From: Dorian Chong <dchong>
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 1997 22:10:52 -0800 (PST)

The year THE GIVER won the Newbery Medal it was also included in Children's Choices. I'm sure the readers of this list know that Children's Choices is an annual national survey of what books children like best. THE GIVER appeared in the category for Older Readers (age 10
- 13). When I first read it, I thought it would have limited appeal to children, but I have been proven to be very very wrong on that count. I am happy to have been wrong about that.

(It is also interesting that very few Newbery Medalists have appeared on Children's Choices over the twenty plus years they have been published.)

In a recent speech given by Ms. Lowry in California, I heard her say that she is often asked about the ending, but prefers to remain silent about it. It is up to each reader to find his or her own interpretation. I had no doubt when I first read it that it was a "happy" ending, leading to a new life for Jonas and the baby. I know others (including children/teens) who saw them heading to Elsewhere (death). On re-reading it I see that it is certainly possible to read it either way.

Dorian Chong dchong at wahoo.sjsu.edu
Received on Mon 03 Feb 1997 12:10:52 AM CST