The Giver by Lois Lowry

I enjoyed the fanatical tail of Jonas in his sterile and orderly world. I found it to be very entertaining and insightful. It not only was about the adventures of a boy taking his place in life but it hit on several deeper issues of humanity.

Lois Lowry sets up a very logical and yet imaginative world. As all good Si-Fi and fiction she doesn’t stop there but makes it relatable to life. Her ideas of sameness and the way they are portrayed bring up several questions within our own society. Her book is beautifully crafted in descriptive details and precise diction. She does a brilliant job of showing her reader and not telling them.

I would use this book in my classroom. This would be a great book to use with upper grade students, especially those students who are 12, the same age as Jonas. This book would bring about some great discussions on sameness and the idea of release. It can even lend itself into some philosophical conversations on what is right and what is wrong and how do we know. I would recommend this book to teachers.

Published: 1999