The Giver

by Lois Lowry


Jonus has been chosen for an honor rarely given in his perfect   community where there are no choices, no fear, no pain.  Jonus will receive truth--and nothing will ever be the same again.


              Book Summary             

            Study Highlights             

Reading Level:   6th - 8th Spelling/Vocabulary:   Medium
Category:   Fantasy Comprehension:   Medium
Setting:   the Community Critical Thinking:   Difficult
Theme:   Truth Biblical Focus:  Free will, honesty
Paperback Novel:   180 pages Study Guide:  6 units

Related Studies:  Abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, educational systems, families

Barbara's Note: By noting the topics listed above in Related Studies, it is easy to see that this story deals with mature topics.  Besides being well-written, it is thought provoking and will remind older readers of books such as 1984 and Brave New World.  Because this book is not difficult to read, it is particularly well suited for junior high students who are not strong readers, but desire mature subject matter.  It leads our list of "Top Five Controversial books".  (Grades 7, 8, 9)