Book Title: Son

Author: Lois Lowry

Publish Date: 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Series: The Giver Quartet #4

Son by Lois Lowry

Suggested Grade: 7th, 8th, High School

Suggested Format: Independent Reading

Synopsis: 
The surprising ending to the Giver Quartet, the reader begins the tale in the mind of Claire, a Vessel in a town that seems familiar to the reader. Claire is unfit to be a Vessel, however, and is transferred to another position within her Community. During a strange time of unknown panic and disruption within her Community, Claire finds herself taking refuge on a boat, but a storm soon washes her overboard and into the strangest village she has ever seen. The only problem-she does not remember who she is, or where she is from. This story is the emotional and moving story of her rediscovery of who she is, and her rebuilding of her future, with the son she never knew.

Teacher's Notes: 
This is the most stark and moving story in The Giver Quartet. Lowry has definitely grown her stories along with her audience. I do not keep this book on my 5th grade shelves, as I feel very few students would be ready for the themes within this story. As a read for High School or adults, I would recommend this book for those who could not get enough with the first three books of this Quartet. For readers who were not enthralled by the tales from the first three books, this is probably a pass, as it will not hold their interest.


Overall: 8/10

How I Got the Book: Gift

Suggested Interests: Dystopia, Fiction, Fantasy

Dystopia Fantasy Fiction YA Book Reviews

7:00 AM

Book Title: Messenger

Author: Lois Lowry

Publish Date: 2006
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Series: The Giver Quartet #3

Messenger by Lois Lowry

Suggested Grade: 7th, 8th, High School

Suggested Format: Small Group, Independent Reading

Synopsis: 
Matty has the perfect life now, living in the Village and helping the Seer. His world is changing, however, and Matty doesn't think it is changing for the better. Something evil is changing people in the Village, and they no longer want to accept the outsiders that they once were. Matty acts as messenger between the other communities, and now with the boundaries closing, Matty must take one more message, this time to try and convince Kira to return to the Village. Along the way, he discovers a power that he holds inside of himself. But when the time comes, can Matty bring himself to make the necessary sacrifice?

Teacher's Notes: 
A wonderful read, this is the saddest of the Giver Quartet. I definitely cried through the ending. The story has a haunting presence on the reader, and is definitely for a slightly more mature audience than the first two stories. I would recommend this book to older students on a case by case basis. It is more abstract in nature than The Giver and Gathering Blue, and will not interest as many students. Those students who are interested, however, will once again be drawn into a wonderfully crafted world.

Overall: 9/10

How I Got the Book: Gift

Suggested Interests: Dystopia, Fantasy, Fiction

Dystopia Fantasy Fiction

7:00 AM

Book Title: Gathering Blue

Author: Lois Lowry

Publish Date: 2000
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Series: The Giver Quartet #2

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

Suggested Grade: 6th, 7th, 8th, High School

Suggested Format: Small Group, Independent reading

Synopsis: 
Kira is an anomaly in a world where the weak are cast aside. An orphan with a deformed leg, she fears what her future will be. Kira is granted reprieve because of her skills as a gifted weaver, and is given an important task within the society. The singer's robe needs repairs, and Kira is the only one who can fix it. History itself resides within the robe, as the singer uses it every year to remind the community of their past. As she lives in the city center and begins her important work, Kira realizes that there are secrets in the community--secrets that are not necessarily for the good of the people. Kira sets out to find the truth about her world, and the unknown world beyond.

Teacher's Notes: 
An amazing book, this is my personal favorite book in the Giver Quartet. This book is always a big hit with some of my more introverted girls, as they feel they can connect with Kira. It can be read as a stand alone book, or as a follow-up to the Giver. Some students every year put the book down claiming it is "too slow" or "not exciting" enough, as it is a bit slow to start. You really get the feel of the characters, and who they are as the story begins. This is an awesome book, but is not for everyone.

Overall: 10/10

How I Got the Book: Purchased for my personal collection

Suggested Interests: Fantasy, Fiction, Dystopia

Dystopia Fantasy Fiction YA Book Reviews

7:00 AM

Book Title: The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry

Publish Date: 1993
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Series: The Giver Quartet

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Awards: 1994 Newbery Award

Suggested Grade: 6th, 7th, 8th, High School

Suggested Format: Whole Group, Small Group, Independent Reading

Synopsis: 
Jonah lives in a perfect world: no pain, no war, no fear. Everyone has a role in the Community, and everyone lives in harmony. Every year, a rite of passage assigns 12-year-olds to training for their future jobs in the Community. At the ritual, however, Jonas' name is passed by. He is singled out instead to become an apprentice to the Giver, the man who holds all of the Community's memories and history. As Jonas learns the truth, however, his world will never be the same again.

Teacher's Notes: 
This is a wonderful book for older students, and has quickly become a staple of the Junior High classroom. A lighter version of the dystopian/utopian concept, this is a great lead into more complex and meaningful discussions in the classroom. A must read for all students.


Overall: 10/10

How I Got the Book: Purchased for my collection

Suggested Interests: Dystopia, Fiction, Fantasy

Dystopia Fantasy Fiction YA Book Reviews

6:00 AM