Content levels
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
At the age of twelve, Jonas, a young boy from a seemingly utopian, futuristic world, is singled out to receive special training from The Giver, who alone holds the memories of the true joys and pain of life.
Is The Giver appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 11 and up.
This classic dystopian novel explores mature themes including euthanasia, loss of freedom, and controlled society through gentle but thought-provoking storytelling. Some emotionally intense scenes involving memories of war, death, and suffering, but handled age-appropriately.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include emotional abuse, death, and death of child (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
A boy discovers the dark secrets behind his perfect world when he's chosen to receive memories no one else can have.