Author Study
Lois Lowry
I was first introduced to Lois Lowry in 2009 when my daughter was required to read the Giver for Language Arts class. We were on a long car trip when I finished my book and had nothing left to read. So, I decided to read her book for lack of anything else. To my surprise, I could not put it down and finished it in about two hours. I could not wait for her to read it also, so we could discuss the details, especially the ending. We ended up having two different points of view on the ending, which led to an exciting debate. It was then that I realized the power books have to unite generations.
After reading three other Lois Lowry books for this author study, I believe I have found a new favorite author. She reminds me of Jodi Picoult for the younger reader. They both tackle many riveting social issues and compel readers to consider various points of views. There are multiple layers of themes in each book, which would lead to many great classroom discussions. I would recommend every upper elementary and middle school teacher have various Lois Lowry books in their classroom library for students to read or share as a read aloud.
Gossamer
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright 2006
pp. 140
Gossamer
This is a fantasy book about small creatures who bestow dreams to sleeping humans. Littlest One, is a young dream giver just learning her craft. She is very curious about who she is and her purpose. Thin Elderly is her mentor and discovers Littlest One has great gift, a touch like gossamer. Dream givers bestow their dreams on humans after touching the humans’ possessions and collecting the memories that lie within. Littlest One and Thin Elderly are assigned to the house of a lonely older woman, who has just taken in a very troubled eight-year old boy. Littlest One senses the boy’s need for pleasant dreams to help soothe his mind and bring peace to his life. The boy does not have many possessions to touch so Littlest One learns to become creative in collecting memories for him. Throughout the story the reader learns that the boy has been unbelievably abused by his father. The old woman is patient, kind, and loving toward the boy, but it is hard for the boy to trust anyone. Sensing the uneasiness and hurt in the lives of the woman and the boy, the evil Sinisteeds, givers of nightmares, decide to attack the woman and the boy. Littlest One and Thin Elderly must use all their creativity and power to reverse the nightmares into pleasant dreams.
This book was uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. The abuse this boy suffered at the hands of his father was inconceivable to me. I was reminded of the various news reports of parents abusing their children. How a parent can be so cruel to their own flesh and blood is beyond my comprehension. Thankfully there are people like the old woman in this book, who have the courage and faith to make a difference in the life of a child. While reading this book, I began to hope there really were such fantasy creatures as the dream givers to help ease the pain and suffering of these children. But, maybe the people trying to make a difference in the life of someone else are really the actual dream givers.
Number The Stars
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright 1989
pp. 137
Number The Stars
Number the Stars is historical fiction book set in
Denmark during the German occupation during 1943. Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen are trying to live as normal life as possible in
Copenhagen, while German soldiers patrol every street corner. Annemarie and Ellen’s courage becomes tested when the Germans decide to arrest all the Danish Jews and take them away. Ellen’s parents flee leaving her with the Johansen family. She pretends to be their daughter Lise, who has passed away. The Johansen family is secretly trying to help, with the aid of resistance workers, the Rosen family and others escape to
Sweden.
A wonderful book about courage, loyalty, and strength.. A class discussion on courage is sure to follow after Annemarie encounters the soldiers on her way to give Uncle Henrik the package. The conversation between, Uncle Henrik and Annemarie about how it is easier to be brave if you do not know everything is also a great discussion starter. I tried recalling times in my life when this might have been true. I do believe Uncle Henrik is correct because it is much harder, at least to me, to lie and pretend when you the whole story.
Find A Stranger, Say Goodbye
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright 1978
pp. 187
Find A Stranger, Say Goodbye
While this is an older book, the story is still current. Natalie has just graduated high school and wants to begin a search for her biological parents. Her parents are not receptive to the idea at first, but give her their blessing and resources to begin her search. The book is set in late 1970’s, so Natalie must become a resourceful detective to uncover her history with the few clues provided by her parents. I believe many students might find it interesting to read how it was possible to get things done without using the internet. The themes of acceptance, rejection, and family are found throughout the book. While this book deals with adoption, I feel the theme of acceptance is one every reader can connect with. As Natalie realizes at the end, everyone must “sort everything out… figure out what you want to hold on to… acknowledge what is and what was.” What a wonderful life lesson.
