Strange Worlds

These four books tell stories of strange worlds where life is not good or fair at least to some members of some of these worlds. The imagination needed to write one of these novels must be invigorating because Lois Lowry has written three books that deal with two societies that are extreme. One is idyllic while the other is cruel and suspicious. Both need help to change their world for the better. Jonas changes his world because of the unseen and unmentioned victims of his world. Kira and Matty work to change their harsh world with their inherent gifts. Read all three books for a look at two extreme worlds.

Haddix, Margaret. Among the hidden. 1998.
Luke would be a normal 12 year old like any other except that outside his family, no one knows he exists! It is illegal to have more than two children and Luke is the third child. His life is concealed until the land around his home is developed into a housing community. Now he lives in the attic. But staying hidden is difficult especially when he discovers a new neighbor child who has two older siblings. Staying hidden becomes more dangerous when the new neighbor tells him about other hidden children and their plans to change their lives. Read Among the hidden to discover how Luke deals with his lack of a life worth living.

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. 1993. Newbery Award.
Living in the perfect world where life is good and easy would be wonderful. Jonas would have been content in his world just like his family and friends but when he discovers his given vocation; the Receiver of Memories, his world is no longer good and easy. There are hidden, disturbing memories but also wonderful exhilarating, memories. Without the good and the bad times in life isn’t life just mundane? What Jonas decides to do with the memories from the Giver will change his world forever.

Lowry, Lois. Gathering blue. 2000.
Kira lives in another world but this world is not good and easy but hard and cruel especially for Kira who lives even though she is a cripple. For people who are damaged in any way are sent to away for the beasts to take them. Kira though is special and discovers many things about her world including the fact that there are no beasts. Can she, a cripple, change her hard world? Read Gathering blue to discover what Kira can do with the help of friends.

Lowry, Lois.  Messenger. 2004.
Matty is a friend of Kira's and now lives in the Village. He has grown and now takes messages to all parts of his world and discovers a special ability that will forever change not only him but his world. Which is good because some form of evil is changing the people of his good and generous village. Read Messenger to learn if the Village remains good and generous.