Few books written for young readers are as profound or as sweetly painful as The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein€™s 1964 masterpiece. The tale of a tree who slowly but surely gives up everything she has for a boy she loves is both beautiful and heart-wrenching, as the tree goes from a young, strong apple tree to little more than a stump, all to keep her dear friend happy. Silverstein's book teaches the lessons of selflessness and giving, but also that of loss, creating a bittersweet and exquisite work that is loved by readers of all ages.