Lois Lowry's The Giver is a dystopian classic following Jonas as he discovers the dark truth behind his seemingly perfect community. Through the transfer of memories from the Giver, Jonas learns about color, emotion, and pain that his society has eliminated in pursuit of "Sameness." The novel becomes both thrilling adventure and philosophical exploration, proving that dystopian fiction asks essential questions about freedom and that some books change how young readers see the world.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Lowry created the YA dystopia that influenced everything that came after, asking whether safety is worth giving up choice. This classic reminds us that utopias are always dystopias for someone, that memory matters, and that some books are assigned in schools for good reason.

DETAILS: • Author: Lois Lowry • Publisher: Clarion Books • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: July 1, 2014 • ISBN: 9780544336261 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days