|
|
Book Online Review
Lois Lowry Children's Books, Online Reviews
by Emily Burson
|
Are you looking for the perfect children's book? Online reviews
can help you find the book that will encourage your child to read
more and grow as a person. There are literally thousands of books,
online reviews, and more on the internet. Children's literature
has always been a passion of mine, so I am going to share my thoughts
on a trio of powerful books for you today, all written by the
masterful storyteller, Lois Lowry (http://www.loislowry.com/).
"The Giver" children's book, online
review:
"The Giver" is a powerful story of a seemingly utopian
society. Jonas and his family live in what appears to be a model
society, with firm rules and a system for doing everything. At
twelve, each child is given the job that they will do for the
rest of their lives. Teachers, mothers, caregivers-your life is
decided by the time you reach puberty. Every once in a great while,
a greater job is given than any other--to become the receiver
of memories.
When Jonas is assigned the job of the receiver of memories, he
comes face to face with the mysterious Giver. Suddenly Jonas'
world is turned upside down as he encounters the truth about his
idyllic world. "The Giver" is more than just a children's
book. Online reviews can only tell the reader so much without
giving away the power of the story. The more memories Jonas receives,
the more aware he becomes of the dark side of his perfect world.
It is this realization that changes him and challenges him to
become someone stronger and braver than he ever thought possible.
"The Giver" is not just a book for children. Although
written for an elementary student, this book is guaranteed to
move any adult that is willing to lose him or herself within its
pages. "The Giver" will make the reader think about
what is really important and what is really worth fighting for;
and that is what makes the story bigger than just the book; online
reviews can only say so much.
"Gathering Blue" children's book,
online review:
Lowry follows "The Giver" with "Gathering Blue."
"Gathering Blue" brings to life another cast of powerful
and beautiful characters. Lowry once again digs through apparently
safe and strong societies to explore the power of being different
in this book. Online review sites are often unwilling to discuss
the power of this book and the message it carries. The heroine
of "Gathering Blue" is a young girl with a deformed
arm. She would have been left to die if her mother had not fought
for her survival. When her mother dies and leaves her alone, her
fate is unsure.
However, like any Lowry book, our heroine has been given a powerful
gift; this time it is the gift of embroidery. She is taught how
to keep the legends of her village alive through the repair of
a special robe, but there is something missing…the color
blue. Her quest to discover the source of the vibrant blue leads
her to a special place at the heart of the book. Online reviews
cannot give away the most powerful messages of a book, but remember
that Lowry gives her heroine strength. "Gathering Blue"
is a constant reminder that who we are is not determined by the
outside, but by what is inside.
"Messenger" children's book, online
review:
"Messenger" brings together the beloved characters
from "The Giver" and "Gathering Blue." The
main characters from the two previous books have formed their
own society. Their village is place where the gates are always
open for anyone who is looking for a place to belong.
However, their attempt at their own version of utopia soon shows
some of the same characteristics as the places from which they
had escaped. Any book online review of "Messenger" must
walk a fine line between telling too much and not telling enough.
To truly appreciate "Messenger," you should read both
of the first two books.
As the village begins to deteriorate, one young boy is called
upon to make a difference, and perhaps the ultimate sacrifice,
especially for a child.
Lowry is a masterful storyteller, and these three books will
challenge all readers, both young and old, as they discover what
is most important to them.
|
|
Emily Burson is a 2001 graduate of Indiana
University in Bloomington, Indiana. She worked for a year
as a full time copywriter before getting a job at her
church, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. She works at the
church full time and loves it. She loves to read and write,
and believes that children's books and young adult literature
contain some of the most powerful lessons and messages
that the written word has to offer. She is an avid scrapbooker
and loves to travel, having been to Costa Rica, Venezuela,
and Honduras, as well as many states.
|
|
If you would like to contact her about her writing, craft
ideas, or book reviews, email her at erburson@ gmail.com.
Also, read her personal
thoughts on God,
faith, life, culture, and more.
|
|
|
