The Giver
Lois Lowry
Readers rate it 4.0 (3K on Hardcover)
- Pages
- 225 pages
- Published
- 2012
Content report card
What's inside
Violence
Fighting, weapons, death
Language
Swearing, crude humor
Sexual content
Romance intensity, nudity
LGBTQ+ themes
Presence of characters or themes
Scary or mature
Horror, trauma, heavy themes
Substance use
Alcohol, drugs, smoking
What it offers
Positive messages
Kindness, courage, honesty, resilience
Positive role models
Characters who model good judgment and growth
Educational value
History, science, culture, how the world works
A note for parents
The Giver is a thought-provoking dystopian classic that explores themes of conformity, choice, and individuality through a protagonist discovering uncomfortable truths about his seemingly perfect society. While there is minimal profanity and no sexual content, the book contains mature themes including infanticide (referenced rather than graphic), euthanasia, and psychological distress that warrant a reading age of 10+. The story rewards empathy, critical thinking, and moral courage, making it an excellent springboard for discussions about ethics, freedom, and what makes a society just.
Analyzed by AI · 1 hour ago
Parent age guide
Is “The Giver” right for your kid?
Ready from about age 10.
From about 9, okay with a grown-up nearby.
For younger readers
- Scary or mature content is moderate (3/5) — a bit much at 9; fine with a grown-up nearby.
- Suggested for ages 10+.
Based on this book's content report card and typical guidance by age. You know your reader best.
For your family
Checking the fit for your readers…
Where to borrow
Checking free sources…
From the publisher
"Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives."-- "Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives."--
Shelved under
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION
- Not Diverse Characters
- Strong Character Development
- Loveable Characters
- A mix driven
- Character driven
- Unloveable Characters
- Plot driven
- Young adult
- Diverse Characters
- Purchase
- reflective
ISBN 9780544336261 · HMH Books for Young Readers