The Giver American Classics Edition: A Newbery Award Winner

By Lois Lowry

Book Overview

A Newbery Medal Winner

"A powerful and provocative novel." --New York Times

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, HarperCollins is proud to present this library of American classics drawn from our storied catalog. The Giver has become one of the most influential novels of our time. Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.

Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birthmothers produce newchildren, who are assigned to appropriate family units. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. Everyone is the same. Except Jonas.

Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Gradually, Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test--when he must try to save someone he loves--he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0063481308
• ISBN13: 9780063481305
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 and higher

Customer Reviews

My favorite book

The giver is my favorite book. People who live science fiction should definitely read this book. And if you like this book, you should read the other books in the giver series. The second book, Gathering Blue, is (in my opinion) better than The Giver.

the best book of my life

i haaaaaaaaaatttttttttteeeeeeee iiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Makes You Think

This book makes you think... I feel like I was reading about a communist cult. I don't agree with this being a novel for middle school age children. Especially with what we are living thru right now.

Must buy!

My son loved this book so much he asked me to see if there were more that either followed the story / characters or were written by the same author. So here I am, looking for some, but figured I’d let other parents know this is a great read, very interesting and amazing story telling! With that said, definitely recommend it!

Childhood favorite book, The Giver!

I am happy to find the original cover I remember of this all time classic read. Book was like new just as described, well taken cared of. I'm also excited to introduce this book to my kids, such a great open mind book.

Must Read

Absolutely amazing story. Easy read. Had to watch the movie right after. Will be reading the rest of the Giver Quartet.

Fabulous in its simplicity

So much better than the movie. The book is simply and beautifully told. A book to read in one sitting and then sit and reflect on the deep abiding truths that are left stirring in your heart and mind.

Great read!

Great book. I read it when I was in school a long time ago. I wanted to reread it and it was the best thing I did. I understood the story better and the characters and overall enjoyed remembering certain parts of the book.

Great Book

Read this Many years ago and recently read again and shared my book with a friend. Had this book from a previous purchase, great book.

Beloved

One of my favorite books. It turned me on to the anti-utopian books that have become a favorite genre of mine. Beautiful concepts and good writing.

good

i watched the movie i got this for free

i hate it

i hate this book

Good quality, as expected

This arrived with some folded page corners and a small script on the inside cover page. But I rabbit ear the corners myself so I'm not concerned. I ordered "good" quality and I'm happy with how it arrived! I love buying used!

A Must Read!!!

Thought provoking & moving!!! A Classic for all for all ages 13+ to adults.

The Best Book You Will Ever Read!!!

Everyone will love this book. The author writes in such a beautiful and vivid way that you feel like you are experiencing the adventure along with the main characters. Very clean, no swearing. Everyone in my family from 8 all the way up to 82 loved that book. If you have any hesitation, RELEASE THEM NOW AND BUY THE BOOK!! You will not regret it.

Dystopia at its finest

Like dystopian worlds imagined; fear our world turning into one? This book is excellent. The movie is good too, but the book is always better.

Neat premise; very similar to movie

If you’ve seen the movie it’s almost not worth the read as it’s short and is very similar. If you’ve not seen the movie and wish for a one night bizarre read- go for it!

Book for all ages-One of the best books I have ever read!!

Shows us what has become important in our lives against what we are forgetting that are our true reasons for living!! Beautifully, clearly written. You feel the characters' pain. A wonderful book for any age-timeless and thought provoking!! Loved every page!!!

The giver is a great book.

Simply amazing story. Wonderfully told.

The Giver

This book is about a kid named Jonas, who lives in a controlled world, with no fear, no pain, or no war. You might think he lives in a perfect world, Right? Wrong! In the Community, there is no choices, colors, pleasure, weather,love, emotions, etc. You can not choose your job, spouse, or anything like that. In the "Ceremony of Twelve", 12 year olds are assigned a job in the Community. Jonas is singled out, and gets special training from The Giver. When Jonas becomes the "Receiver of Memory", The Giver gives him the memories of the far past; memories of pain, fear, war, pleasure, colors,and love. (This book takes place in the future) Jonas receives the truth.......This book is VERY original in it's plot, and it is interesting to see the point of view in Jonas's controlled world. I like how Lois Lowry decribes the memories that The Giver gave to him. She also well describes the way Jonas is feeling. It is a very thought-provoking book, which really makes you ponder. The ending sort of leaves you hanging though. I have read this book 3 times, and every time you read it, you understand more of this remarkable book. It just never gets dull. I read it first when I was in 4th grade,(I'm a good reader) although I would recommend it to kids 11 and up. 5 STARS!