When I think of popular children's literature, this is one of the top books that comes to mind! The Giving Tree is a classic throughout generations. In this story we see two characters, a boy and a apple tree. The little boy grows up playing with the tree, which makes it happy. As the boy gets older, he starts playing with the tree less and less. In order to feel happy again, the tree starts giving herself to the boy in several ways. It starts with the tree giving the boy her apples so he can sell them for money. The tree then gives the boy her branches, so he can build a house. The three then goes on to give the boy her trunk, and at this point the tree has nothing else left to give him. The boy is gone for a long time, and the tree is left as just a stump. Then one day the boy comes back, but this time as a tired old man. The tree is so excited to see him and offers her trunk as a place for the old man to rest. The man takes the opportunity, and the book ends with them sitting in peace together. 

This book is definitely a tear-jerker and helps open the eyes to many. The lesson to be learned in this book is that nature gives so much to us, even when all we do is "take take take." It helps readers be inspire to give back to nature and be self aware of all we take for granted. 

Lexile: 530L

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a book that contains several poems that are super engaging. I would use this book in my classroom when introducing poems or stanzas to my students. I would also use this poem book as something my early finisher students could read. Students would also be encourage to read this book in pairs to help build fluency and comprehension skills. Shel Silverstein is one of my all time favorite children's book authors!

Scolastic Level: Q

The Giving Tree is one of my favorite children's books of all time. Yes, it is a bit sad, but I think it's important to recognize the way a book can make us feel, even if it is a feeling of sadness. The important thing to focus on with this book is the trees act of selflessness. The story follows a boy from childhood to adulthood as he visits the tree throughout different stages of his life. At each stage the boy wants something and the tree continues to give pieces of herself to the boy because it makes her happy. In the end, when the boy is an old man, he no longer wants anything tangible, but simply a quiet place to rest. That is when the tree offers him her stump. And the tree is happy.  

As the story unfolds we learn that the boy takes and takes from the tree without giving back anything in return. I think this is poses the question, "How would you feel if you were the tree?" There are many theories and interpretations of the book, but at its core, I believe the book is a reflection of unconditional love and generosity.

I like the idea of using this book to focus on character education, mainly the act of being kind. After reading this book to my students, I would facilitate a whole group discussion about the ways that the tree exhibited kindness. I would then ask my students, "What are some ways that you can show kindness?" As a matter of fact, this would be a great writing prompt. 

Additional lessons using The Giving Tree include:

• Cause and Effect
• Problem/Solution
• Character Traits of the boy and the tree

Lexile Level: 720L