In the novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith, Katie Nolan continually demonstrates strong leadership for her family. Her ambitions include creating a bank to support her family, educating Francie and Neely, and most importantly showing strong leadership. Throughout the novel Katie Nolan adds money to the tin can bank, sacrificing food, status and material goods to provide a portion of land for her family. It takes a lot of perseverance and struggle …showed first 75 words of 397 total…

…showed last 75 words of 397 total…coming of age is the focal point. Jonny, who provides care and love for Francie when others couldn’t, and Mary Rommely who provides wisdom and guidance to the naïve. All in all, without Katie Nolan the story could not have developed as it did. She shows strong leadership, perseverance, and wisdom to maintain and provide for her family. Undoubtedly her personality brings to this novel what no one else can. by: Jake VanHook