By Lois Lowry
Book Summary:
The Giver is the 1994 winner of the Newbery Award. Readers are drawn into the story with
curiosity—what is building for Jonas as he progresses to his graduation and
becomes the new “Receiver”. The old “Giver” bestows memories of past events through touching the new “Receiver”, who learns
the history of the society to keep for future generations. Jonas learns that his perfect society is one
of conformity, with zero tolerance for individuality, imperfection, or
irregularity.
APA Reference:
My Impressions:
When Jonas realizes that: he can see color, pubescent urges are controlled by drugs, his father practices infanticide, and the elderly are quietly eliminated, Jonas learns to dislike the world he knows. The transferred memories from the old “Giver” of snow and family help him learn of other possibilities beyond his community.
This well-written story has the appeal which encourages readers to continue to the very end to find if Jonas finds the answer to his “problem”—can he escape this controlled world with his young “brother” Gabriel in order to save their lives? The book ends answering questions but leaving the reader wanting more—this makes a great read.
Professional Review:
Lois Lowry’s presents something “unusual” in this allegory that sweeps young readers into the story of Jonas and his futuristic world. With this “flat yet expressive” prose, she describes Jonas’ “highly-structured community” where he is assigned to be the new “Receiver” as his future occupation. “Although sameness is presented positively at first, there are clues that suggest malevolence” and Jonas finds there are other options from the old “Giver” with whom he works. Ray suggests that “Despite occasional logical lapses, "The Giver," a powerful and provocative novel, is sure to keep older children reading. And thinking.”
Ray, K. (1993, Oct. 31). Children’s books. [Review of the book The giver by L. Lowry]. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/.
Library Uses:
Having a group discussion with middle-school and/or high school readers about this book emphasizes the consequences of a world of conformity. Questions and probability statements raised about individuality and the gifts each person brings to the community, and their effects on society, brings lively, and thought provoking discussion for teens. This kind of activity promotes cause-effect-consequences contemplation and growth for young adults.
Lowry, L. (1993). The giver. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
My Impressions:
When Jonas realizes that: he can see color, pubescent urges are controlled by drugs, his father practices infanticide, and the elderly are quietly eliminated, Jonas learns to dislike the world he knows. The transferred memories from the old “Giver” of snow and family help him learn of other possibilities beyond his community.
This well-written story has the appeal which encourages readers to continue to the very end to find if Jonas finds the answer to his “problem”—can he escape this controlled world with his young “brother” Gabriel in order to save their lives? The book ends answering questions but leaving the reader wanting more—this makes a great read.
Professional Review:
Lois Lowry’s presents something “unusual” in this allegory that sweeps young readers into the story of Jonas and his futuristic world. With this “flat yet expressive” prose, she describes Jonas’ “highly-structured community” where he is assigned to be the new “Receiver” as his future occupation. “Although sameness is presented positively at first, there are clues that suggest malevolence” and Jonas finds there are other options from the old “Giver” with whom he works. Ray suggests that “Despite occasional logical lapses, "The Giver," a powerful and provocative novel, is sure to keep older children reading. And thinking.”
Ray, K. (1993, Oct. 31). Children’s books. [Review of the book The giver by L. Lowry]. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/.
Library Uses:
Having a group discussion with middle-school and/or high school readers about this book emphasizes the consequences of a world of conformity. Questions and probability statements raised about individuality and the gifts each person brings to the community, and their effects on society, brings lively, and thought provoking discussion for teens. This kind of activity promotes cause-effect-consequences contemplation and growth for young adults.
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