Examining Critical Literacy
PublicationEvery semester one of the authors of this article, Catherine Prudhoe, chal- lenges many of her preservice students’ perceptions of a familiar and often favorite children’s book, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein (1964). She begins the class by reading the text aloud to the students. Most smile, fondly remembering hearing the book as a child. A few become teary- eyed as the tree selflessly gives to the boy throughout his life. After reading the text, it is then discussed. The students usually comment on how the book teaches children to share and to love their friends. They talk about their