Friday, February 13, 2009

A realistic Fantasy

Citation:

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Delacorte Press, 1993.

Awards:

This book has received many awards and lots of recognition from the literary world. Listed below are some of the more notable awards The Giver has received.

The 1994 Newberry Medal

The 1996 William Allen White Award

American Library Association listings for: Best Book for Young Adults,

Notable Children’s Book, 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990 – 2000.

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

Winner of the Regina Medal

Booklist Editor’s Choice

A School Library Journal Book of the Year

Annotation:

Sixes wear the back zip jackets to learn interdependence. Sevens have front button jackets to practice independence. Eights have pockets on their jackets to learn responsibility. Nines get to ride bicycles and do not have to wear hair ribbons. When you turn twelve you get your assignment. Adults live in family units or with the other childless adults. When it is time they go to the House of the Old. Ultimately one by one, everyone will be released. This is the world of The Giver, or is it?

Review:

If you have not read this book, make it the top title on your “What to read next” list. This story is sure to make you reconsider how you think about the world you live in, the relationships you have, and the choices you make. Lowry expresses a fascinating approach to living in a programmed society through the eyes of a young man named Jonas. Although the book focuses on issues such as euthanasia, isolation, love, and independent thought, it ultimately shares a hopeful message. The Giver is a must read.

Genre: Fantasy

(Image credit: www.wikipedia.com)

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