Ages 12–151-min guideBig questionsFamily
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Read togetherA great book for big talks. There is a scene where a baby is put to death. Read it together.
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What it’s about
Jonas lives in a community with no pain and no choices. When he is chosen to hold its memories, he sees the cost.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotJonas watches his father kill a newborn with an injection. A girl who trained before Jonas chose to die.
ViolenceSomeA memory of war and a dying soldier.
Big feelingsA lotPain, loneliness and big questions.
Growing upA littleMild mention of 'Stirrings', early feelings of attraction.
LanguageNone
RomanceA littleA small crush.
Why kids like it
It makes kids think, and the ending leaves room to talk.
Free printable quiz
- 1What job is Jonas given?
- 2What does 'release' really mean?
- 3What is the baby’s name?
- 4What is the first color Jonas sees?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
