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Messenger

(2004, Fiction - Science Fiction, Written by Lois Lowry)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Trilogy ends with more questions than answers.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Matty, Kira, and Leader are graphically attacked by plants and trees in Forest. A major character dies.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Messenger

Parents need to know that with lots of questions left unanswered there's much to discuss, including the Christ-like overtones of the ending in which a child character dies.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about fear and courage. In what ways is the society of Village admirable? What is the greatest threat to Village? If you've read the earlier books in this series, do you find this one a satisfying conclusion?

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Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Messenger?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

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See all 22 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    The Messenger is one of the best books our teacher assigned us to read. It was for our 2nd year english class. It had a good story, though not as good as "The Giver", but it was less controversial and more appropriate for kids than "The Giver". It was kinda sad when the major character (no spoilers) had a terrible incident, but other than that it was a joy to read. 4 stars

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 2.0

    Confusing

    I didn't really like this book because I felt like there was no point in writing it. It was very boring, and the plot was confusing. I think that there were too many things going on at once. Unless you like sad, frustrating books, don't read it.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    This book was AWESOME!! but the auther leaves you hanging and I hate it! the oart when Matty dies is so sadbut at least Leader (Jonas) and Kira make it.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    I absolute LOVED the book. I really liked how the series ends. It leaves you with some questions but i personally like that. Then you can decide what happens after that. I thought this book was just as good as The Giver. This book really tied everything together at the end of the series.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    loved it!!!!

    You just have to get through the first chapter, and you'll be hooked! Ages eight to eighty will absolutely love crying, laughing, and reading this amazing book!

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