In Lois Lowry’s young-adult novel The Giver, what is Jonas selected to become?

In Lois Lowry’s young-adult novel The Giver, Jonas is selected to become the Receiver of Memory. The Elders choose him during the Ceremony of Twelve because he demonstrates intelligence, integrity, courage, wisdom, and the capacity to see beyond.

The Receiver holds memories of humanity’s past, including color, music, love, war, pain, and emotional depth. The current Receiver, an elderly man known as the Giver, transfers these memories to Jonas through touch. Jonas gradually discovers that his seemingly peaceful community has achieved stability by eliminating choice and suppressing difficult experiences.

The title The Giver refers to the older Receiver, who gives memories to Jonas. The role is not the same as a political leader: the Chief Elder governs the community, while the Receiver advises the Elders using knowledge unavailable to ordinary citizens. The novel was published in 1993 and won the 1994 Newbery Medal.