The Giving Tree

Silverstein, S. (1964). The giving tree. New York: Harper & Row.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a great book for all ages, even students in the older grades. The tree in the story represents more than just an average tree. It does more than just give, it teaches.
The story centers around a tree and a boy who continuously wants more from the tree. As the story goes on his needs grow. The tree wanting to make this boy happy continues giving all that she has. In the beginning the tree is happy about this, but when she realizes this does not keep the boy around, her happiness soon disappears.

Younger children could learn about giving and being selfish from the story. They could also examine plot sequence. Older children can use this story to examine theme. They could look at a themes dealing with sacrifice and greed. Students could simply read the story or analyze its underlying meaning.

The book is illustrated with simple line drawings. It is written in a straightforward language.

This is a great book for all ages.