Re: the giver

[Miriam Mann <n103@ODIN.CC.PDX.EDU>]

The Giver is set in the future where there are no memories or emotions.
At the Ceremony of 12 Jonas is assigned his life work, as are the other
12-year-olds. He is to be the one person the holds the memories, he is to
be The Giver. As Jonas is trained he comes to realize that the society he
lives in is not so perfect, and ultimately makes a tough decision.

It's been about a year since I've read this book, so my description might
not be exactly accurate. I enjoyed the book, it is really very thought
provoking. I find teachers (and adults in general) either really like it
or don't, there is no middle ground. I think it would be a good
read-aloud for grades 5-up. I've had 5th and 6th grade teachers read it
aloud to their classes, but I don't get requests from students. There
aren't a lot of really quality titles that are set in the future for
elementary (in my opinion) children, but this is one and fully deserves
the Newbery.

Miriam Mann, Library Media Specialist
Sandy and Kelso Grade School
Sandy, OR  97055
503-668-8065

On Tue, 4 Oct 1994, Mary Jo Heller wrote:

> several months ago when this book was new, there was a great discussion
> about this book, which I read and deleted.  Now we have a teacher who
> wants to know what was said as she is really excited about the book.
> would anyone like to summarize it for me?  I/we would really appreciate it!
>