The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Ernst Klett Sprachen 1998
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 and conformity
- memory and history
- freedom versus control
- moral choice
- identity
- coming of age
- empathy
- family and community
About this book
In a seemingly perfect community without pain or choices, twelve-year-old Jonas is selected to become the Receiver of Memory and learns what his world has been missing. As he trains with the Giver, he discovers powerful truths about emotion, history, and freedom. Thought-provoking and accessible, this classic invites readers to question rules and think for themselves. Ideal for mature middle-grade readers who enjoy dystopian stories and big ideas.
Setting: a tightly 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 and conformity, memory and history, freedom versus control.
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.