The Giving Tree Analysis
The Giving Tree is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. First published in 1964 by Harper & Row, it has become one of Silverstein's best known titles and has been translated into numerous languages.
Despite the recognition that the book has received, it has been described as "one of the most divisive books in children’s literature."[1] The controversy concerns whether the relationship between the main characters (a boy and a tree) should be interpreted as positive (e.g., the tree gives the boy selfless love) or as negative (e.g., the boy and the tree have an abusive relationship).[2][3][4] Scholastic designates the interest level of this book to range from kindergarten to second
Despite the recognition that the book has received, it has been described as "one of the most divisive books in children’s literature."[1] The controversy concerns whether the relationship between the main characters (a boy and a tree) should be interpreted as positive (e.g., the tree gives the boy selfless love) or as negative (e.g., the boy and the tree have an abusive relationship).[2][3][4] Scholastic designates the interest level of this book to range from kindergarten to second