From: Anthony Braxton <braxton>
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 97 21:41:57 PST

Okay - my trun from "around the table".

I'm not sure why I first read The Giver. I probably picked it up and read it simply because as a middle school teacher I feel that I should read the Newbery winners and honor books. I was immediately taken in by the story and saw it as one that could generate a great deal of discussion among my 6th grade students. It wasn't until after having used it for 3 years in my classes that a colleague questioned me about using it with children so young because of the mature themes.
     In fact, I agree that there are themes in this book - euthenasia being one of them, that are profoundly disturbing and/or disquieting for many. But not a single student of mine has ever found them to be troubling. In fact, they have enjoyed wrestling with the ideals of a utopian society and reflected upon their own freedoms and place in community. I find it a great springboard for discussion of "community place" for students who in their early adolesence are beginning to explore their roles of significance. They are able to see the possibilities of being quality contributors in youth.
        Yes - there are "the stirrings", euthenasia, and some other provocative topics but all in all, it is a book that I look forward to having my students read each year. Anthony Braxton

"Service is the rent we pay fo rliving. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time." -----Marian Wright Edelman
Received on Fri 31 Jan 1997 11:41:57 PM CST