Not your typical tale.

Of course, Lois Lowry and the word "typical" don't go hand-in-hand. She is an original, a great writer, and a risk-taker. Those are the words that come to my mind when I think of her. You can pick your own superlative, but "typical" is definitely not one of them.

This story has more elements of surrealism than realism, with the surprising juxtapositions of dreams and reality. Littlest is being trained by Fastidious to bestow dreams on humans. However, Fastidious is hard-to-please, and Littlest asks too many questions, plays, and is often off-task when they go out each night.

Fastidious complains to the Ancient One that Littlest is not ready for the demanding job of bestowing dreams. As a result, Littlest is passed on to Thin Elderly, a wise and patient spirit-like being who is able to teach her "The Bestowal".

The two spirit-beings visit the home of a retired teacher who has taken in John, an angry 8-year-old foster boy. They gather fragments of happy memories from objects around the house and send them into the sleeping forms of John and the old woman, giving them happy dreams and the strength to face the world each day.

However, when John starts to recall the horrible abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, the dreams turn into nightmares and hope turns to despair. Littlest learns "The Bestowal" and she and Thin Elderly fight to hold off "The Horde", an evil group of steeds that hiss nightmares into people at night. They are not sure if they can save John.

Meanwhile, John's mom is trying to get her life together. She abandoned John, and he was taken away and placed in a foster home. We are not told exactly why she left, except that she was also abused by the father and was a mess when they divorced.

John's mom gets a job at a school and learns to trust people again, just as John has to learn to trust his foster mom. I found the realistic sections of the story more interesting, perhaps because the dream-like, less concrete beings of Littlest and Thin Elderly were a bit harder to grasp.

The writing in this book is terrific. John's voice changes from one of distrust, anger, and hate to one of hesitant trust. In contrast, Littlest is innocent, playful, and good. While I didn't think Strapping and Fastidious moved the plot forward much, I see that they represent rigid thinking.

I wanted to know more about Rotund and why he became a "Menace". The abuse that John suffered might be disturbing to some readers. He was made to eat dog food and had his face rubbed in his own urine when he was three. His father also broke his arm and hit his mom when she cried.

The mom is a chain smoker with no self-confidence, but like her son, she is trying to heal from her painful past. A gossamer is something light, delicate, or insubstantial, like butterfly wings, cobwebs, or dreams. In this book, it takes the form of a spirit-being.

Littlest begins as a creature so translucent that she can hardly be seen. By the end of the book, she is more solid, representing that she has created memories and begun to live and collect "her story". According to Thin Elderly, "everything has a story", and Littlest was creating one as a baby.

At the end, she has to leave John and move on, which some students found sad. There is a lot that can be discussed about the content of this book. The abstract concepts might make it difficult for young readers to fully understand the meanings that Lowry is trying to convey.

I think that's why I get mixed reactions from students who have read this book. While reading it, I was reminded of Franz Kafka's short story "The Country Doctor", which is written as a nightmare and experiments with punctuation. I'm glad Lowry kept to traditional conventions. This is an atypical book that is definitely worth enjoying.

Reading Level 5.4

This may be the favorite of the year.

*****

Gossamer is currently my favorite book by Lois Lowry. I have truly enjoyed everything I have read of hers so far.

This book has two distinct sides. There is the part about those who gather fragments and bestow dreams upon us humans, and then there are the humans who receive these dreams.

I have long believed that folks should read whatever they desire. I and others I know have been ridiculed for reading works that are considered "beneath us" or "stories we should have outgrown in high school." However, this book is a perfect example of why a good story remains a good story regardless of how it is classified.

I discovered Gossamer in the Children's section of my local library while my kids were searching for their own books. I have loved Lowry since reading The Giver, so I thought, "Let's give this a try." In just a short 140 pages, I experienced a range of emotions - I was anxious, heartbroken, elated, and filled with hope. Lowry truly knows how to tell a great story, and Gossamer is no exception. So, go ahead and read it! You won't be disappointed.

I did not like this book as much as "The Giver."

I think Lowry had a pretty creative idea when she envisioned creatures that give dreams. However, the story itself did not hold my interest to a great extent.

I found myself more intrigued by the "guardians of the dreams" than the actual humans in the story. Even then, I thought the names of the guardians were somewhat silly, and the whole process of touching fragments to give the humans something to dream about seemed ridiculous to me.

My dreams generally have nothing to do with the random things lying around my house. They may contain elements from the past, but more often than not, they involve things that have no connection to my day-to-day life.

I listened to this book rather than reading it, and it was okay for passing the time. But overall, Lowry didn't manage to convince me with this particular story.

Perhaps others might find it more engaging, but for me, it just didn't quite hit the mark.

This is really hard to rate objectively.

On one hand, I'm thrilled to finally read a Lois Lowry book that actually has an ending. It's been a long time coming, and that in itself is a relief.

However, the ending itself (and the story of much of the book) is truthfully not that good. The plot felt a bit flat at times, and the characters didn't always seem fully developed.

That being said, it is a book about a young boy named John who is hurting and is healed by the love of a dog. This aspect of the story really touched my heart, especially since I got to read it to my dog before she passed.

The bond between a child and a pet is truly special, and this book captured that essence beautifully. Even though the overall story may not have been perfect, the emotional connection it created made it meaningful to me.

In the end, while I may not be able to rate this book highly from a strictly literary perspective, it will always hold a special place in my heart because of the memories it evokes.

Touching, gentle story about abuse. It's like a middle grade Lottery Rose. The tale unfolds with a tenderness that belies the harsh reality of abuse it explores.

It's a story that can be read quickly, yet it has the power to move the reader deeply. The characters are well-developed, and their experiences draw you in, making you feel their pain and hope.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the author manages to infuse the story with a sense of warmth and light. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope.

Overall, it's a beautiful and poignant read that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Littlest One and her teacher, Thin Elderly, are minuscule beings. Their task is to touch cherished objects and then assemble the fragments of memory and emotion within them into dreams for humans. It is a remarkable vocation, yet it is not without perils. There are also the Sinisteeds, dreadful creatures that afflict people with nightmares. Perhaps the most terrifying aspect is that dream-givers like Littlest One and Thin Elderly can turn into Sinisteeds if they don't perform their work meticulously.
Littlest One and Thin Elderly are responsible for bestowing dreams upon a kind old woman, which is a rather straightforward task. However, when the woman takes in John, a foster child, his anger and troubled past make him vulnerable to the torment of the Sinisteeds. Consequently, the dream-givers must discover a means to counteract this.
This is a short novel, but Lowry is proficient in delineating a captivating and enchanting story within such a limited number of pages. Her utilization of language is exquisite, and I was completely engrossed.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The concept of dream-givers and Sinisteeds adds an element of mystery and excitement to the story. Overall, it is a delightful read that leaves a lasting impression.

Lois Lowry is truly a remarkable master. She has an extraordinary ability to pack highly complex narratives, intricate characters, and profound themes into what appears to be a deceptively simple plot and language.

The story she weaves about two children growing into their own and how the adults around them are transformed and made better by these children is not only beautiful but also incredibly powerful.

It is a tale that touches the heart and makes one reflect on the power of youth and the impact that children can have on the lives of those around them.

I firmly believe that my love for Lois Lowry will never fade. Her works have a lasting charm and a depth that keeps readers coming back for more.

She has a unique way of bringing stories to life and making them resonate with readers on a deep and emotional level.

Lois Lowry's talent is truly a gift, and I feel privileged to have discovered her books.

I look forward to reading more of her works and being inspired by her amazing storytelling.

A Sweet Little Story

Once upon a time, in a small and charming village, there lived a kind-hearted little girl named Lily. One sunny day, while playing in the forest near her home, she discovered a tiny bird with a broken wing.

Lily's heart filled with compassion, and she gently picked up the injured bird. She knew she had to do something to help it. Carrying the bird carefully, she rushed back home. Her mother, seeing the situation, was very supportive. Together, they made a small nest for the bird and took care of it with great love and care.

Day by day, the bird's wing began to heal. Lily would spend hours sitting beside the nest, talking to the bird and singing it sweet songs. Finally, the day came when the bird was strong enough to fly again. Lily opened the window and watched as the bird took its first flight. With a joyous chirp, the bird flew up into the sky, disappearing into the distance. But Lily knew that their connection would always remain in her heart, a sweet little story that she would cherish forever.

Fairy-like creatures have a unique ability. They touch objects to gather memories and transform them into dreams for humans.

This story centers around a childless elderly woman. She is fostering an angry 8-year-old boy who has come from an abusive home.

Among the fairies, there is one who is竭尽全力 to protect both the woman and the boy from the bad fairies that cause nightmares.

The story is a blend of whimsy and dark themes. It's a captivating read for those who enjoy stories with loving foster carers, are fans of the film The Borrowers, and have an interest in collecting mementos.

It offers a unique perspective on the power of dreams and the importance of protection in the face of darkness.

This story is truly very special.

One of the characters within it strongly reminded me of the students that I have taught in the past.

I have a deep love for the idea that our personal things can hold precious memories.

Moreover, the concept that mythical creatures bestow our dreams upon us at night is truly enchanting.

If you are in search of something that is short and yet sweet, then this story is precisely what you are looking for.

I firmly believe that this story will remain with me for a very long time, constantly recurring in my thoughts and bringing a sense of warmth and wonder.

It has that unique charm that makes it unforgettable and worthy of being cherished.

Whether it's the connection to my past students or the magical ideas it presents, this story has left an indelible mark on my heart.

I can't wait to share it with others and see if they too are touched by its special allure.

It was truly an imaginative piece of work.

The incorporation of both dreams and nightmares added a unique and captivating element.

I have an absolute adoration for this book!

I simply love it when a great story has the power to transport you to another place entirely.

It's like embarking on a magical journey within the pages.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plot make it impossible to put down.

Each turn of the page reveals new surprises and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This book is a real gem that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an escape into a world of fantasy and adventure.

It has the ability to spark your imagination and leave you with a sense of wonder long after you've finished reading.

I had heard an enormous amount about this young adult book that has brought happiness to numerous readers.

So when I had a copy in my bookstore and I came across it, I thought to myself that there was a sign there... as if a little fairy had placed it there on my path.

And if you haven't read it yet, you can't imagine how important this point is.

The book is small, about 160 pages, so I read it almost in one go. But it addresses an enormous number of things at once: hope, tolerance, the transmission of knowledge, happiness to share with loved ones or not, from all of this emerges an extreme humanity and all of this through two crossed destinies (real and imaginary) and with a good dose of poetry.

This novel charmed me, it makes you see things in a different way.

You will close this book fully charged and with stars in your eyes.

It's a truly wonderful read that has the power to touch your heart and make you think. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and engaging story.