Tools for this page
Print

Gossamer

(2006, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Lois Lowry)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Abused kid gets otherworldly help; magical enough.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A man hits his wife and child, pushes the child's face into the floor, and forces him to eat dog food.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    A video game console mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults smoke and drink.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Gossamer

Parents need to know that while nothing is described graphically, there are clear references to child abuse.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the role of happy and unhappy memories in prompting dreams and nightmares, and can also use the plot as a launching pad to discuss the concept of dreams. What purpose do dreams serve -- and can they strengthen you? What are some of the best and worst dreams you've ever had? Do you have any recurring dreams? What do you think they mean?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Gossamer?

  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 14 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    elizabeth7059
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    Gossamer is an awesome book!

    Gossamer is a really good book but also a little bit sad. There are a few laughs in it. I really enjoyed it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Tink1382
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    I liked this book a lot. I thought it had a good message and had a very good ending. It is a short book so you can read it pretty fast.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    wisher14
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 3.0

    enjoyable read for ages 8 - 14

    Gossamer was a short book I enjoyed reading. The style of writing is interesting, switching from different points of view. It has a charming plot with an enjoyable, modest hero, and a subplot with deeper themes. Not exactly age-appropriate for a bedtime story for little ones, but a good read best for a 5th to 7th grader.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    mrjoelb
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Okay book.

    The book was a little boring at first, in then end of the book i felt like i wanted to sleep and have a good dream. :)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Zylence
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0

    hmmmmmmm.......

    This book reminds me of somethin I read in 3rd grade. I do not remember what it was called, but it had some of the same stuff. Ghostly dream- givers. In all, this book, in a certain way, is quite cute. Littlest One (Gossamer) reminds me of typical, never- stop- asking- questions children these days. Although it is partially sad, looking through the young mother's eyes, it is a pleasurable book, and I think, at least when you are in Elementary school, you should read it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.