The Giver by Lois Lowry

1. Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf. ISBN 0440237688

2. Plot Summary
In this perfect world, there is no fear of pain and no war. Everyone in the community is given the perfect assignment, so no one has any choices. Jonas, who turns twelve, receives the assignment of the future giver. With this position, Jonas will hold memories of the good and bad of life, with this knowledge there is no going back.

3. Critical Analysis
In this intriguing story by Lowry, he creates a world that has no pain and suffering. Ran by a committee of elders, they are responsible for building a community where everyone is assigned the perfect job, marriage, and children. On Jonas’ twelfth birthday he receives the prestigious position of Receiver of Memories, and “it’s the memories of the whole world.” As he begins his new job, Jonas will soon learn all the secrets of the society, and see the world in a different light. Lowry develops a creative story that will have readers seduced by this world of no pain, and question the morals of this city. As Jonas begins to learn what the real world entails by the touch of the Giver, he will have to decide what to do with this new knowledge and make the biggest verdict of what is right and what is wrong. Readers of all ages will be raising many questions in their mind while Lowry captivates his audience in this adventurous novel.

4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Medal
The New York Times: “A powerful and provocative novel.”
School Library Journal: “This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time.”

5. Connections
*Other books by Lois Lowry
GATHERING BLUE. 0385732562
NUMBER THE STARS. 0440237688
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