The Giver Book Review

Book Title: The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry

Publish Date: 1993
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Series: The Giver Quartet

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Awards: 1994 Newbery Award

Suggested Grade: 6th, 7th, 8th, High School

Suggested Format: Whole Group, Small Group, Independent Reading

Synopsis: 
Jonah lives in a perfect world: no pain, no war, no fear. Everyone has a role in the Community, and everyone lives in harmony. Every year, a rite of passage assigns 12-year-olds to training for their future jobs in the Community. At the ritual, however, Jonas' name is passed by. He is singled out instead to become an apprentice to the Giver, the man who holds all of the Community's memories and history. As Jonas learns the truth, however, his world will never be the same again.

Teacher's Notes: 
This is a wonderful book for older students, and has quickly become a staple of the Junior High classroom. A lighter version of the dystopian/utopian concept, this is a great lead into more complex and meaningful discussions in the classroom. A must read for all students.


Overall: 10/10

How I Got the Book: Purchased for my collection

Suggested Interests: Dystopia, Fiction, Fantasy