Have you ever thought life would be so much easier if someone else made the decisions? What freedom would you be willing to give up to live in a community where that would happen?
The Giver by Lois Lowry describes one such community. The story is about a boy name Jonas and his journey. In his community their clothes, food, parents, spouses, and careers are chosen; as well as, if they get to live in the community and their time of death.
Upon turning 12 years of age, children are given their lifetime career assignments. During the assignment ceremony, Jonas is passed. Waiting anxiously to the end of the ceremony, Jonas finally receives his assignment. Jonas will be The Giver’s apprentice. The Giver is the one person who holds all the memories of pain, joy, and truth for the entire community. Jonas quickly learns, this is an awesome responsibility. After learning the truth about his community, he is faced with a decision which could change the community forever.
This book is a Newberry Award Winner recipient. The recommended reading level is for 6th grade to adult. One of the underlying topics in The Giver is euthanasia. Even though the vocabulary is not difficult, there are some adult social issues introduced. As a parent, I would want to discuss these issues with my child as he reads it. The Giver is a very thought provoking book for young to adult readers.
The Giver by Lois Lowry describes one such community. The story is about a boy name Jonas and his journey. In his community their clothes, food, parents, spouses, and careers are chosen; as well as, if they get to live in the community and their time of death.
Upon turning 12 years of age, children are given their lifetime career assignments. During the assignment ceremony, Jonas is passed. Waiting anxiously to the end of the ceremony, Jonas finally receives his assignment. Jonas will be The Giver’s apprentice. The Giver is the one person who holds all the memories of pain, joy, and truth for the entire community. Jonas quickly learns, this is an awesome responsibility. After learning the truth about his community, he is faced with a decision which could change the community forever.
This book is a Newberry Award Winner recipient. The recommended reading level is for 6th grade to adult. One of the underlying topics in The Giver is euthanasia. Even though the vocabulary is not difficult, there are some adult social issues introduced. As a parent, I would want to discuss these issues with my child as he reads it. The Giver is a very thought provoking book for young to adult readers.
