Based on a real spruce, A Family Tree by Staci Lola Drouillard (with illustrations by Kate Gardiner) explores adapting to change and growing as a result.
In A Family Tree, a family living along the shore of Lake Superior tends to a small tree. Soon, the family must move. Not wanting to leave the tree behind, the family works to transplant and care for the tree at their new home. A Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe direct descendent, Drouillard lives and works in Grand Marais, and still cares for the tree that the story is based on.
And how is the tree doing? "The tree is doing wonderful," says Drouillard. "I needed a ladder to put lights on it this year."
On Saturday, May 25th, Drouillard will be reading her book at Zenith Bookstore in West Duluth at 10:30am. Patrons can purchase A Family Tree on site. Additionally, the author will have several white spruce saplings on hand for anyone who would like to take one home to plant.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
