“The most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward.” – Carol Ryrie Brink
Generosity is a willingness to give or share… What does generosity look like in reality across the ages and stages of our lifetime? There are many ways it can show up as both thought and action from toddlers, to grade schoolers, to teens, and to adults.
According to Google, here are some other common traits associated with a generous person:
- They’re satisfied.
- They say “yes” more than they say “no.”
- They ask, “What can I do for you?” And mean it.
- They don’t talk about “their” possessions.
These traits can be a tall order for the littlest ones, but they can be demonstrated in many ways by the caring adults in their lives, so that a generous perspective becomes woven into the way they do life. Reading about characters who make generous choices, whether on the playground, in the family, or in the complex world of teen relationships, can also help families to have rich conversations with one another about how generosity shows up in their world. Enjoy the rich stories in this theme together and let the talk begin!
Below you’ll find books, conversation launchers and activities that are appropriate for High Schoolers around the concept of “Generosity”.
GREAT BOOKS & CONVOS
JACKPOT
By Nic Stone
Why We LOVE This Book
Rico, a high school senior, works at the Gas ‘n’ Go and takes care of her younger brother almost every evening. Rico wonders if her luck has changed after she sells a winning lottery ticket. As Rico and Zan embark on a hunt for the winner, she begins to realize how generous others can be and she is not alone. She learns that you do not need to get through life on your own.
Conversation Launchers
The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B
By Teresa Toten
Why We LOVE This Book
Adam and the other “superheroes” that participate in a Young Adult OCD Support Group display various levels of generosity, while grappling with everyday life. When Adam meets Robyn, he cannot help, but fall completely head over heels for her. Besides wanting to be generous with his time and being able to help her, he begins to believe he has to rescue her. Is there a time when a person can be too generous? Can people be generous for the wrong reasons?
Conversation Launchers
Keep the Conversation Going!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
MORE GREAT READS
The Prom – A Novel Based on the Broadway Hit Musical
Saundra Mitchell, Bob Martin & Chad Beguelin
I Am the Messenger
Markus Zusak
How To Save A Life
Sara Zarr
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Resources for OTHER AGE GROUPS
Below you’ll find books and activities that are appropriate for various ages around the concept of “Generosity.”
SEARCH BY GRADE LEVEL…
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN
1ST – 2ND GRADE
3RD – 5TH GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
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– Mandy G, NEW BOOK JOY Founder
