Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Author's Website: www.loislowry.com
ISBN: 978-0-329-69131-8
Publisher: Dell-laurel Leaf
Copyright Date: 1993
Genre: Dystopic
Reading Level/Interest Age: 12-18
Awards: Horn Book, 1993. Newbery Medal, 1994
Plot Summary: In the year 2065, in a world of sameness Jonas is turning 12 years old which means he will get his life assignment. He is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories and works closely with The Giver, who gives him one memory of the past at a time, including color. Jonas is the only person allowed to carry these memories for the rest of the society and will be called upon if he ever needs to make decisions based on the past. Once Jonas realizes how much his society is missing out on he feels torn between staying and running away.
Critical Evaluation: Lois Lowry successfully creates a chilling world that at first appears to be a utopia in which there is an order, structure and happiness to society. They are void of heartbreak, war and poverty. It isn't until the reader learns alongside Jonas how much their society is missing out on, and how much joy is kept from each individual. Reader's Annotation: Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory in a world of sameness. However, after receiving memories of the past world will Jonas be satisfied to stay living in a world with no color or music?
Booktalking Ideas: Individuality
Challenge issues if any: This story has been challenged because some feel that the message or warning behind the content is too old for children. However, I believe this book is perfect for young adults who are at an age where analytical skills must be developed.
Challenge issues if any: This story has been challenged because some feel that the message or warning behind the content is too old for children. However, I believe this book is perfect for young adults who are at an age where analytical skills must be developed.
Why did you include this book: This novel will have young adults questioning important concepts such as the right to individuality.
Quote: "You will be faced, now, with pain of a magnitude that none of us here can comprehend because it is beyond our experience. The Receiver himself was not able to describe it, only to remind us that you would be faced with it, that you would need immense courage."
Quote: "You will be faced, now, with pain of a magnitude that none of us here can comprehend because it is beyond our experience. The Receiver himself was not able to describe it, only to remind us that you would be faced with it, that you would need immense courage."
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