Gossamer - Lois Lowry

Also reviewed by Heather.

Summary: Where do dreams come from? What stealthy nighttime messengers are the guardians of our most deeply hidden hopes and our half-forgotten fears? Drawing on her rich imagination, two-time Newbery Medal winner Lois Lowry confronts these questions and explores the conflicts between the gentle bits and pieces of the past that come to life in dream and the darker horrors that find their form in nightmare. In a haunting story that tiptoes between reality and imagination, two people--a lonely, sensitive woman and a damaged, angry boy--face their own histories and discover what they can be to each other, renewed by the strength that comes from a tiny, caring creature they will never see. (Summary from book and image from Powells.com)

My Review: What a sweet story! If you've ever considered dreams, both good and bad, this book is a fun little read. In typical Lois Lowry fashion, she teaches lots of vocabulary in a very comprehensible way. Her characters have a kind, yet realistic feel to them. She depicts the troubled boy and his upbringing realistically with tormented experiences, but doesn't make them so disturbing as to ruin the book for a child. Lowry has a way of making the reader feel safe within the book's pages. Despite the simplicity of the story, its characters, and the basic plot, you cannot help but leave feeling peaceful about the world. I'd recommend this to an average 5th or 6th grade student or an advanced 4th grade reader. I do believe any age can appreciate the message.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

In a phrase: A sweet, short story for dreamers.