The Giver:

• Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1993.
• Genre: Coming of Age/Science fiction/Dystopian Literature
• Awards: Newberry Medal (1994), William Allen White Award (1996), Booklist Editiors' Choice, Regina Medal

Similar to other works of dystopic fiction, The Giver is set in a futuristic, seemingly Utopian society. However, as the main character Jonas learns more about his community he comes to see it as more of a police state than a happy, regulated society. When Jonas undergoes the Ceremony of Twelve he is assigned to be a receiver of memory due to his ability to see beyond. This ability allows Jonas to see color and hear music. As Jonas begins to receive memories from the community member known as the Giver, he starts to become more despondent from his friends and family. This is mainly due to the honesty and pain of memories from before the community system Jonas knows was in place. Jonas learns that concepts of family, love, joy, etc. are distorted and virtually nonexistent in the society which Jonas has been raised. During Jonas meetings with the Giver, his family begins taking care of an orphan, Gabriel. Jonas' father, a Nurturer, has been given the duty of taking care of Gabriel in order to make the sickly baby well. When Jonas learns that Gabriel maybe let go from the community, he kidnaps the infant and attempts to escape the society and release the memories that have been kept from the rest of the populous.

Lowery presents a story rich with social commentary. The community in this book presents the reader with a citizen base stripped of many of the necessary experiences and emotions of the human race. In doing so, Lowery asks the reader to consider if it is possible for a community to erase something like violence and still be able to feel joy. On a contemporary level, Lowery questions the role of censorship. She suggests that it is detrimental for any society to censor literary materials in light of the significant statements they possess on humanity. These are extremely important issues for adolescent readers to consider.

Additionally, The Giver provides an insightful view of alienation. This is one the most important emotional avenues a work for young adults can explore. Jonas' struggle in coping with the conventions of his society and his family reflect many of the struggles every teen experiences. With the emergence of sexual feelings and a rebellious spirit, Jonas is the image of any young person transitioning into adolescence. Jonas' uncertainty in dealing with almost all of the conflicts that arise in the novel make him a perfect archetype of youth and transition. It is with his decision to save Gabriel from the society that he confirms himself as an emotionally mature protector and supporter of humanity. He takes on the responsibility of another human life. While this might be a jump from an average teenager's track to maturity, Jonas' actions reflect the selflessness and respect for life, which all adolescents should develop.

• Classroom Use: I could see this novel being used as an individual reading or a whole group reading. This novel is very easy to read and would be great for a variety of different reading levels due to the depth of its message. While it may appeal more to boys, it contains social material which would be great for sparking class discussions or assignments concerning contemporary social issues (i.e. race, gender, censorship, etc.).
• Appropriate Age Range: 12 and above. I think this novel should be read as early as possible in schools. The issues that it presents are very relevant and provide a great bridge to classics like Brave New World and 1984.

My imagination was continuously stirred by this novel, which is a clear sign of good Science Ficton writing. Additionally, the social concepts presented in this work were scarily relevant to the state of eduction today. This is one young adult novel that I hope everyone reads. It is fertile ground for discussing important issues in the relatively safe context of fiction.

Brian Lee