 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Gathering Blue
- By Lois Lowry
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Ambiguous but engrossing book in series.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that though this book lacks the intellectual and moral complexity of its predecessor, The Giver, this still gives readers things to think about.
What's the story?
Kira, born with a bad leg in a harsh society that shuns imperfections, is left an orphan when her mother suddenly dies of a mysterious illness. To her surprise, she is taken in by the Council of Guardians, given a comfortable room with food and indoor plumbing, and allowed to pursue the craft for which she has an unusual talent -- embroidery. She trains with an old woman in how to make dyes, and is given the task of restoring the robe worn by the Singer once a year, when he sings the history of the world to the people of the village.
But this unusually kind treatment hides many mysteries; what really happened to her parents, why was she taken in, who is crying on the floor below her, and what is the nature of her talent that so interests the Council. With Thomas, a boy with a similarly unusual talent for carving, also orphaned and taken in by the Council, and Matt, a cheerful little urchin from the Fens, she begins to explore the nature of the society she had taken for granted.
Is it any good?
The parallels with the author's Newbery-winning novel, The Giver, are many. Both take place in ordered villages in a future after worldwide destruction, and both revolve around children who, given the task of preserving cultural memories, discover the secrets upon which their society is built. Author Lois Lowry explored a seemingly perfect future society in the previous novel, but here the society is squalid and hateful.
GATHERING BLUE asks readers to think about the sacrifices they would make to improve an angry and loveless culture. The ending is ambiguous, and most of the questions are not answered, which some readers will find frustrating. The story, though engrossing, is focused on exploration of the society and the revelation of some of the secrets. Fans of the earlier book will find this an interesting and well-written, if somewhat paler, companion.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the relationship between politics and art, and between art and magic.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 13 years old
March 26, 2011
AGE
Perfectfor teenagers 12-16
My name is Lucy and I am 13 years old. I absolutely love this book. It provides great messages to all teenagers. It made me believe, that though i am weak, that shows that i am stronger than others.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 15 years old
March 24, 2010
AGE
I like this book a lot and it is one of the best books i've read so far
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
April 6, 2011
AGE
GOOD BOOK!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 14 year old
September 13, 2009
AGE
perfect to show kids how society truly is
Love it. i read it before my son, and i thought it would be a good book to show him that life isn't what it looks like.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
January 15, 2011
AGE
Not a fan.
I can't even get into this book, I hate it actually. I don't think there is a good plot, my child was trying to read it for a book report and she excells in all of her classes so it wasn't too hard, so I decided to try it. The plot of this book is very difficult to follow. Nothing is explained at all. I do like the message that is in this book, but I don't like the plot at all.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
March 18, 2010
AGE
Sad, but a good read
I thought it was pretty good. It was a little sad at first, though.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
November 10, 2010
AGE
bad
i hate this book soo much i think it makes no sense i hate it
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
March 22, 2010
AGE
Gathering Blue Opinions
I personly loved the book it is very inresting and mysterious.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
February 24, 2011
AGE
Could be better.
I believe Gathering Blue my Lowis Lowry was a wonderful book. However, when compared to The Giver, it is no good. Personally, The Giver was a much, much better book and Lowry has mistakenly downgraded.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 16 years old
January 21, 2011
AGE
Okay, but Doesn't Live Up To Its Full Potential.
This book was okay. I think the story was an excellent, creative, and awesome idea, but the way it was written made it a bit dull. I also don't understand why people call this the sequel to the Giver. It's completely different from that book.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Lois Lowry |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Houghton Mifflin Children's Books |
| Publication date: | May 16, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 215 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 14 |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
