The Giver by Lois Lowry follows Jonas as he approaches the Ceremony of Twelve in his strictly controlled community. Key themes include:
- The community's rigid rules and structure
- Jonas' growing awareness and questioning of his society
- The importance of memories and emotions
• Jonas experiences strange dreams and "stirrings" as he approaches age 12
• The community suppresses individuality and emotions through strict rules and medication
• Jonas is mysteriously skipped during the Ceremony of Twelve, creating suspense about his future role