The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry

Title: The Giver

Illustrator: cover artist: Cliff Nielsen

Publisher: Bantam Books

Year: 1993

Format: eBook

Genre: Newbery

Reading Level: Independent

Interest-Level: Middle School

Topics: Futuristic, Science Fiction

Summary: Set in a different world, The Giver follows a boy named Jonas in a world with no color, love, music and knowledge. Jonas is in what it called the twelfth year of his life and he is to become the “Receiver of Memory”. Once Jonas meets The Giver and learns more about his world he has to decide if he wants to stay with his family in this world or discover other possibilities out there.

Extension Activities:

-Discuss how The Giver is different from normal fiction books. What makes it “science fiction?”

-Have students compare and contrast our world from Jonas’ world. How is it different? Which world would you want to live in?

-Ask students how they would feel in Jonas’ shoes. Would they decide to leave what they have known as home forever and their family behind? Or would they decide to live in this black and white world?

The Giver

Author: -Lois Lowry

Title: -The Giver

Illustrator: -Lois Lowry

Publisher: -Houghton Mifflin Books

Year: -1993









Format: -Hardcover Book

Genre: -Science Fiction

Reading Level: -Independent Reader

Interest Level: -Middle School

Topics: - Newbery Award, Communism, Ideas


Summary: -The story starts off with the main character named Jonas and his world is perfect. Everyone plays together everyone is equal and there is no pain, poverty, or hunger in the world. Until one day when Jonas is 12 he is singled out and is trained to become "the Giver." The giver alone holds the memory of true pain and pleasure that no one in his community has ever felt. For the first time, Jonas is surrounded by colors and snow and things that he never knew existed. However, now that he knows the truth he learns that there is no going back.

Extension Activities:
-Have the kids discuss as a class what they thought of the book and what they liked or didn't like about the community Jonas lived in. Write a one page paper about their own thoughts.
-In the novel, Jonas goes through lots of experiences and it is his memories that keeps him going. Write down ten memories and put them in a treasure box to keep and open at the end of the year.
-How do we keep our memories now-a-days? Why is it important to know our own and our families special memories?