“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein

I simply love this book.  Although The Giving Tree is a very easy read, it has a very strong message inside.  The first class that I volunteered in was a kindergarten class and I used The Giving Tree as my book of choice.  I was so very nervous; I made it to the class early so that I could put up my paper tree, that I worked so hard on the night before, along with my basket of apples for the students.  When the students walked into the classroom from lunch we all sat on the floor and as I read to them the little smiles on their faces melted my heart.  After passing out the apples I gathered my things to leave when a little boy patted me on my leg and handed me a star with a smile on his face.  I later found out from the teacher that Kevin had received the star earlier that day for good behavior.  That was eight years ago and that story still tugs at my heart and ensures me that making an impact in our kid’s lives is truly what God has for me.