Banned Books: The Giver
The Giver by Lois Lowry is one of my favorite books and this powerful book has also been “book-banned” many times. Questioning authority and feeling deep emotions and developing empathy are cornerstones of this novel by Lois Lowry. I remember feeling deeply moved when I first read this book in sixth grade. I never forgot Jonas’ bravery, his awe at seeing color, experiences of tasting snow and going sledding for the first time, the deep pain he experienced as he first felt war and searing pain, his joy and loneliness as he understood love and family, and his willingness to nurture and sacrifice for baby Gabe.
The Giver is part of a trilogy and has been made into a feature film. As an English teacher, I have taught this book several times to middle school students and read it with students in book clubs. At the end of this post, I have included resources for teachers and students or anyone who wants to think more deeply about the book, including discussion/close reading questions and writing prompts.
Synopsis
In a near-future dystopian society governed by “Sameness” with no room for individuality, color cannot be seen. Memories are held only by one person, The Giver of memories. Emotions are frowned upon and authority is not questioned. Careers, partners, and children are chosen for you, and everyone accepts the status quo (almost). Questioning your perceptions of reality will be punished.
In this world, at the Ceremony of Twelves, Jonas finds out that he is chosen to receive memories. And in those memories, he will feel all of human history: war, pain, love, sacrifice, and more... No other humans have access to all of the memories and feelings of human history. This leaves Jonas questioning his current reality and the structure of their authoritarian society.
With the memories, Jonas begins to feel deep emotions and develop empathy. Once he understands history, he begins to question everything in his daily life, even what his parents tell him.
Jonas will need to be brave to save the life of his society’s most vulnerable, a baby named Gabe who is endangered because he’s not like others. Jonas will have to choose between safety and helping those who need his help the most.
Favorite Quotes
“He knew that there was no quick comfort for emotions like those. They were deeper and they did not need to be told. They were felt.”
"…how could you describe a sled without describing a hill and snow; and how could you describe a hill and snow to someone who had never felt height or wind or that feathery, magical cold?".
"It's like going downhill through deep snow on a sled," he said, finally. "At first it's exhilarating: the speed; the sharp, clear air, but then the snow accumulates, builds up on the runners, and you slow, you have to push hard to keep going and –".
"His face cut through the frigid air as he began the descent, moving through the substance called snow on the vehicle called sled, which propelled itself on what he now knew without doubt to be runners. Comprehending all of those things as he sped downward, he was free to enjoy the breathless glee that overwhelmed him.".
“If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things!”
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
Educational Resources
Do you want a more in-depth reading experience? Are you a teacher who would like a short reading guide or writing prompt?
