The Giver Series

Lowry, Lois. 1993. The Giver. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston. ISBN 0395645662
The Giver is the story of a community that wants sameness among the people. Occupations, spouses, and even children are assigned to the people. When Jonas is selected to be “The Giver” or the memory for the people he begins to doubt that the decision for sameness is what is best. He learns of many injustices in the community just to keep everyone the same. He is certain that it would be a good thing if people were allowed to have choices. In a conversation that Jonas has with The Giver about a baby he says, “what if we could hold up things that were bright red, or bright yellow and he could choose? Instead of the Sameness?” The Giver responds, “He might make wrong choices.” Then Jonas responds “Oh I see what you mean it doesn’t matter for a new child’s toy. But later it does matter, doesn’t it? We don’t dare let people make choices of their own.” This is the turning point for Jonas in his thinking and from then on he begins to have doubts about this “perfect” community. This book is captivating and though provoking. The end of the story is filled with hope as the reader is allowed to finish the story on their own.

Lowry, Lois. 2005. Gathering Blue. Bantam Books. New York, NY. ISBN 0553494783
The second book in The Giver Series, Gathering Blue, is not a continuation of the first book. It is about a new community and a new group of people with secrets and a desire for physical perfection. This book begins with a great hook as we find Kira sitting in “the field” with her recently deceased mother. This story has several twists in the plot and readers begin collecting clues to solve some mysteries in Kira’s life. The plot is easily followed and has a continual drive. Readers will fall in love with Kira and her desire for the simple life as well as her love for weaving. Along with Kira; the characters Thomas, Christopher, and “little tykes” Joe and Matt are well developed and so lovable. Lowry has created another compelling and thought provoking community in a story that will entertain readers from beginning to end.

Lowry, Lois. 2004. Messenger. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston. ISBN 0618404414
The final book in The Giver Series, The Messenger, is a continuation of the second book. In this book the story centers around Matty and “Seer” (Christopher). In this book Matty is still living with Seer and their village wants to stop new people from coming in. Matty is sent through the forest back to Kira to bring her to her father before it is too late. This is the book where readers will understand the gift that Kira has in her weaving as well as the gift that Matty has. This final book is filled with suspense, wonder, amazement, and love as Lowry brings this series to a close. The vivid descriptions of the forest, Kira, and their journey are amazing and will allow readers to connect to the story. This series of books is a must for all elementary, middle, and high school collections. It is a great series for teaching kids to think and to stand up for what they believe in.