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Cover of The Giver

Age rating and parents' guide:The Giver

by Lois Lowry

Ages 12–14

The Giver by Lois Lowry is best for children aged 12–14. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Dark dystopian themes incl. euthanasia (oblique).

Jonas learns the disturbing truth behind his seemingly perfect community after becoming Receiver of Memory.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Moderate
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Dark dystopian themes incl. euthanasia (oblique)

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the The Giver Quartet series
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Some emotionally heavy moments

Reading mood

  • Suspenseful

Books like The Giver

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

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    Among the Hidden

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    Luke, an illegal third child, risks discovery to challenge a government that forbids families from having more than two children.

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  • Cover of Stormbreaker

    Ages 12–14

    Stormbreaker

    by Anthony Horowitz

    Teen spy Alex Rider is forced into MI6 service and sent undercover to investigate a billionaire’s deadly school-computer scheme.

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  • Cover of Hatchet

    Ages 12–14

    Hatchet

    by Gary Paulsen

    After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian survives alone in the Canadian wilderness using only a hatchet and determination.

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  • Cover of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

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    Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

    by Rick Riordan

    Magnus discovers he is the son of a Norse god and must stop a weapon from triggering Ragnarok.

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  • Cover of The War That Saved My Life

    Ages 12–14

    The War That Saved My Life

    by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

    Ada escapes an abusive home during wartime evacuation and slowly learns trust, independence, and love with her brother Jamie.

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  • Cover of A Night Divided

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    A Night Divided

    by Jennifer A. Nielsen

    Gerta plans a daring escape beneath the Berlin Wall to reunite her divided family.

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On these book lists

  • Books for 13 year olds

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The Giver for?
The Giver suits children aged 12–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is The Giver appropriate for a 12 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Dark dystopian themes incl. euthanasia (oblique).
Q: Is The Giver part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the The Giver Quartet series. If your child enjoys it, the other The Giver Quartet books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after The Giver?
Try Among the Hidden, Stormbreaker and Hatchet. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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