target of a book banning attempt in Missouri, which Anderson has been chronicling in her fantastic blog.
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