The Giving Tree, is one of my personal favorite children's book, written by Shel Silverstein.This book is about a boy and a tree. The tree does everything for the boy, so he can be happy. She gives up everything she has, her limbs, leaves, and branches, and is left just as a stump. At the end of the book, the boy comes back to visit her. She has nothing left to give, but a tree stump. However he sits on her stump, and the tree was happy.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this story. The tree in this story is selfless. She does everything she can in order to help the boy. This book shows all the different stages of the boys life, and how the tree was there for him always with her unconditional love.
Is this story about something that could really happen?
The tree in the story talks and is personified. This element would not be something that could happen. However, there are scenarios like this book that happen. Sometimes people take too much from others and don't leave much for the other person. However, some people are also very selfless and giving like the tree.
Did the character seem real?
The boy and his life events feel real. Also, the trees love in the story feels real.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
The author wants to tell readers not to take advantage of those you love. The boy takes everything the tree has becasue she wants to make him happy.
Lexile Level: 530L
Personification: The tree in this story is personified through out the book and talks to the boy. The tree is almost a motherly figure to the boy, in the way that she would do anything for him to make him happy.
Symbolism: The tree symbolizes selfless love. She would do anything for the boy.
Quotation marks: The book contains quotation marks when the tree speaks. This could be pointed out as a learning tool.
Mini Lesson: The students could respond to a reading response. Did this book make you happy or sad? Do you think the boy was thankful for the tree when he became older? What was the personality of the tree? etc..
Silverstein, Shel. (1964) The Giving Tree. Evil Eye Music Inc.
I really like your detailed description of the book, and your answer to whether this was a good book or not. I think that your lesson is really great. If I were teaching this book I would maybe have a prompt before we read the book like what's the nicest thing you've ever done for someone? Then I would have the the prompt at the end of the book.
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