The banner and the memory badges start in black and white, except for the apple. That is on purpose.
When a student finishes Chapter 12, where Jonas learns he is seeing red, the sled on the banner turns red.
Each chapter finished after that brings a little more color back, until the sky, the trees, the lights in the valley, and the drifting memory cards are in full color at Chapter 23.
Students are only told that something is missing. Let them notice it for themselves.

This book is usually taught in grades 6 to 8. The questions are written in plain language for strong younger readers, but the ideas are heavy. Read ahead.
Chapter 5 (the Stirrings): the questions describe it only as strong new feelings that come with growing up, and the pill that removes them.
Chapter 15: a memory of war. The questions name the battlefield and the boy asking for water, with no graphic detail.
Chapter 19: Jonas watches his father release a newborn. The questions state plainly that release means the person is killed, because the rest of the book depends on it.
Chapters 18 and 19 mention that Rosemary asked for her own release. The questions report this briefly and do not dwell on it.

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