MS Review – Nora T and the Champion Tree – middle school realistic fiction
Batchelor, Mona Martin. Nora T and the Champion Tree. Illustrated by Maggie Latimer. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 2026.
Guide to Categories – MS Review – review of books for older elementary-aged and middle school-aged children
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Summary
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!
Purchase Nora T and the Champion Tree on Amazon – https://amzn.to/4iN96iE
My MS Review
Nora T is a delightful young teen who will steal adult readers’ hearts. I think older elementary and middle school students may be inspired by her.
Batchelor, as a former librarian, knows this age group well, and it shows in her writing. She has also competed (and won) in the Tennessee State Champion tree competition, so she knows the subject well.
Latimer’s sketches are scattered throughout the book, providing breaks in the reading, which is important for the elementary reader.
The only drawback I see is that the title may have a limited audience outside Tennessee. The story is well written and may inspire young people to research similar programs in their own states.
Nora T and the Champion Tree could find a place in a K-12 school library. It is appropriate for older elementary and middle school children.
I received a complimentary copy of Nora T and the Champion Tree. This is my honest review.
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