Posted by Miss Melis on February 2, 2009 at 6:47pm
The Giver by Lois Lowery is a book that I would love to teach as a part of a unit about utopias/dystopias. Although the reading level would suit an elementary-level reader, the themes presented in this novel would stimulate students' higher-level thinking. This book fits in the category of Best of the Best because it meets the six characteristics of great young adult literature.First, it is written from the point of view of an adolescent (a twelve year old boy named Jonas). Jonas' story is told by an omnipresent narrator, but never deviates from the lens of the young protagonist. I believe that students would relate to this character because he is on the brink of self-discovery and is asking questions about the norms of society. Many teenagers are facing the same core challenges Jonas is in the story, even though his challenges may be more fantastic.Second, The Giver is a story that sides with the teens' plight and not the plight of the adults. The adult characters cannot be trusted in the story. Jonas learns gradually that all of the adults living in his community, including his parents, have been lying to him. He has no deep emotional connection to any adult except for the old man who becomes his mentor. This facet of the story aligns with the characteristic of great young adult literature that says that "young people seem able to relate more comfortable with elderly than with middle-aged adults." (Donnelson, 2000) In the end of the story, Jonas realizes that the only person that loves him and whom he loves back authentically is the old man.Third, the plot of this book is very fast-paced. Although the book is not filled with action, the main conflict is introduced immediately and tension is maintained throughout. The book is very short (about 180 pages) and packs a lot of content. The Giver is a quick read and is very engrossing.Fourth, in meeting the characteristic of featuring a variety of subjects, this novel succeeds. A librarian might classify it as a fantasy, and the "Best of the Best" list calls it a science fiction, I would not place it in either of these categories. The Giver reminds me of George Orwell's 1984 or Bradbury's Farenhiet 451. It is literature. But I think it is an asset that this novel may fit within more than one genre. A student who enjoys fantasy novels, for instance, could be pointed to this book as a way to branch out.Fifth, although the book doesn't specifically feature characters from many different cultural backgrounds, it does discuss ideas about "Sameness" and difference. The community that Jonas lives in favors sameness and looks down on differences and tries to eliminate them. This ideology is presented as narrow-minded in the story. Jonas is unique in that he has light eyes while the rest of the community has dark eyes. He can also "see beyond" and is singled out for his special abilities. Anyone who feels separate and different could relate to the main character.Sixth, depending on how a reader interprets the ending of the book, The Giver is optimistic with the characters making worthy accomplishments. The books closes with The Giver helping Jonas escape from the community and the people of the community having to accept the memories that he has left behind. This is Jonas' success. However, a reader could interpret the ending so that Jonas dies from exhaustion and hunger. Even if this was the case, a reader could feel proud of what Jonas was able to do: stand up to what he believed was wrong and change things. An adolescent reader would be inspired by this book.
I cannot agree more about the Giver. In my previous life as a 6th grade english teacher, it was one of my favorite books to have the children read and discuss. I think the themes of the book and the courage of the main character make it perfect Middle School reading. Thank you for reminding me of all the great reasons I will continue to enjoy it and share it with kids. ;-)
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