The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Turtleback Books 2002
Book 1 of The Giver Quartet
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- individuality vs. conformity
- memory and history
- choice and free will
- identity
- ethics and morality
- authority and control
- family and community
- courage
About this book
In a tightly controlled future community, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen for special training that opens his eyes to truths his world has hidden. As he learns from the mysterious Giver, Jonas begins to question rules that once seemed perfect. This thought-provoking classic invites readers to consider individuality, memory, and choice. Ideal for middle schoolers who enjoy dystopian stories that spark big discussions.
Setting: a controlled, futuristic community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Giver right for my child?
Yes — The Giver is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include individuality vs. conformity, memory and history, choice and free will.
How long does it take to read The Giver?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Giver takes around 4.4h to finish. The book has 43,617 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Giver have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Giver has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 The Giver?
The Giver has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.