A Reading Guide to the Giver (Scholastic Bookfiles)

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Summary: Jonas thinks his world is perfect, but the past was better.
Review: Jonas awaits his new job and when he is elected as receiver of memeories, he is able to see into the past. Now he knows his world isn't as perfect as he thought and it is up to him and the Giver to change their community

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Summary: Brilliant!
Review: I had originally perchased this book for my 9yr. old son. I'm so glad I got to it first. I have very little time to read and when I do I want it be a book worthy of my time. What a true find this book was! It is one of the best books I've come across in a long time. And, even better, it's a book that trandscends all ages and all time. *Just for the record I believe Jonas made the correct choice

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Summary: Lowry's Best!!!
Review: I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. Defininitly one of, if not the best fantasy book I've ever read. It's exciting but has a good morale, I reccomened it to teenagers like me and adults

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Summary: A beautifully written story of interest to teens and adults
Review: Lois Lowry has crafted a book that is as challenging for adults as it is appropriate for middle-schoolers. THE GIVER is touching and thought-provoking. It is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to read a book that they will both enjoy and find moving. It opens many avenues pof discussion including religion, morality, mortality, diversity vs. sameness....Thank you Lois Lowry

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Summary: I think it is the BEST BOOK EVER!!!
Review: I thought it was a really good book. I think a lot of people should read this book because it helps you understand different lifestyles better. This book is about a boy named Jonas that lives in the community and has been selected by the Giver and the Chief Elders to be the new reciever of memory. At first Jonas feels a little weird about being the new reciever, but then later in the story he learns to like the memories that he recieves (except the bad ones.) Jonas did not enjoy getting all the sad memories.Once Jonas starts getting these memories there is no turning back. Can Jonas learn to live with these memories? Will Jonas have the heart to pass them on? READ AND FIND OUT!!

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Summary: Thank You for a great story!!
Review: A Thank You to the author of this fantastic story. A friend suggested this book a while back, I'm sorry I did not read it sooner. Teachers of Jr. High to High School take note

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Summary: An Amazing Book. I love it !!!
Review: This book, to me, was another happy-go-lucky book with a perfect society. Until the character "The Giver" exposed to Jonas how cruel the actual world was, and used to be. The truth about release, and how this one receiver carries such a huge responsibility. The last 10 chapters are what makes this book a certain classic. A GREAT book with a riviting and unexpected ending. A must read for anyone who likes books at all

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Summary: A young boy's discovery of his utopia is bittersweet.
Review: Lowry's books have been sending me to new worlds since I was very young and first picked up her Anastasia series. Now, as a first year English teacher, her books are always on the top of my list as recommendations for my students. The Giver is no different. Lowry's simple style of writing is easy to read, yet it pulls you in completely. The Giver focuses on Jonas, a twelve year old boy who makes a tough decision concerning his future in "the community." Reminding the reader of certain elements of Anthem (Rand) and The Handmaid's Tale (Atwood), Lowry spins a tale of forgiveness and self-discovery. It is definitely recommended not just for my teen readers, but for anyone who has ever wondered what a utopian society is like

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Summary: author's comment about the ending of The Giver
Review: So many people ask me what the ending of "The Giver" means. What happened? Did they die? Live? Is it Christian in its symbolism? As the author, I purposely made the ending ambiguous and prefer to leave it that way because readers bring so many of their own beliefs to a book. If the author says she intended Christian theology in its interpretation, then what about all the Jewish people who see it as a coming-of-age story, and give it as a Bar Mitzvah gift? If I say: No, no Christianity intended - then what about the monastery where Trappist monks have read it because they found theology in its pages? So bear with me, readers; YOU decide what you want the ending to mean. (I do feel that it's an optimistic conclusion, though.

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Summary: A book my students couldn't put down!!
Review: Choosing a book for a grade 7 novel study that will keep the students interested is harder than it sounds. The Giver, however, was so popular with the students it was hard to get some of them to put the book away when reading time was over. One mother even "complained" that her son wouldn't come to the dinner table because he wanted to finish the book! Children from the ages of 11-15 have an easy time relating to this book and get drawn in to the amazing situations in it. At 13 years of age, Jonas is being given his "assignment", the career he will have for the rest of his life. Students love to talk about how they would feel if faced with the same concept, and if forced to conform to the same strict rules of society. I would highly recommend this book for any youth. Many of my students have been reluctant readers, but now I can't get them to stop!!!