Messenger by Lois Lowry

Lowry, Lois, (2004). Messenger, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Summary: This story is about a boy who lives with a blind man. Together they live in a town of people that have been cast out of their homes because of their imperfections. Everyone seems to get along because the town is based on telling no lies. If you have read, The Giver, you will recognize that the leader of the town is the boy from that book but all grown up. Some of the people in this town, although have blemishes, some have extremely unique abilities

Rationale for Selection: When I was younger I read The Giver by Lois Lowry and really enjoyed it and thought this would be a good opportunity to read another one of his books. I also heard from other people that it was a spin off of The Giver.

Reader Response: I read The Giver and really enjoyed that book. I am always skeptical of sequels and thought it could not meet my expectations. It was a great book. I liked how you were able to connect with the main character and sympathized with him. You were drawn into the book and filled with suspense throughout the book until it is resolved in the end.

Genre and Themes: Fiction, Finding oneself

Teaching Thinking notes: I found this wonderful website that tells about the book, a biographical essay written by Lowry, description and awards given to her other books, as well as containing an interview with the her about the Messenger. http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/booksellers/press_release/messenger/
I would incorporate some writing activities that could go along with this book. One major topic for writing that I would have the students write on, would be their opinion of the ending. Are they satisfied with an ending that doesn’t necessarily meet our “happy ending” status? Do they have any ideas for an alternate ending.