10 Books Like The Giver You Should Read Next

If The Giver by Lois Lowry had you questioning the balance between conformity and individuality, freedom and control, you’re not alone. This dystopian masterpiece lingers with readers, leaving them yearning for more stories that challenge societal norms, ignite rebellion, and explore the human spirit. Luckily, there are plenty of books that echo the thought-provoking themes and vivid worlds of The Giver. Whether you’re intrigued by dystopian futures or deeply human journeys, this list offers the perfect next reads.

Books Like The Giver

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

What happens when a government wields total control over its citizens, turning survival into a spectacle? Set in a dystopian world where the Capitol forces children to fight to the death in an annual event, The Hunger Games introduces us to Katniss Everdeen, a fierce and resourceful heroine who becomes a reluctant symbol of rebellion. Much like Jonas in The Giver, Katniss confronts a society that suppresses individual freedom for the illusion of order and safety.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both novels feature young protagonists who must break free from the oppressive systems that define their lives, making difficult moral decisions along the way.

2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

In this classic dystopian tale, books are outlawed, and "firemen" burn them to suppress knowledge and free thought. Guy Montag, a fireman, begins to question the system he enforces when he discovers the transformative power of books. Like Jonas, Montag’s journey is one of awakening in a society that values conformity over individuality.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both stories delve into the dangers of a controlled society and the human need for knowledge, memory, and freedom.

3. Matched by Ally Condie

In a world where every choice—your career, partner, and even your death—is controlled by the government, Cassia Reyes has always trusted the system. But when a glitch in her “matching” process reveals a different romantic choice, she begins to question the rules she’s lived by. Her rebellion mirrors Jonas’s desire to challenge the structure of his tightly regulated world.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both novels explore the price of questioning a society that controls every aspect of life and how personal choices can spark larger revolutions.

4. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Set in a dystopian Chicago divided into factions based on personality traits, Divergent tells the story of Tris Prior, who discovers she doesn’t fit neatly into one faction. This revelation makes her a threat to the system, forcing her to choose between conformity and individuality.

Why it’s like The Giver: Like Jonas, Tris must decide whether to accept her society’s restrictions or fight for freedom and self-discovery.

5. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

In a crumbling underground city with limited resources, Lina and Doon discover clues to a way out—a way back to the surface. Their journey to uncover the truth mirrors Jonas’s quest to understand the world beyond his community’s carefully controlled borders.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both stories follow young protagonists who uncover hidden truths about their worlds and strive to make life better for others.

6. 1984 by George Orwell

Big Brother is always watching in Orwell’s bleak dystopia, where individuality is punished, history is rewritten, and propaganda reigns supreme. Winston Smith secretly rebels against this totalitarian regime, risking everything to uncover the truth.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both novels explore the suppression of free thought and the power of memory in a controlled society.

7. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

In a futuristic society obsessed with pleasure and stability, individuality is sacrificed for the greater good. Bernard Marx begins to question the so-called perfection of his world, much like Jonas’s realization in The Giver.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both books examine societies built on control, where the pursuit of truth and individuality comes at great personal cost.

8. Legend by Marie Lu

In a divided, dystopian United States, June, a military prodigy, and Day, the nation’s most wanted criminal, cross paths in a tale of rebellion, loyalty, and survival. Their story offers a fast-paced, action-packed exploration of societal control and resistance.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both stories center on young protagonists who challenge oppressive systems and uncover hidden truths.

9. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham

In a post-apocalyptic society where genetic mutation is feared, David and his telepathic friends must hide their abilities to survive. When they’re discovered, they’re forced to flee, much like Jonas’s dangerous escape to protect what he believes in.

Why it’s like The Giver: Both books explore themes of being different in a world that demands conformity.

10. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

In a society with strict population control laws, Luke is a third child, forced to live in hiding. When he discovers others like him, he begins to question the laws that govern his life. Luke’s story is a gripping, heartfelt exploration of defiance in the face of injustice.

Why it’s like The Giver: Like Jonas, Luke grapples with oppressive laws and risks everything for the chance at freedom and a better life.

Conclusion

If you were captivated by The Giver, these books offer the same mix of suspense, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable journeys. From questioning the rules to discovering hidden truths, these stories will leave you thinking long after the last page. Which one will you read next?