Giver Study Guide (Grades 7-9)

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER 1994, REGINA MEDAL, WILLIAM ALLEN WHITE AWARD, ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS, ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK, BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK HONOR BOOK, BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION TEACHERS' TOP 100 FOR CHILDREN, #44 GREAT AMERICAN READ (TOP 100) Jonas's community is a perfect society. There is no pain or hunger, everyone is provided for, and there are no problems. A set of Rules governs everything from the formation of families, to standards for behavior, to the age at which a child receives his bicycle. Jonas is an Eleven, and like all other members of his age group, he will soon take part in the Ceremony of Twelve, in which he is assigned to a particular job for the rest of his life in the community.  Jonas is chosen to be the next Receiver of Memory, the most important member of the Committee of Elders. The Receiver of Memory is the only member of the community who can recall the past, before the community adopted "sameness" as a solution to its problems. During their times together, the elderly man becomes the Giver, passing on the memories and the knowledge Jonas will need in order to gain the wisdom necessary to lead the community. Jonas soon discovers  "sameness" has erased not only color and weather, but love and compassion. When a baby is scheduled to be "released" he devises a plan to flee, sacrificing all to save the child and give memory back to the community so once again all will understand right from wrong. An excellent book choice to teach sanctity of life! Content Warning: Mature Themes  Through Lois Lowry's dystopian classic, students will learn:  About the Author: Learn about Lois Lowry.  Background Information: Utopias and dystopias. Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.  Literary Techniques: Setting, dictionary, connotative, foreshadow, antonym, synonym, conflict, protagonist, antagonist, resolution, theme, motif. Moral Lessons and Character Values:  Authority, family, rules, leadership, wisdom, laughter and joy, freedom, choices, advice, pain and suffering, sanctity of life, death, free choice, body of Christ, love one another, sacrifice. Activities and Writing Assignments:  Coming-of-age, careers, class discussions, writing, multiple essay choices. Suggestions for Further Reading:  We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, The Giver by Lois Lowry.  All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!  Features:  Large 8.5x11 format is convenient to read and easy on the eyes Every question has plenty of whitespace for student’s answers Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment Provides a permanent record of the student’s work Convenient, removable answer key included for the teacher!  Recommended Grade Level: 7-9 Setting: Dystopian, Futuristic For the Book By: Lois Lowry Paperback, ISBN 9781586093358, SKU 1091506