This controversial book is a metaphor for the environment and its destruction to produce goods. I think this book serves as a good example of an extreme environment in which there has been too much "biggering". Many students may not understand the repercussions of cutting down trees and producing goods in factories. This book could be used during a science lesson that investigates smog or pollution. I think it helps describe/talk about environmental destruction without making it too much of a touchy subject. It helps that the Lorax and the Tuffula Trees are metaphors. Children can appreciate the topic while enjoying the book and learning about the effects of human impact on the environment. Teachers could do a lesson during which The Lorax is read aloud to the students, then they write responses and come up with solutions to the problem. This could stem out to create a 'school grounds clean up' initiative that the students take part in. Overall, I believe that this is a valuable book about the history of our environment and it could be used in several different ways. It is one that I definitely wouldn't have a problem with having in my classroom.
I haven't read this book but I did see it on many controversial books lists. I don't really see the controversy here. If it is a book about how we destruct the environment to create material goods, then it's not lying, that is exactly what we do and anyone that tries to deny it is dreaming. That's how its been for many years and that's how the world is. I agree with you that this book would be a great resource for teaching about the environment and pollution and most kids really enjoy Dr. Suess. I'm curious to read this book and to see if I see the controversy because from the way you described it, I think it sounds fine!
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Katie H.
I haven't read this book either, but from your description I don't see how it would be considered a controversial book. I think children should know about our environment in that way since they are the ones who will be taking care of it in the future. I'd like to take a look at this book before placing it in my classroom, simply because it IS on a controversial book list... but other than that I'm with you... I think this would be a great book to use with children when talking about environmental issues.
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