Florrie is named after a famous African American actress of the 1920's. Florrie learns the importance of working hard. Having big dreams will help Florrie and her family achieve anything. They learn that the Tree of Hope reflects the glory days of Harlem's Lafayette Theatre- a time when a black man shines through the Great Depression.

Elizabeth Brown spends her whole life buying and reading books because she loves them so much. When she realizes that there is no room for books in her house, she decides to give them all away so others can enjoy them too.