Module 1 – The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstien

1. Citation – Silverstien, Shel. The Giving Tree. 1963. HarperCollins. (0060256656). 64 p.
   
2. Summary- The book follows the life of a boy in relationship with a tree. The tree provides for many needs of boy through various stages of his life, and gives of itself with nothing expected in return. The end of the story culminates in the tree giving everything to the now-grown man, where in the end, there is only a stump left for the man to sit on.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – I found this book rather sad, both as a child and as an adult. I recognize there are some good lessons in here, about character (or lack thereof), the meaning of friendship, and what it means to love. However, it is not a book I would re-read to a child over and over. This book has a main character (even though it's a tree) that gives so much out of love that there is nothing left for anyone else. As a female and a parent, I don't believe it is good to encourage many of the ideas in this book. The other main character cannot look beyond himself or think of others – the relationship is one-sided. I do not believe that even a parent/child relationship is one-sided. Therefore, I believe that it is important that this is a "lesson" book to share with children and talk about afterwards.
   
4. Reviews- Brodie, C. S. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein—A Forty-Five Year Celebration. School Library Monthly v. 26 no. 1 (September 2009) p. 22-4
   

   A BOY AND A TREE
       The Giving Tree shares the story of a young boy and his lifetime relationship with a certain apple tree. But it is much more than that It is also a story of giving (and taking or receiving), friendship, happiness, loyalty, sacrifice, gratitude, happiness, and most importantly -- love. The tree ultimately gives everything for the boy without receiving much in return. The theme or message of the book has been interpreted in many different ways. It can be very simply understood by a second grader, or an adult can search for a deeper meaning.
   

5. Use in a library setting – In a library setting, I would use this book if we were discussing the 6 Pillars of character or a theme of friendship. This could easily be a read-aloud for younger students or book-group discussion for older elementary.