Synopses & Reviews
Discover the worlds of Lois Lowry in this beautiful boxed set. This perfect gift collection by
New York Times bestselling author Lois Lowry, which includes the award-winning titles
The Giver, Gathering Blue, and
Messenger, is available to coincide with the publication of Lowry’s newest book,
Son. Lowry was twice the recipient of the Newbery Medal, for
Number the Stars and for
The Giver. Her powerful and provocative novels are full of suspense, drama, and heart-wrenching action.
The Giver: When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out for special training from The Giver. Now it’s time for Jonas to learn the truth. There is no turning back.
*
Gathering Blue: Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. When she is given a task that no other community member can carry out, Kira realizes that she is surrounded by mysteries and secrets—and finds that she possesses an extraordinary power.
*
Messenger: Matty has always been proud to be Village’s Messenger. But now that Village is closing its once-welcoming doors, Matty must make one last journey through the treacherous forest—and one great sacrifice to save the place he loves.
*
Lowry’s novels feature remarkable characters. This boxed set reveals the unexpected connections among their lives.
The Worlds of Lois Lowry boxed set is the perfect gift this holiday season.
Review
"Lowry returns to the metaphorical future world of her Newbery-winning The Giver. . . . Plenty of material for thought and discussion here, plus a touch of magic and a tantalizing hint about the previous books famously ambiguous ending." (6/15/00) Kirkus Reviews with Pointers
"Lowry is a master at creating worlds, both real and imagined, and this incarnation of our civilization some time in the future is one of her strongest creations." —Booklist, starred review (6/1/00) Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
Synopsis
Kira, an orphan with a lame leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She is spared by the Council of Guardians, who recognize her gift as a weaver. But Kira soon realizes she is surrounded by secrets. This companion novel to Lowry's "The Giver" is reissued in this Readers Circle edition, which includes a reading group discussion guide.
Synopsis
Lois Lowry’s
Gathering Blue continues the quartet beginning with the quintessential dystopian novel,
The Giver, followed by
Messenger and
Son.
Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She fears for her future until she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians. Kira is a gifted weaver and is given a task that no other community member can do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world and see what places exist beyond.
Synopsis
Lois Lowry is an award-winning author who has written many popular books for young adults. She was twice the recipient of the Newbery Medal, for Number the Stars and for The Giver. The author lives in Cambridge, MA.
Synopsis
Lois Lowry’s
Gathering Blue continues the quartet beginning with the quintessential dystopian novel,
The Giver, followed by
Messenger and
Son.
Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She fears for her future until she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians. Kira is a gifted weaver and is given a task that no other community member can do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world and see what places exist beyond.
Synopsis
The second book in Lois Lowry's Giver Quartet tells the story of Kira, orphaned, physically flawed, and left with an uncertain future.
Synopsis
Lois Lowry won her first Newbery Medal in 1994 for The Giver. Six years later, she ushered readers back into its mysterious but plausible future world in Gathering Blue to tell the story of Kira, orphaned, physically flawed, and left with an uncertain future. This second book in the Giver Quartet has been stunningly redesigned in paperback. As she did in The Giver and later Messenger, in Gathering Blue Lois Lowry challenges readers to imagine what our world could become, how people could evolve, and what could be considered valuable.
About the Author
Lois Lowry is an award-winning author who has written many popular books for young adults. She was twice the recipient of the Newbery Medal, for Number the Stars and for The Giver. The author lives in Cambridge, MA.
Reading Group Guide
1. Discuss what gave Katrina, Kiras mother, the courage to stand up to the people of the village and spare Kiras life, when the custom in Kiras society was to destroy babies born with birth defects. Do you think Katrina was aware of her daughters gift? Katrina never created the color blue. Do you think she knew that her daughter would someday find the secret of creating blue?
2. At the beginning of the novel, Katrina dies and Kira is left homeless. Kira is fearful, especially when Vandara, a vicious and angry woman, tells her that she is worthless. Discuss the strength Kira displays when she faces the Council of Guardians. How does Kira show strength and courage throughout the novel?
3. Discuss the way children are treated in Kiras society. What is the difference between abuse and neglect? How is Matt both abused and neglected? What is his role in the story? How does Matt contribute to Kiras growth as a person and an artist?
4. Vandara is known throughout the village. “People whispered about her. She was known, and respected. Or feared.” (p. 15) How can someone who is feared be respected? Discuss whether the women of the village fear Vandara more than they respect her. How do you know that they dont really agree with Vandara regarding Kiras fate?
5. What qualities determine the difference between skill and art? Debate whether Katrina was a skilled weaver or an artist. At what point in the novel does Kira display the true qualities of an artist?
6. Why is the history of the people called the Ruin Song? The scenes on the Singers Robe represent Ruin, Rebuilding, Ruin Again, and Regrowth. How does this symbolize the history of our world?
7. Kira has always been told that beasts killed her father. When Kira tells Jamison that Annabella says there are no beasts, he replies, “Shes very old. Its dangerous for her to speak that way.” (p. 128) Do you think Annabella knows the truth about Kiras father? Discuss whether Jamison is responsible for Annabellas death.
8. Matt is concerned that Kira might be held captive at the Council Edifice. How is it that he has a better understanding of the meaning of captivity than Kira does? Debate whether Kira and Thomas, the young carver, are indeed held captive even though they are allowed to roam. At what point does Kira realize that she isnt really free?
9. What do Kira, Thomas, and Jo have in common? Interpret the following statement: “They were forcing the children to describe the future they wanted, not the one that could be.” (p. 212)
10. At the end of the novel, Matt brings Christopher, Kiras blind father, to meet her. How does meeting her father alter Kiras concept of her purpose in life and her contribution to her societys future?
Prepared by Pat Scales, Director of Library Services, South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville