#1 in The Giver Quartet Series
The Giver
1993 by
on Goodreads (2,577,647)
What’s inside...
The Giver is a dystopian novel set in a society that appears to be utopian at first but is revealed to be dystopian as the story progresses. The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Jonas who is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory, the person who stores all the past memories of the time before Sameness, in case they are ever needed to aid in decisions that others lack the knowledge to make.
Why read this book
- Explores complex themes through a captivating narrative.
- Encourages critical thinking and ethical discussions.
- Stimulates empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
- Suitable for mature young readers seeking deeper content.
The Big Picture
- Explore importance of emotions through Jonas’ journey.
- Discuss impacts of conformity versus individual choices.
- Enhance critical thinking about societal norms.
- Foster empathy and understanding complex decisions.
Diversity & Representation
- Explores themes of conformity versus individuality.
- Challenges societal norms and roles.
- Encourages critical thinking about cultural differences.
- Highlights the importance of empathy and understanding.
Book in series
#1
Age
10-13
Length
225 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How did you feel about the world Jonas lives in? What aspects would you find difficult if you were in his place?
What do you think about the idea of a community controlling emotions and choices? How does that compare to our world?
Why do you think memories, both good and bad, are important in our lives?
What role does courage play in Jonas's journey? Can you think of a time you had to be brave?
How does the ending make you feel? What do you imagine happens next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your thoughts on the book, encouraging a two-way conversation.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeply about the themes and their implications.
Relate the book's themes to real-life scenarios that your child might find relatable, enhancing understanding and empathy.
Encourage critical thinking by asking what decisions they would have made if faced with similar situations as Jonas.
After finishing the discussion, suggest rereading the book to catch any nuances or details that might have been missed the first time.
What parents love
Handles mature themes with thoughtful sensitivity.
Stimulates deep thought and family discussions.
Perfect blend of intriguing story and moral lessons.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of individuality
Explanation: In 'The Giver,' the protagonist Jonas lives in a society that suppresses emotions and individuality to maintain order. As he receives memories of the past, he realizes the value of being unique and making personal choices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own uniqueness and express themselves freely, understanding that their individual choices and feelings are important.
Example Lesson: The value of memory and learning from the past
Explanation: The character of The Giver holds memories of the community’s past to guide its decision-making, illustrating how past experiences are crucial in shaping the future.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of remembering history and learning from it to make informed decisions and avoid repeating mistakes.
Example Lesson: The role of empathy in human connections
Explanation: As Jonas acquires memories, he develops deep empathy for others, which was absent in his community. This empathy is what ultimately drives him to seek change.
Real-World Application: Children learn that understanding and sharing the feelings of others can lead to meaningful relationships and a compassionate society.
Example Lesson: The courage to challenge the status quo
Explanation: Jonas' journey represents the bravery required to question and defy societal norms when they are unjust. His actions inspire change despite the risks involved.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stand up for what is right and to be brave in facing challenges, especially when it comes to fairness and justice.
Example Lesson: The significance of making choices
Explanation: In the controlled environment of the Community, citizens are stripped of their power to make choices. Jonas' awakening to his own choices is a central theme.
Real-World Application: It emphasizes to children the power of decision-making in their lives, encouraging them to make thoughtful choices and to take responsibility for their consequences.