Giving Memories and 7th Grade

I have been reading voraciously. I think I've read at least 6 books this week so far. I only read at night after everyone is in bed so no wonder I feel so tired and my eyes hurt!

This week:
All the Twilight books
Syren
The Giver
Started on One again
and The Tiger's Egg

My oldest is reading The Giver in her 7th grade English class and she wanted me to read it.
I had no idea what the book was about, just that everyone said it was wonderful.


It was.

If you haven't read it-
it is the story of a "utopian" future where people have no worries, but with it they have lost more than they could imagine. Think "Logan's Run."
The main character is a young boy who is coming of age. He's been chosen for the most important job in their society- the keeper of all the memories of humanity.

I didn't expect a story this strong for 12 yr old kids, but then remembered the books we read in 7th grade:

A Day No Pigs Would Die

The Red Pony

What is it with gut wrenching stories and 7th grade?