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Quick answer: The Giver by Lois Lowry is best for ages 12 and up and is often taught in grades 6 to 8. It’s a short, quiet book with no swearing or sex, but one scene showing the “release” of a baby is deeply disturbing, so parents may want to discuss it with their child.
Quick facts
Recommended age: 12+ (some classes read it at 11)
Reading level: Middle school
Genre: Dystopian fiction
Published: 1993; won the 1994 Newbery Medal
Main concerns: Euthanasia of an infant, war memories, mild references to puberty
Movie rating: PG-13 (2014 film)
The Giver is one of the most widely taught novels in American middle schools, and it won the Newbery Medal in 1994. It’s also one of the most frequently challenged books, mostly because of a disturbing scene near the end. It’s short and gentle in tone, but its ideas are powerful. This guide explains what’s in the book and how to talk about it with your child.
Table of Contents
What Is The Giver About?
Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly perfect community without pain, conflict, choice or even color. Every family has two children, jobs are assigned at 12, and people take daily pills to suppress feelings.
At his Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas is chosen to become the next Receiver of Memory. An old man called the Giver begins passing him memories of the past, including joy, love and color, but also war, hunger and pain. As Jonas learns the truth about his community, he must decide what to do with it.
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Content Guide for Parents
| Content | Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Violence | Moderate | A memory of a battlefield with dying soldiers, and the “release” of a baby, which Jonas realizes is killing. |
| Disturbing content | Significant | The scene where Jonas’s father releases a newborn twin is quietly devastating. |
| Sexual content | Very mild | Jonas has “Stirrings,” a dream about a girl, and starts taking a pill to suppress them. |
| Language | None | No swearing. |
| Suicide | Referenced | A former Receiver in training chose to be released. |
| Positive messages | Strong | The value of memory, emotion, choice and individuality. |
Age-by-Age Breakdown
| Age | Is The Giver a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Under 10 | Too abstract and disturbing in places; try Number the Stars when they’re a bit older. |
| 10 to 11 | Possible for thoughtful readers, ideally with a parent to talk to. |
| 12 to 14 | The sweet spot; it’s widely taught in grades 6 to 8. |
| 15 and up | Still rewarding, especially with the companion books. |
Is The Giver Okay for a 10- or 11-Year-Old?
Many 10- and 11-year-olds read The Giver, and some schools teach it in fifth or sixth grade. The book’s tone is calm, and there’s nothing graphic, but the release scene can shock young readers, and the ending is open and thought-provoking.
If your child is sensitive or anxious, read it together or at the same time. The Giver works best when kids have someone to talk to about its big questions.
What Parents Should Know
- It’s frequently challenged. The infant release and themes of suicide and euthanasia are the usual reasons.
- It’s a great discussion book. It raises questions about freedom, feelings and safety.
- The ending is ambiguous. Lowry answers more in the companion book Messenger and in Son.
- It’s short. Most kids finish it in a few days.
- The film changes some details. It ages the characters up and adds more action.
How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready for The Giver
- Read the first chapter yourself. Ten minutes with the opening pages tells you a lot about the tone of The Giver.
- Think about what upsets your child. Every child is different, so match the content table above to your own child rather than to their age alone.
- Ask what they already know. Kids often hear about popular books from friends, so ask what they expect and why they want to read it.
- Offer to read it together. Reading at the same time, or aloud, makes it easy to pause and talk about hard scenes.
- Keep the door open. Tell your child they can stop at any time and come to you with questions.
Questions to Talk About With Your Child
- Would you want to live in Jonas’s community? Why or why not?
- Is it better to feel pain if you can also feel joy?
- Why do you think the community chose “Sameness”?
- What do you think happens at the end?
- Why are memories important to people?
If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet: Similar Books to Try
These picks raise big questions in gentler ways, plus the next book in the Giver Quartet for readers who want more.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: ages 9 and up. Lowry’s other Newbery winner follows a Danish girl helping her Jewish friend escape the Nazis. It’s brave and moving.
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Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix: ages 9 and up. A hidden third child in a strict society dreams of freedom. It’s a great first dystopian book.
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Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry: ages 12 and up. The second book in the Giver Quartet follows a girl with a gift for weaving in a harsh village.
Check price of Gathering Blue on Amazon
Related: dystopian books like The Hunger Games and best books to read to your kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is The Giver appropriate for?
The Giver is usually recommended for ages 12 and up and is commonly taught in grades 6 to 8.
Why is The Giver a banned book?
It’s often challenged because of the scene in which a baby is euthanized, plus themes of suicide and suppressed feelings.
Is The Giver okay for a 10-year-old?
Some 10-year-olds read it, but the release scene can be upsetting. Reading it together is a good idea for younger readers.
Is there anything inappropriate in The Giver?
There’s no swearing or sex. The main concerns are the infant release scene, a war memory and mild references to puberty.
What happens after The Giver?
Lowry continued the story in Gathering Blue, Messenger and Son, which together form the Giver Quartet.