The Giver By Lois Lowry

Brief Overview:
In a future-like world, everything seems perfect with set routines, jobs, no hate, no choice, no suffering, and no fear. When Jonas goes through the twelve ceremony, his whole world changes and takes on a bigger responsibility he never knew existed. He soon experiences the feeling of choice, fear, joys, and life itself. Life is no longer black and white, but also shades of grey (and color).

Teaching suggestions:

Key vocabulary:
Ceremony
Community
Committee
Courage
Elders
Freedom
Individuality
Integrity
Wisdom

Before Reading:  While introducing this novel to the class, discuss how different it is from the society we live in. Ask the students what elements or characteristics a "perfect society" may consist of and do they think it's possible that such a society could ever exist?

During Reading: While the children read throughout the novel, have them keep a journal and record the following things:
For each chapter, write a brief summary. Write a reflection to what has happened and any connections (text to self, world, or text). Encourage them to connect with how Jonas may be feeling throughout the novel. They should also include any questions, comments, and write any words they may not know. Then to sum it up, the children will write a prediction of what will happen next. (In the next journal entry, students can reflect back on their previous predictions and whether or not their predictions were correct.)

Also for discussion, ask students as you proceed through the chapters:
"Have you changed your mind about what a "perfect world" could be like?"
"What are some elements you would change from your previous thoughts?"

After Reading: The ending of this novel can seem unclear as to whether or not Jonas and Gabriel survive. Since students have been predicting throughout, also have students build off the ending of the novel and create their own endings to The Giver giving a more clear but captivating ending!

Extra Resources:http://www.loislowry.com/giver.html
http://www.shmoop.com/the-giver/summary.html


Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Reissue ed. New York: Delacorte Books For Young Readers, 2006.