Would You Recommend the Book Called the Giver by Louis Lowry to a 5Th Grader?

Me personally would NEVER opt my child out of an assigned book w/out reading it myself, I have to know what and why I don't like something and why I am objecting to it.

If I were you, that would be my starting point. Read it, then you can make an informed decision, eay?

All three of my kids read The Giver in 6th grade English class, together as a class, with the same teacher. The youngest is now in 10th grade.

I generally have never censored what they're reading. We just talk about it. A lot.

:)

Well, if I had a choice between The Giver and Lord of the Flies, I would choose the Giver anytime! Its not a bad book, but it does make kids think. I didn't care for it especially, but for kids who have never had an introduction to self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, then it is a GREAT starting off place.
The big thing here is that society is ruled as the best for everyone and those who do not have the capacity to be "good" enough is then euthanized. This is the scene with the baby. This could spark a discussion about babies who are born with defects or medical problems: cerebral palsy, club foot, handicapped in someway....the thoughts that kids need to start thinking about as they maybe face some of these things in real life.

The other thing is the role of "the giver" who is the person whose job it is to remember everything that came before, including all the violence that drove society to the place they are at now. The main character is chosen to be the next giver, and so he has to decide if he is going to put his own physcial needs and pain ahead of the rest of society's, or if he is going to become the giver and give them all peace while he keeps hell inside for the rest of his life.
I think that there are some really good ideas and ways to make kids think in the book, and so, yes, I would let them read it. I think that just because they don't want to read it is not a good reason to exclude them from it, because really, in life we have to do a lot of things we would rather not, but we dont' really have a choice. School is like that.
I agree with the others, if you are in doubt, read the book, I bet you could do it in one evening, its not that long, and its at a 5th grade level or lower.

Why not read all these books yourself rather than going by what we, or a web site review, or kids say?

The Giver is used in curriculum reading in many schools in fifth-sixth grade level. Ask yourself if the things you think are "disturbing" actually make sense in the context of the book. Bad things happen in a lot of kids' books; the question is, what is that "bad thing" in the book to show, or teach, or illustrate?

It sounds as if your only concern is violence per se -- not violence in the larger context of a story. Books like The Giver and The Hunger Games trilogy are about dystopian societies -- and showing the problems in those societies means showing things that are not nice. You really need to read them for yourself and you also should talk to the teacher about why they use these particular books.

As for The Westing Game -- I can't see why a kid would find it "unsettliing"; did you talk with your kids in detail about exactly what unsettled them and what "unsettled" really means for them? Do you discuss their issues with these books to see if they are just bored by them and say the books are unsettling so they won't have to read them? I found The Westing Game amusing and clever and my daughter loved it last year in fifth grade. Read it and see what YOU think.

But don't go into reading any of these with an agenda that you're reading them just to find ammunition to shoot them down as choices for kids. Read them because they might be good books. Look at violence etc. in the larger context of the stories.

My daughter was in fourth or fifth grade when she read it. She loved it, and I had no problem with her reading it at that age.

Lillym, the sexual reference is when Jonas starts having odd feelings when he's around Fiona. The feelings aren't described in detail but it's obvious from what is written that he has a crush on her and is starting to feel sexually aroused around girls in general and her in particular as he enters puberty. He asks his mother about it and she tells him that those feelings happen to boys at his age, but that there is a pill to stop them.

Our daughter read this in 5th grade as part of the curriculum.... I always read every book she read until she was in about 8th grade.. then i could not keep up with them.

I think you should read it and have discussions with your child..

Never underestimate your child. This is a good time to read and be open to your child's questions..

The more advanced the reader and the classes they take, the more mature the subjects will become. remember once in High school.. Those pre AP classes are taught on a college level..

I think most children can handle these subjects, because there is discussion going on in the class. even better when the parents read along. If your children honestly cannot handle these subjects. ask about options.. Maybe a different class reading a different book.

My kids all read The Giver, either in 5th or 6th grade.... I've read it many times, also...

There is a "companion" book... not a sequel, or a prequel, called "Gathering Blue" ..... it looks at sort of the opposite scenario, where society regresses...... yes, again, death at the hands of others is shown in this book.

In my opinion, they are both very good, and very thought-provoking books. However, I usually read pretty much everything my kids were reading, and they would come home and suggest I read something.... we had some great discussions!

My kids were pretty mature and able to realize it is fiction.....

However, once you start banning books, that often makes it more attractive.... I'm not saying you are banning books, and you have every right to make an educated decision on whether your child should read the book.

It isn't a very long book.... I would suggest you read the book before you make your decision. That way, you can also discuss the book with your children.

As far as the Hunger Games, I have no desire to read those... but I did read the Twilight series! My tastes vary widely, I know......

My kids read it in the beginning of 6th grade.
I suggest you read it yourself (it won"t take long) before making an opinion.
As kids enter puberty they will be reading things of a more "disturbing" nature, that's part of growing up.
In history class your child will soon learn about war and slavery and the holocaust and all kinds of other unsavory truths.
These books may not always be pleasant, but they offer a chance to have a real discussion about all kinds of important topics: humanity, compassion, morality, choice/freedom (or lack thereof) etc.

The Giver- I didn't even remember those parts until you posted that summary. I would say this book is a very very subtle book, If your child isn't very worldly they probably wouldn't realize the part about the baby, and I can't even think of what the sexual referance is. It is not written that way, and for THIS book because of the subtlety (sp) I think the over all meaning of the book is so thought provoking and worth it. It isn't guns and sex for the sake of guns and sex, those 2 little parts demonstrate what society could easily become, or maybe is? in Fifth Grade I do think this is a book i would be fine with.

I don't mean to be critical of you, but there have been a few times lately where parents complain about the book but don't take the time to read it. This book is sooooo readly available at book stores and libraries. and i'm sure the teacher could give you a copy ahead of your child reading it. IT is a very SHORT EASY to read book. I would think 4 hrs TOPS to read it. and that is for a slow reader.

so great that you asked here, but you know your kids best and you know your comfort level best, this one isn't a huge 800 page book, it's quick and you might enjoy it. yes it is a little weird because it parrallels our world but isn't our world and it's a little vague so you don't know exactly how it all turns out.
Lois Lowery is an AWESOME writer and she had more of these books That explore some power themes but through a simple story.

as for the Westing game, Did your children finish the book, do they realize there was no dead body?? I could see that being mildly yucky but it wasn't like they found him in the woods decomposing. and yes there are some sad people in the book but the solving of the mystery really over shadowed that. i have this one on my book shelf at home too. It isn't as quick a read it might take a day or two but it is totally doable. and again you might be able to fill in the gaps for your kids to see why they didn't enjoy this, You have to think a little but isn't that what good books do? they make you think.

not like the Hobbit :( That is a shame, but i could see that it might be an aquired taste. that is one i re read and re read and remember things i had forgotten, but what an awesome epic tale. lol definately not a 4 hr read though.

The hunger games is an intersting series but i wouldn't recommend it for that age. its a quick read though. your son has the gist of it, but again it is examining the world we live in and how close we come to being under a leadership/goverment that needs to keep us terrified by offering our children as tributes.

I guess I would wonder what sort of books your children like????, Little house on the praire can be scary with all the wild animals in the woods and all the sickness with no health care. but it is more realistic than the hobbit which is obviously fantasy.

if they don't read THE GIVER Then what will they read as an alternative?

I'm sure if you asked the teacher would be happy to give you a list of their reading requirements and even work with you IF you truly feel it is inapporpriate AFTER YOU HAVE READ THEM YOURSELF.

Great books though, I have read them all and enjoyed them all and feel i am a better person for it. and in fifth grade i don't feel they are inappropriate for most children.

I am against banning books in any way. If this is a voluntary thing and they don't want to read it then sure fine, they don't need have to do it. If it's a class assignment then yes I think they should read it. The teacher/school decided on this book for a reason and I think it should be read. It could spark a lot of good discussion.

I do agree that you should probably read it as well, especially since it seems maybe your kiddos might be a little nervous about it or have some questions for you along the way.

As far as Hunger Games, yes it's violent but its violence makes sense in the context of the book in this post apocalyptic type society. It is a little gruesome in some parts, but honestly it's not gory or anything and it's extremely thought provoking, even for adults.

Yes. Not at all as violent as The Hunger Games and much more meaningful. I would encourage you to read it with her. Just happens to be one of my favorites. Great book to inspire discussion.

My sons read it about 6th or 7th grade. I have read it, also. It really depends on the kid in 5th grade. It has a lot of deep controversial topics. You need to be guiding them through it's moral ambiguities. It really is worthwhile and great for introducing the big topics of the world. The books they will be reading from here on out will be influencing their world view.

I, too, say you need to read it whether you let them or not. It doesn't bother me a bit if you don't feel comfortable letting them read it.
I have protested a book all the way up the chain. Most likely your teacher didn't pick it. I will tell you if they get a book from your school library it's also likely no one has read it from your school before it gets in there. If you really want to be an informed parent you will be reading what your child reads especially in middle school. If you do, you will be quite alone.

My daughter read this in 4th grade as an assigned book at school. I read it with her. I found it fascinating, but was glad that I was reading it with her, because there is so much going on and so many things that can be discussed from this book.

My daughter also loves babies, and was awaiting the birth of two baby nephews when she read this book. I wish I had been warned of the baby incident in the book because she reacted very strongly to it. As an adult, I can see how the scene lends to the rest of the book, but at 9, she took it hard. I had to read ahead and let her know that the book ended well before I could get her to finish it.

I have never, and wouldn't ever, prevent my daughter from reading a book. I would, however, read it at the same time so that I could discuss it with her.

I am familiar with that book.
Yes it has won awards.
My daughter is in 5th grade, she was not interested in this book.

I think it depends on your child and their ability to handle abstract situations as in the book and their ability to "analyze" it in relation to their own... thoughts.

Now per the Hunger Games. When my daughter was in 4th grade, MANY of the kids were reading it already.
I asked the Teacher, out of curiosity, what she thought of that.
Her own personal opinion was, that for kids in that grade... she would not "promote" reading it or seeing the movie.
BUT, if their own parents... let them, then that is their own decision.
But then again, the Teacher said that many parents don't even know... what their kids are reading. Which is true.
Personally... I ALSO read the books that my daughter reads or chooses or asks us about. I don't do that because I want to control her or hover over her like a Helicopter... but I ENJOY... reading her books. She has a great collection and the types of books she likes, I also like. And then as Mother and daughter, we have great fun, "discussing" the book. Its a bonding thing, for us. Her friends think its real "cool" that her Mom... read the books too, because they say their own Mom or parents, don't even know what they read and they don't even bother.

As a side note, these books are GREAT for this age and older:
1) "Redwall." Its a great series. Not anything sexual or boyfriend/girlfriend stuff
2) "The Mysterious Benedict Society." Another, great great series. I LOVED it and had to get all, the books. My daughter also read it.
3) "The Books of Elsewhere." Another great series. LOVE it and so did my daughter
4) Percy Jackson, is also popular with this age. But my daughter does not like it. But many of her classmates do.
5) "The Sisters Grimm." A GREAT series!

My younger son read "The Giver" somewhere around 7th grade . . . it sounds like we read it a bit later than some moms' kids here.

It's relatively simple and quick reading, but the ideas are profound. My son read it around the same time he read "1984."

My only reason to be wait would be to get to a point that the child could truly think about and appreciate the ideas in the book. Some are ready before others.

It seemed much less violent than "Hunger Games."

JMO.

I had never heard of it before, but after looking at your link I would like to read it. My son is in grade five and he is getting The Hunger Games box set for Christmas, and I want to read it when he is done.

I haven't read The Giver, so I can't speak about that, but as far as The Hunger Games, the way you say your son describes it, is inaccurate. He makes it seem like groups of kids killing each other for sport, when in actuality it is a series of games, that are forced upon children in a post apocalyptic society, by a plutocratic government, that no one wants but are powerless to stop. Kinda like many of the worlds governments today, treating people like pawns in in order to subjugate and control them into fealty whether we like or not. They're worth reading for anyone with decent word comprehension.

they just read that in 8th grade class here and ALL the kids were raving about it and wanting to discuss it, even the lower reading level kids. My 8th grader said that there is no violence in the book, and the sexual reference is basically the boy gets a thought of bathing a girl and then is given pills that he has to take and it stops.

When I taught we did that book with the 5th graders and that was a Catholic school.

It is wonderful, amazing and a great read. Instead of ever banning a book, read it alongside them so you can discuss what is going on. If they go to public school the curriculum is there, deal with it or leave honestly. Sorry if that sounds harsh but it's stupid to EXCLUDE yourself from reading.

5th grade, really? It was on my youngest's summer reading list as a HS freshman. It is a strange and bizarre story, as is The Hunger Games. They are about a futuristic world that mistreats their children really. I kind of saw them as equivalents to Animal Farm. Sci Fi/Action/futuristic/bizarro tales that quite frankly I do not know why they make any reading list. Just wierd. It is deep, disturbing and no 5th grader should really read it unless they are into sci fi/whatever and understand that it is fictional.You know your child best and if she is mature and you think she can handle it, let her read it. If not, don't. My youngest found no desire to read The Hunger Games, yet her best friend loved each book in the series. Kids are all different and you know your kids best.

You read it first.

Have they read James and the Giant Peach or The Secret Garden? I'm trying to think back to what was on my 5th grade reading list. Or the original Dr. Doolittle?

My son read it in the 5th grade and it was one of his favorite books ever! He is now in the 9th grade and he still talks about it. I love it, too! I teach AP English (11th grade), and many of my students rave about it. I completely understand your reservations, and think you are handling it perfectly, but hope you and your family will enjoy reading it. It is the kind of book that many students remember for a lifetime.

Hi J.

My son did read it in 5th grade and he wasn't thrilled with it. Personally, I think unless you are paying VERY close attention to all the little nuances, it's easy to miss some of what's going on.... some may disagree with me, but whether banned or not, I just wasn't thrilled with the book. It left me wanting something more.. like say a different book :)

I see you already have the "So What Happened" up, but I feel the need to add a little something.
I read The Giver when I was in 5th Grade. Of course back then it was a newer book. It still means a lot to me. I LOVE this book. I even went as far as to reread it as an adult. If you haven't read it I strongly suggest that you do, but just know that it will mean something slightly different to you than it does to your children. If let your children read and finish the book, there are actually 3 books that follow it. I don't really care for them as much as The Giver, but then again I read them as an adult. I would recommend you give them a read first, because they do seem to take a turn to the extremely weird. They don't take long to get through.

this is a wonderful book. My son read it for english class in 6th grade. I myself chose it for our bookclub last year. (we meet once a month and chose the genre of books in january. I chose to do childrens literature) and chose that book. it made for one of the best bookclub discussions we had had in years.

I don't know the book but overall get what you're saying - why such a hurry for kids to read "older" books? I was an avid reader as a kid and always scored really high on reading comprehension tests etc plus am very fast so not to be complimenting myself but I'm a very very strong reader. Yet I look back at what I think I was reading as a kid and it took me way longer to get into some of these things. It seems to be one more way kids are being encouraged to grow up too quickly. So good for you for not just going along with it. Not answering your question but it's becoming a pet peeve of mine.

Both my daughters were in the advanced reading group in fifth grade and read this book. They never said anything about it, but of course since it's part of the curriculum the teacher guided the reading and I'm certain there was a lot of discussion about it.

It was about this time that I started reading books they were assigned and some of them were really great. I love the Bridge to Terabithia. I would suggest you consider reading books that they are assigned, too. You just might find a new favorite. Seriously, it wasn't just kids who made the Twilight trilogy a best selling series.

I don't think there is really anything wrong with it, but I think it really is too deep for that age to really "get it". We discussed it in a children's lit class I had that it seems to be pushed onto kids too early, and I have to agree.

I think the hunger games are fine, though. The overall idea is appalling, of course, but the author really doesn't get overly graphic or anything.

I don't know about the giver but a teacher at my sons middle school told us about the Hunger Games and really recommended it. I read them and have no issue with my middle school child reading it but I would prefer my fifth grader not read them yet. However, if she wants to, I wouldn't stop her. I need to read the witches as my fifth grader read that. She told me some things I didn't agree with but in the context it may be different. I was not informed what they would be reading before she read it or I would have been reading it with her.

I remember I had to read it in 11th grade for one of my classes. I thought it was a bit weird. I don't think that I even fully understood it back then. I don't think I would have a 5th grader read it