The Giver by Lois Lowry

Lowry, L. (1993) The giver. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0395645662

Plot Summary: Jonas is an eleven year-old boy who lives in a futuristic society where each person is given a job. Due to the way things are run, hate, violence, and pain do not exist in Jonas' society. Jonas' father, a Nurturer of Children, and his mother, a worker for the Department of Justice prepare him for his ceremony. The Ceremony of Twelve is where members of the community are given their assignment when they turn twelve. Unexpectedly, Jonas is given one of the most powerful jobs, Receiver of Memory. As Receiver of Memory, he is responsible for keeping all of the memories that do not exist within the community- pain, stress, war, so that they do not experience it again. The Giver is the person who passes on the memories and tries to help Jonas understand the reasoning of their society.

Critical Evaluation: As a reader who has never really enjoyed science-fiction, I was surprised to see how quickly I fell in love with the story, the plot, and the characters. Although the story takes place in some futuristic society, the emotions are very real and present. I would highly suggest this book to ages 9 to adult. Although the author simply constructs the storyline, it holds such profound meaning. Readers will definitely be stricken with suspense when Jonas makes the decisions he does.

Information about the Author: Lois Lowry has written dozens of books for young adults and received several awards for her work. She has been given the Newbery Medal for The Giver and Number the Stars. She currently lives in Boston and New Hampshire.

Annotation: When Jonas turns twelve years old, he is given the ultimate assignment in this futuristic utopia. How he uses his role will ultimately determine the state of his community.

Curriculum Ties: Communities, Politics

Booktalking Ideas: Describe the utopia that Jonas lives in. Imagine a world with no pain, war, sorrow, anger, etc. Find out what Jonas' role becomes in this exciting science fiction novel.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 6th-adult

Challenge Issues: The assignment of Jonas' father, to care for babies and to give them injections when they are ill brings up a very heavy issue.

Reason for Inclusion:The Giver is not only a Newbery Medal winning book, but a book that people of all ages can relate to. It will make teens think twice about the motives of people within our society.