Bibliography
Lowry, L. (1993). The giver. Waterville, Maine: Thorndike Press.
Large Print
226 pages
Plot
Jonas is an eleven year old boy apprehensive about his Ceremony of Twelve. In Jonas’ town, the Ceremony of Twelve is an important aspect of his community; it signifies his journey into the adult community, where each member is assigned to a job which contributes to society. On the day of the ceremony, Jonas is surprised to learn that he will be the next Receiver of Memory. The most important position within the community, the Receiver holds the memories of all time. Under the supervision of the previous receiver, known to Jonas as “The Giver,” Jonas begins to learn about freedom of choice, love, pain, remorse, sorrow, anger, and happiness. Suddenly, Jonas’ world is forever changed by his profession. He no longer fits in with the rest of society and longs to change the world to fit the one he now knows. As Jonas struggles with these memories, he wonders if there is a way to free the town from itself.
Review
Lois Lowry’s award-winning novel, The Giver, is an excellent introduction to the Science Fiction Genre for Tweens. The novel calls to questions ideas about the quality of life, emotions, and the balance between freedom and security. The introduction of these themes also allows the reader to use abstract thinking to compare these views with that of today’s society. A mainstay in Junior High Schools, The Giver, is a fast moving novel, with straightforward text and plot. Lowry’s writing is concise, leaving the reader to analyze her content rather than style, which makes the novel more compelling. Lowry does such an excellent job in her prose, that the reader is initially lulled in a false sense of security until the Giver’s memories are revealed. Ultimately, The Giver is a great book for Tweens, especially in relation to their burgeoning ability to use abstract thinking.
Genre
Science Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Level
The Giver should appeal to readers aged 10 – 14.
Similar Content
Based upon the dystopia themes, readers who like The Giver might also like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Lord of the Flies by William Golding, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer, and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
Personal Thoughts
I remember reading The Giver in Junior High School and despising it. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the class read it aloud, and over analyzed the content, however upon rereading it I found it more enjoyable. Although the writing style is intended for a younger audience, Lowry’s world is captivating.
Subjects/themes
Euthanasia
Utopian/Dystopian Societies
Coming of Age
Loss of Innocence
Awards
1994 Newbery Award Winner
Series information
While there are no direct sequels, Lois Lowry has written two other titles based upon future societies with the idea of a utopia gone awry: Gathering Blue and Messenger.
Character names/descriptions
Jonas: A young boy chosen to be the Receiver of Memories
The Giver: Jonas’ teacher and releaser of memories
Rosemary: The previous Receiver of Memories who failed
Gabriel: The young newborn whom Jonas shares memories
Annotation
Imagine a society where sameness is expected, where emotion, color, and uniqueness is prohibited, and where life is determined by preordained rules and regulations. Jonas has been chosen to see past these rules and it takes him beyond where he ever imagined.
Lowry, L. (1993). The giver. Waterville, Maine: Thorndike Press.
Large Print
226 pages
Plot
Jonas is an eleven year old boy apprehensive about his Ceremony of Twelve. In Jonas’ town, the Ceremony of Twelve is an important aspect of his community; it signifies his journey into the adult community, where each member is assigned to a job which contributes to society. On the day of the ceremony, Jonas is surprised to learn that he will be the next Receiver of Memory. The most important position within the community, the Receiver holds the memories of all time. Under the supervision of the previous receiver, known to Jonas as “The Giver,” Jonas begins to learn about freedom of choice, love, pain, remorse, sorrow, anger, and happiness. Suddenly, Jonas’ world is forever changed by his profession. He no longer fits in with the rest of society and longs to change the world to fit the one he now knows. As Jonas struggles with these memories, he wonders if there is a way to free the town from itself.
Review
Lois Lowry’s award-winning novel, The Giver, is an excellent introduction to the Science Fiction Genre for Tweens. The novel calls to questions ideas about the quality of life, emotions, and the balance between freedom and security. The introduction of these themes also allows the reader to use abstract thinking to compare these views with that of today’s society. A mainstay in Junior High Schools, The Giver, is a fast moving novel, with straightforward text and plot. Lowry’s writing is concise, leaving the reader to analyze her content rather than style, which makes the novel more compelling. Lowry does such an excellent job in her prose, that the reader is initially lulled in a false sense of security until the Giver’s memories are revealed. Ultimately, The Giver is a great book for Tweens, especially in relation to their burgeoning ability to use abstract thinking.
Genre
Science Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Level
The Giver should appeal to readers aged 10 – 14.
Similar Content
Based upon the dystopia themes, readers who like The Giver might also like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Lord of the Flies by William Golding, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer, and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
Personal Thoughts
I remember reading The Giver in Junior High School and despising it. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the class read it aloud, and over analyzed the content, however upon rereading it I found it more enjoyable. Although the writing style is intended for a younger audience, Lowry’s world is captivating.
Subjects/themes
Euthanasia
Utopian/Dystopian Societies
Coming of Age
Loss of Innocence
Awards
1994 Newbery Award Winner
Series information
While there are no direct sequels, Lois Lowry has written two other titles based upon future societies with the idea of a utopia gone awry: Gathering Blue and Messenger.
Character names/descriptions
Jonas: A young boy chosen to be the Receiver of Memories
The Giver: Jonas’ teacher and releaser of memories
Rosemary: The previous Receiver of Memories who failed
Gabriel: The young newborn whom Jonas shares memories
Annotation
Imagine a society where sameness is expected, where emotion, color, and uniqueness is prohibited, and where life is determined by preordained rules and regulations. Jonas has been chosen to see past these rules and it takes him beyond where he ever imagined.
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