The Giver is an incredible novel that is a relatively straightforward read with mildly challenging vocabulary in some instances, making it a perfect text for middle school/junior high aged students to read, study, and analyze. I think that the dystopian theme of the novel draws students of this age in and then through reading the text, they explore major themes such as memory, change, control, family, bravery, secrecy, and identity, among many others. I think that the theme of identity is arguably one of the most important themes in the novel for students this age, as they are beginning to learn about themselves, the world around them, and how they fit into it, just like Jonas does. The realizations that Jonas comes to throughout the novel through the memories he receives, teaches him a lot about many aspects of the past and "elsewhere" such as major events, but also different life styles, family dynamics, hardships, etc. Students close to Jonas' age are often going through similar realizations and learning how to form their own opinions and thoughts about their life and others' lives around them. I think in this aspect, The Giver is an excellent text for students this age.
On the other hand, I do find that this text does deal with some mature subject matter that to me seems almost a little bit too advanced for young teenage students. Jonas' discussions of his erotic dream and "stirrings" are topics that are not uncommon for or unknown to some students this age, but I feel as though addressing these subjects with students while analyzing the novel can perhaps lead to an uncomfortable area. It is not that I think these parts of the novel should not be discussed, but rather that they need to be addressed in a delicate manner. This is the only difficulty or issue that I have with this novel, as I am worried whether I as the teacher will address these topics correctly if they are brought up by students. Perhaps I am overthinking this minor detail of the novel, but if my students directly address the changes that Jonas experiences throughout the novel, I want to ensure that I will be prepared to handle the situation appropriately and professionally. In order to do so, I plan to discuss with my TA how to appropriately handle this situation so that no one involved is or uncomfortable in any way. This arguably mature subject matter is one reason why I believe that perhaps this novel is more appropriate, at least content wise, for older students, such as those in High School.
On the other hand, I do find that this text does deal with some mature subject matter that to me seems almost a little bit too advanced for young teenage students. Jonas' discussions of his erotic dream and "stirrings" are topics that are not uncommon for or unknown to some students this age, but I feel as though addressing these subjects with students while analyzing the novel can perhaps lead to an uncomfortable area. It is not that I think these parts of the novel should not be discussed, but rather that they need to be addressed in a delicate manner. This is the only difficulty or issue that I have with this novel, as I am worried whether I as the teacher will address these topics correctly if they are brought up by students. Perhaps I am overthinking this minor detail of the novel, but if my students directly address the changes that Jonas experiences throughout the novel, I want to ensure that I will be prepared to handle the situation appropriately and professionally. In order to do so, I plan to discuss with my TA how to appropriately handle this situation so that no one involved is or uncomfortable in any way. This arguably mature subject matter is one reason why I believe that perhaps this novel is more appropriate, at least content wise, for older students, such as those in High School.