December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve-year-old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretaker of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation. But Jonas has been chosen for something special.

Jonas, living in a Utopian society where memories, fear, pain, envy, and hate have been removed, is chosen to bear the burden of society's memories. But, the burden of receiving those memories opens his eyes to all the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.

***Lowry's book, The Giver, deals with race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, and class.***