Buy on Amazon
Affiliate link · we may earn a commission
Safe for the age band
Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.
Sign in to save your wishlist and reading history across devices.
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin
- ISBN
- 9780613047920
- Published
- 1993
- Reading level
- middle-grade
- Ages
- 11–14
Why parents choose this book
What makes The Giver worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 11–14 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: readers ages 11–14 looking for a solid story.
- Personality fit: kids ages 11–14 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Age-appropriate content for the 11–14 band with no significant flags.
- Reinforces values many families care about: wisdom.
- Written by Lois Lowry, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy The Giver if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 11–14
This book helps develop
- Wisdom
Things parents should know
No significant content concerns for this age band. Preview with your reader if you want to discuss any specific themes.
Reading commitment
Estimated reading time
Varies by reader
Length
Length varies by edition
Difficulty
Middle grade
Works as read-aloud
Usually read independently
Good for independent readers
Yes — suits confident readers in the age band
Why we recommend it
We think The Giver is a confident pick for the 11–14 age band. Lois Lowry's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
Violence0/4
Romance0/4
Language0/4
Scary content0/4
Faith content0/4
Sexual content0/4
Values
More by Lois Lowry
