books like the giver
Lois Lowry’s The Giver is one of those rare books that sticks with readers long after they turn the final page. With its haunting depiction of a seemingly perfect dystopia, its deep moral questions, and its coming-of-age theme, The Giver has earned a special place in the hearts of many. If you’re looking for books like The Giver that offer similar themes of dystopian societies, memory, choice, and rebellion, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of 25 incredible books like The Giver that you’re bound to love.
Why Do We Love The Giver?
Before we dive in, let’s look at what makes The Giver so compelling:
- Dystopian setting with controlled emotions and memories
- A young protagonist discovering the truth
- Themes of conformity, choice, freedom, and memory
- Coming-of-age journey
- Philosophical and ethical depth
Books that share these elements tend to hit the same emotional and intellectual notes, which is why the following recommendations are perfect for fans of The Giver.
1. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
Let’s start with the obvious. Gathering Blue is the companion novel to The Giver and is part of the same quartet. Though it features a different protagonist and setting, it explores similar themes of control, individuality, and the value of human connection.
Why it’s like The Giver: Same author, dystopian society, questioning norms, artistic expression as rebellion.
2. Messenger and Son by Lois Lowry
These two novels continue the stories introduced in The Giver and Gathering Blue, tying all the characters and plots together in a satisfying conclusion.
Why it’s like The Giver: Direct sequels, similar tone and moral depth.
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen’s journey through a brutal, authoritarian society offers adrenaline and thought-provoking commentary on control, sacrifice, and rebellion.
Why it’s like The Giver: Dystopian setting, youth in resistance, questioning authority, emotional depth.
4. Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a society that divides people into factions based on personality traits, one girl’s refusal to conform sparks a revolution.
Why it’s like The Giver: Strong young protagonist, dystopia, individuality vs. control, self-discovery.
5. Matched by Ally Condie
In a world where the government decides everything—including who you marry—Cassia begins to question the system when she falls for someone unexpected.
Why it’s like The Giver: Government control, forbidden love, questioning a perfect society.
6. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
This classic dystopian novel imagines a world where books are banned and independent thinking is a crime.
Why it’s like The Giver: Loss of knowledge, rebellion, societal control, deep themes.
7. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Huxley’s vision of a chemically controlled, conformist society is eerily similar to the world of The Giver—and just as terrifying.
Why it’s like The Giver: Dehumanization, artificial happiness, questioning societal norms.
8. 1984 by George Orwell
If you want a darker, more mature version of The Giver, Orwell’s seminal work on surveillance and control is a must-read.
Why it’s like The Giver: Authoritarian rule, language manipulation, rebellion, bleak dystopia.
9. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
In a world where unwanted teens are “unwound” for their body parts, three teens go on the run to fight back.
Why it’s like The Giver: Moral dilemmas, coming-of-age under pressure, dystopia.
10. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
A boy wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory—only the will to survive and escape.
Why it’s like The Giver: Memory loss, mysterious society, survival, group dynamics.
11. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
What if love was considered a disease—and the cure was mandatory?
Why it’s like The Giver: Emotional suppression, dystopian control, awakening to deeper truth.
12. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
A city built underground is running out of power—and two kids must find the way out.
Why it’s like The Giver: Post-apocalyptic mystery, young heroes, hidden knowledge.
13. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
In a society where families are limited to two children, Luke is a forbidden third child—forced to hide.
Why it’s like The Giver: Oppressive government, hidden truths, courageous youth.
14. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
In this future, everyone is forced to undergo surgery at age 16 to become “pretty.” But what if you don’t want to?
Why it’s like The Giver: Societal conformity, questioning norms, teenage rebellion.
15. Legend by Marie Lu
Two teens from very different backgrounds discover the lies behind their nation’s propaganda.
Why it’s like The Giver: Dual perspectives, corrupt government, fast-paced plot.
16. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
After an alien invasion destroys much of Earth, survivors must navigate a new, deadly world.
Why it’s like The Giver: Survival, youth under threat, search for hope and truth.
17. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
In a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, a boy uncovers a hidden truth that changes everything.
Why it’s like The Giver: Unusual world-building, dark secrets, thought-provoking themes.
18. Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien
Midwives in a dystopian world must surrender a portion of babies to the government—but one girl starts to question everything.
Why it’s like The Giver: Birth and control, questioning systems, female protagonist.
19. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In a society divided by blood color, a girl with surprising powers challenges the monarchy.
Why it’s like The Giver: Social inequality, hidden abilities, rebellion.
20. The Selection by Kiera Cass
America Singer is chosen to compete for the prince’s heart in a dystopian version of The Bachelor.
Why it’s like The Giver: Government control over relationships, personal vs. societal expectations.
21. Gone by Michael Grant
Everyone over 15 disappears in a town, leaving kids to govern themselves. Chaos and power struggles ensue.
Why it’s like The Giver: Youth leadership, survival, dark ethical choices.
22. The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
While not a dystopia, this novel features a young protagonist thrust into a world of secrets, magic, and moral choices.
Why it’s like The Giver: Coming-of-age, mystery, unique system of control (magic vs. memory).
23. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender is a young genius trained to fight in a war against aliens, but he discovers a horrifying truth about his mission.
Why it’s like The Giver: Youth in control, deep philosophical themes, deception by authority.
24. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
While historical fiction, this story also explores the power of memory, stories, and moral courage under a brutal regime.
Why it’s like The Giver: Emotional depth, resistance, individual courage, powerful storytelling.
25. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This classic blends science fiction and philosophy as children travel through time and space to save their father.
Why it’s like The Giver: Young heroes, abstract themes, exploring good vs. evil.
How to Choose Your Next Read
If you loved The Giver, think about which part spoke to you most:
- Was it the philosophy?
- The dystopian society?
- The journey of discovery?
- Or the emotional depth?
Use that to guide your next read. Whether you want fast-paced adventure or thoughtful contemplation, there’s a book on this list for you.
Final Thoughts
The Giver showed us how fragile freedom and individuality can be. These 25 books like The Giver build on that legacy—challenging us to think deeper, question authority, and imagine better worlds.
So grab one (or five!) of these titles and keep the spirit of The Giver alive.
