The Giver — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A PBS Great American Read Top 100 Pick
The Giver, the 1994 Newbery Medal winner, has become one of the most influential novels of our time. The haunting story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Lois Lowry has written three companion novels to The Giver, including Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Giver appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains themes of violence, including child abuse, murder, and euthanasia, particularly in the context of the community's practice of 'release'. These elements are described as disturbing and are central to the narrative's critique of the society's moral choices. The book contains unsettling themes, including the emotional and moral implications of a society that eliminates pain and choice. The realization of the darker aspects of the community can be unnerving for readers.
Does The Giver have violence?
The book contains themes of violence, including child abuse, murder, and euthanasia, particularly in the context of the community's practice of 'release'. These elements are described as disturbing and are central to the narrative's critique of the society's moral choices.
Does The Giver have scary content?
The book contains unsettling themes, including the emotional and moral implications of a society that eliminates pain and choice. The realization of the darker aspects of the community can be unnerving for readers.
Does The Giver have religious themes?
The book has been interpreted in various ways regarding religion. Some readers see it as a critique of organized religion, while others find supportive elements of faith. However, the narrative does not explicitly promote or critique any specific religion.
Does The Giver have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme in the book. The society's emphasis on 'Sameness' eliminates distinctions, including racial differences, but does not engage with issues of race or racism explicitly.
Does The Giver have profanity?
There is no profanity in the book. The society depicted in 'The Giver' does not use curse words, reflecting the controlled nature of their language and communication.
Does The Giver have climate change?
The book explores themes of climate control as part of the society's effort to eliminate natural variations and problems. This raises questions about the implications of such control on the environment and human experience.
Does The Giver have sexual identity?
The book includes mild references to sexual desire, referred to as 'stirrings', and discusses how the community suppresses these feelings through medication. However, explicit sexual content is not a focus of the narrative.
Does The Giver have gender roles?
The book presents a society where gender roles are equalized, with both men and women performing the same jobs. However, it also critiques the lack of individuality and choice, which can be seen as a commentary on gender roles.
Does The Giver have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes explicitly present in the book. While some reviews mention LGBTQ+ representation in broader discussions, there is no direct content in 'The Giver' that addresses LGBTQ+ issues.
