The Giver

Set in a completely controlled, soothingly pleasant society, THE GIVER takes readers into a world free of such things as conflict, hate, and disappointment. At age 12 all residents are given their Assignment, or their adult role in the community--some are Nurturers who care for the young children, others are Laborers, still others are Doctors, and so on. Jonas, however, is given a very special Assignment; he is the new Receiver, which means that he will hold all the memories of life. The retiring Receiver, who will now be known as The Giver, will literally place these memories into Jonas' mind. As Jonas receives memories from The Giver, he begins to understand more about the community in which he lives, and starts to question if a society without a true understanding of the complexities and realities of life is really so perfect after all. A reflection on individualism and freedom of choice, THE GIVER acknowledges and celebrates the importance of both the positive and negative experiences of a fully lived life. Winner of the 1994 Newbery Medal.