The Value of Generosity

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10-- A sweeping overview of the topic, offering specific, practical applications that can be easily woven into teenagers' daily lives. With an ambitious scope that attempts to explore how people move from the inherent selfishness of a toddler ``to the highest levels of generosity,'' the book begins with a definition of terms and background information that focuses on historical figures (Joan of Arc, Nathan Hale, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Teresa). An examination of life's various ``arenas''--the home, neighborhood, school, and vacations follows, with strategies and opportunities for practicing generosity in each. Suggestions for participating in charitable events/organizations complete this thorough and incisive volume. Grosshandler writes in an easy, readable style, offering gentle humor and an understanding of the foibles of human nature. Chapters are short, with occasional black-and-white photos acting merely as decorative commentary on the discussion. The brief bibliography features periodical articles on teen volunteers. Suitable material for reports or discussion; of most use in social-science classrooms or youth-service groups exploring ethics. --Celia A. Huffman, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland