For the young reader grappling with societal expectations or feeling uniquely different, this book explores the courage to question the world around you and the power of memory and choice.
A parent might reach for this book when their child begins to question rules and grapple with feelings of being different. The Giver explores a seemingly perfect community that has eliminated pain and strife by embracing 'Sameness', a choice that has also erased deep emotions, individuality, and memory. The story follows 12-year-old Jonas, who is chosen for a unique role that forces him to confront the dark truths his society has hidden. This Newbery Medal winner is a powerful, thought-provoking read for middle schoolers, ideal for sparking conversations about conformity, freedom, ethical dilemmas, and what it truly means to be human.
Memories of warfare and hunting are described. A key scene involves euthanasia via lethal injection.
Character DeathModerate
Euthanasia of infants and the elderly is a central, non-graphic plot point.
Sensitive Topics
Death and Euthanasia: The book's most sensitive topic is 'release,' which is revealed to be euthanasia by lethal injection for the elderly, for infants who do not meet developmental standards, and as a form of punishment. The approach is secular and initially presented as a gentle ceremony before its true nature is revealed in a pivotal, disturbing scene. The resolution is famously ambiguous. Jonas's escape could be seen as a hopeful new beginning or a tragic death from exposure, leaving the reader to decide. This ambiguity is a core element of the book's lasting impact.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful, empathetic reader aged 11 to 14 who is beginning to think critically about society, rules, and morality. It is perfect for a child who enjoys speculative fiction and is ready to tackle complex ethical questions that do not have easy answers. It resonates strongly with kids who feel like they see the world differently than their peers.
Parent Prep
Parents should absolutely preview Chapter 19, which contains the clinical but clear description of Jonas's father performing a 'release' on an infant. This scene is critical and deeply upsetting. Be prepared to discuss concepts like euthanasia, societal control, and the ethics of sacrificing freedom for safety. The ambiguous ending also provides a crucial opportunity for discussion about hope and interpretation. A child expresses frustration with seemingly arbitrary rules, saying 'It's not fair!' or asks big philosophical questions about why the world is the way it is. They might also express feelings of loneliness or of not quite fitting in with their friend group.
Age Experience
A younger reader (11-12) will likely focus on the plot, the injustice Jonas faces, and the adventure of his escape. They will be shocked by the community's secrets. An older reader (13-15) is more likely to engage with the book's deep philosophical themes: the relationship between pain and joy, the importance of memory, and the definition of a truly 'good' society.
What Makes It Special
Unlike action-heavy dystopian novels, The Giver is a quiet, philosophical, and character-driven story. Its power is in its simple, clean prose that delivers incredibly complex and disturbing ideas with startling clarity. The slow, creeping revelation of the community's darkness makes it a uniquely haunting and memorable introduction to the genre.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a rigidly controlled, seemingly utopian community where all choices are made by the Elders. At the Ceremony of Twelve, he is selected for the unique and honored position of Receiver of Memory. He begins training with the current Receiver, now called the Giver, who transmits to him all the memories of the past: feelings of love and joy, the experience of color, but also the horrors of war, pain, and loss. As Jonas's understanding deepens, he uncovers the terrible secrets behind his community's placid surface, including the truth about the practice of 'release,' leading him to an ultimate act of defiance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jonas's community gave up things like color, love, and choice in exchange for safety. Do you think this was a fair trade? What parts of our world would you be willing to give up for total safety?
2
The Giver tells Jonas that memories hold wisdom. Why do you think the community wanted one person to hold all the memories instead of everyone sharing them?
3
Jonas’s father is a kind and loving person, but he performs 'releases' without understanding it is killing. Is he a bad person? Can someone do bad things without being a bad person?
4
The book's ending is very open to interpretation. What do you believe happened to Jonas and Gabriel? Why do you think the author chose to end the story that way?
5
If you were chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, what is the first happy memory from your own life you would want to share with the Giver?
