Son
by Lois Lowry
HMH Books For Young Readers 2014
Book 4 of The Giver Quartet
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Book 4 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- motherhood
- identity
- freedom vs. control
- sacrifice
- resilience
- belonging
- hope
- community
About this book
In a tightly controlled community, Claire is assigned to be a Birthmother—but unlike others, she forms a powerful bond with the baby she delivers. When her child is taken to be raised by a family unit, Claire’s quiet longing becomes a determined quest that leads her far beyond the only world she has known. Spanning years and landscapes, this companion to The Giver explores a mother’s love, identity, and the cost of freedom. Ideal for middle school readers who enjoy thought‑provoking dystopian adventures with emotional depth.
Setting: a regimented utopian community and the wider world beyond, including a remote seaside village
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Son right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Son. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include motherhood, identity, freedom vs. control. Note: this is book 4 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Son?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Son takes around 9.9h to finish. The book has 98,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Son have an AR quiz?
Yes — Son has an AR quiz available, worth 15 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Son?
Son has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.