The Giver by Lois Lowry

“The Giver” is one of those “guarantee” books. I can give it to almost any kid and they will like it. I think I’ve only had two kids ever tell me they didn’t like it since it first arrived. To this day, it remains one of my favorites. The Newbery winner for 1994, this fairly sci-fi novel stunned me with its broad appeal. The reason for its universality, however, is clearly the outstanding writing and the surprising twists and turns. The book has fresh ideas and approaches even everyday activities from a different angle. Jonas, a young boy in a very authoritative world (seemingly post-apocalyptic), is awarded the unique role of becoming his community’s next “Giver”. The Giver is a wise soul who holds the memories of the people. It is in these memories that Jonas begins to struggle against the controlling yoke of his world. Without ruining too many surprises, he sees things he didn’t even realize were missing – as readers you may be surprised as well. The ending has a bit of controversy, and although the author has since stated “what really happens” it is still open-ended. The book can be taken on face value but also has tremendous symbolism and can therefore be appreciated by both the young and old. I haven’t read “Gathering Blue” or “The Messenger”, said to be companion novels rather than sequels, but word has it they are worth the time.