Valerie Yow, author of “Betty Smith: Life of the Author of ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,’” will be the guest at the Friends of the Chapel Hill Public Library’s Meet the Author Tea on Friday.

Smith’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” captured the imagination of readers in 1943. The book, based on Smith’s life as a girl growing up in New York, tells the story of young Francie Nolan and her family living in a tenement in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was a national bestseller and was adapted into a well-received movie.

Smith moved to Chapel Hill in 1938 and wrote “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” here.

Yow, a former history professor, is a psychologist and playwright who lives in Chapel Hill. She has written several books.

Her biography of Smith explores the author’s life and works.

“This is not only a biography of a fascinating person; it’s her place in the history of the time and in the women’s movement, as well as a writer’s guide to the craft, all wrapped into one stunning work,” said poet and short story writer Ruth Moose, a professor of creative writing at UNC. “Growing up I read and reread, and loved Betty Smith’s ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.’ I was Francie Nolan. Valerie Yow’s biography is like being there all over again. Beautifully written, Francie and Betty live in every word.”

The tea will be held in the Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Drive. Refreshments will be served at 3 p.m., and the program will begin at 4.

For information, call 968-2780.