Overview
The Giver is a well-known dystopian novel that’s been read in the classroom for years and has had a lasting impact on tons of readers. It follows a young boy named Jonas who lives in a society built on sameness and suppression. Jonas has been given a unique role to receive memories of how society used to be before the powers-that-be began tightly controlling every aspect of life.
This novel is deeply moving and filled with valuable lessons about individuality and freedom. But some of it may be intense for some readers. Here’s what parents should know.
Harmful Content ❗️
Parents should know that The Giver is a very emotionally heavy reading experience, and it grapples with some big philosophical ideas. This controlled society experiences peace and perfect health, but it comes at a cost.
When Jonas is shown memories of a society without this control, he sees how humans tend to hurt themselves and each other, creating dysfunctional lives. But he also sees the beauty of dancing, music, and even color. The reader is challenged, along with Jonas, to weigh these things and consider what’s most important for a healthy society.
Language
The book does not have any strong language or profanity.
Sex
There’s no explicit sexual content. There are brief mentions of puberty and sexual curiosity, but the community suppresses these things with medications.
Violence
Any violence in the book is not graphic or overly intense. However, the community practices something called “releasing,” which the reader eventually finds out refers to euthanasia for those deemed unfit for their society (including infants and the elderly). This concept may be unsettling for some and may require adult guidance to process it rightly.
Positive Value 💫
This book sparks thoughtful questions around ideas such as authority, personal freedom, and moral responsibilities. Children who read this are encouraged to think critically about why we should value individuality and human connection by putting themselves in Jonas’s shoes. Jonas is a curious and empathetic young boy who bravely resists the rules that he eventually realizes are suppressive. There are tons of powerful lessons for kids in this story, while simultaneously being an entertaining and attention-grabbing read.
So, should my kid read it?
This book is most appropriate for ages 12 and up, especially with guidance from a parent or teacher to fully understand these deep concepts.
