The Giver by Lois Lowry

1994 Newbery Medal
1. Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395645662.

2. Summary
Jonas accepts the seemingly perfect society in which he lives. There is no pain, no war, no envy, no hatred, no inequality. At the Ceremony where all twelve-year olds are given their life assignments, Jonas is singled out to be the new Receiver of Memory, a mysterious and rare assignment. He begins studying with the previous Receiver, who is now the Giver, and learns from him that the Receiver holds the community's memories--memories of war and pain and pleasure, allowing everyone to escape into ignorant contentment. As the Giver transfers more memories to Jonas, Jonas comes to realize that his community is not what it seems to be, and in the end, he must decide how to deal with his disturbing, newfound knowledge.

3. Critical Analysis
This haunting fantasy/science fiction novel paints the picture of a diseased society ignorant of its own cancer. Once Jonas becomes the Receiver and experiences pleasure, color, and even intense pain, the utopia is revealed as a lie. Jonas "wakes up" to what the people have given up to have their perfect society: emotions, individuality, and choice. Reminiscent of Ayn Rand's ANTHEM, George Orwell's 1984, and Ray Bradbury's FARENHEIT 451, THE GIVER makes the archetypal dystopia and its themes accessible to younger readers through an adolescent protagonist with whom they can identify. The questioning of authority that is inherent in any dystopic novel will appeal to young adults who themselves are at a stage in life when rebellion against the establishment is common as they struggle to assert their independence.

Lowry skillfully manipulates language to reflect the numb sterility of the community. Homes are "dwellings," families are "units," and even Jonas's seven year-old sister refers to boys as "males." The stuffed elephant that she cradles as she sleeps is her "comfort object" and was ritualistically bestowed upon her. The rituals, and there are many, are given capitalized, formal names (the Naming, where the number assigned to each newchild is replaced by a name; the Ceremony of Twelves; Release).

With a well-constructed, easy-to-follow plot, Lowry builds up a so-called perfect society, then tears it down with Jonas's horrified shock upon witnessing a Release. She gives him a believable way out of the community he can no longer endure and offers a hopeful ending. THE GIVER explores some of the deepest needs (love, memory, free will) and fears (disillusionment, mind control, isolation) of humanity, especially young adults, and challenges them to examine important political and social issues.

4. Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly--"Lowry is once again in top form... unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers."

Children's Literature--"This is a stunning, provocative science fiction story that will inspire discussion."

ALAN Review--"Just as Lowry's Number the Stars (which received the 1990 Newbery Medal) portrays the Danish people's triumph over Nazi persecution, The Giver engages the reader in an equally inspiring victory over totalitarian inhumanity."

School Library Journal--"This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time."

Kirkus Reviews--"Wrought with admirable skill--the emptiness and menace underlying this Utopia emerge step by inexorable step: a richly provocative novel."

5. Connections
*Other books that illustrate the utopian/dystopian archetype

Bradbury, Ray. 1953. FARENHEIT 451. Del Rey. ISBN 0345342968.
Huxley, Aldous. 1932. BRAVE NEW WORLD. Harper Collins. ISBN 0060929871.
Orwell, George. 1949. 1984. Harcourt Brace. ISBN 0452262933.
Rand, Ayn. 1937 (England) 1949 (U.S.). ANTHEM. ISBN 0451191137.

Along with THE GIVER, these titles can be used in a multi-title book unit about utopias/dystopias. Students can find similarities and motifs across the titles to discover the archtypal elements. Preview the novels for content, however. I have used ANTHEM and ANIMAL FARM with 8th grade gifted and talented students. Just keep in mind that all these novels are adult fiction.

Students may also make connections to current events. These novels should spark discussion.

*Companion Books to THE GIVER (all by Lois Lowry)

GATHERING BLUE. 2000. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618055819.
MESSENGER. 2004. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618404414.

*Other books by Lois Lowry:
GOSSAMER. 2006. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618685502.
NUMBER THE STARS. 1989. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395510600. Newbery Medal Winner.
THE SILENT BOY. 2003. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0440419808.

*For younger readers
The ANASTASIA KRUPNIK series. Yearling.