The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 2017
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
- freedom and choice
- identity
- authority and control
- ethics and morality
- coming of age
About this book
In a carefully controlled future community where pain and choice have been erased, twelve-year-old Jonas is selected for a role that exposes him to memories of the world as it once was. As he trains with the mysterious Giver, Jonas begins to see his home—and himself—with new eyes. The story invites readers to question rules, think deeply about freedom and feelings, and consider what makes a life meaningful. A thought-provoking classic for strong middle-grade readers who enjoy imaginative worlds and big ideas.
Setting: a tightly controlled, futuristic community that appears utopian on the surface
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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, freedom and choice.
How long does it take to read The Giver?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Giver takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 43,000 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.