The Giver

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Type: Novel
Grade Level: 5+
Rating: 4 out of 5

Jonas lives in world with no color, pain, choice or love.  Everything is in its place for logical and correct reason.  At age 12 Jonas is assigned the position in the community as the mysterious and unknown Giver.  Soon he is gaining insight on emotions, the past and a life of freedom.  Now that he knows these things he wants it for everyone but is it his place to make a decision?

This book has so much going on within it.  You are always kept on your toes and wanting more.  The use of literary elements are key for this and because of them the story is brought to life and gives meaning to the reader (Peterson & Eeds).  Jonas is the main character of the story and through him you are introduced to this Utopian world and then also to the discovery that it is actually a Dystopia.  As a reader you follow along with him and learn and grow as he does.  You are sucked into his world and feel his pains, joys, fears and triumphs.

There is some controversy surrounding the idea of the release in the story.  Infants, the elderly and the troublesome are "released" or in reality, put to death.  In one particular case a girl asks to be released which is in essence her suicide.  It is an uncomfortable and touchy issue but parents need to understand there is a purpose to it in the story.

I read this book in 6th grade.  I don't remember much about the experience except that I enjoyed it and it had been thought provoking.  Despite the controversy around it and it being banned I would love to use this book in my classroom.  It definitely forces the reader to think.  Students could be answering question about free will, whether total control or maybe just partial control is a good idea, importance of history and the idea of the release.  Like I said before there is so much happening in this story that students could endlessly discuss and dissect the text, especially the ending.  What do you think happens?  I won't say what I think here in case you haven't read it but I recommend you do read The Giver.  The last page is such a tease which you can also talk about open ended finishes to stories with your students.