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The Giver

by Lois Lowry · The Giver Quartet

A profound, award-winning dystopian novel that challenges young readers to question the price of a perfectly ordered society

Kid
72
/ 100
Parent
81
/ 100
Teacher
87
/ 100
Best fit: ages 10-13 Still works: ages 9-14

Our Take

A teacher's most powerful text and a parent's dream for moral development, but its literary tone and deliberate pacing make it more classroom catalyst than playground phenomenon — a book kids respect deeply rather than devour for fun.

✓ Perfect for

  • thoughtful readers who enjoy asking 'what if' questions about society
  • kids ready for deeper themes about freedom, choice, and moral courage
  • classroom book clubs and family reading programs
  • readers who love dystopian fiction or philosophical stories

Book facts

Format
middle grade novel
ISBN
9780544336261
Series
The Giver Quartet
Illustration
none

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