Lois Lowry
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lois Ann Lowry, born Lois Ann Hammersberg, is a celebrated American author known for her profound contributions to children's literature. She is often simply referred to as Lois Lowry.
Birth and Death Dates
Lois Lowry was born on March 20, 1937. As of the latest available information, she is still alive and continues to influence the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lois Lowry is an American author, primarily recognized for her work in children's and young adult literature. Her career spans several decades, during which she has penned numerous novels that have captivated readers of all ages.
Early Life and Background
Lois Lowry was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Katharine and Robert Hammersberg. Her father was an army dentist, which meant that the family moved frequently during her childhood. This transient lifestyle exposed Lowry to diverse cultures and environments, shaping her worldview and later influencing her writing. She spent parts of her childhood in New York, Pennsylvania, and Japan, each location leaving an indelible mark on her imagination and storytelling.
Lowry attended Brown University but left to marry Donald Lowry, a naval officer. The couple had four children, and during this period, Lowry completed her degree at the University of Southern Maine. Her experiences as a mother and student enriched her understanding of human relationships, a theme that permeates her work.
Major Accomplishments
Lois Lowry's literary career is marked by numerous accolades and awards. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Newbery Medal, awarded for her outstanding contributions to children's literature. Her first Newbery Medal came in 1990 for "Number the Stars," a poignant novel about the Holocaust. She received her second Newbery Medal in 1994 for "The Giver," a groundbreaking work that explores themes of memory, individuality, and societal control.
In addition to these honors, Lowry has been recognized with the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, and the Regina Medal, among others. Her ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity and insight has earned her a place among the most respected authors in her field.
Notable Works or Actions
Lois Lowry's bibliography is extensive, but several works stand out for their impact and popularity. "Number the Stars" and "The Giver" are perhaps her most famous novels, each exploring difficult themes with grace and depth. "Number the Stars" provides a child's perspective on the Holocaust, while "The Giver" delves into a dystopian future where emotions and memories are suppressed for the sake of societal harmony.
Other notable works include "Gathering Blue," "Messenger," and "Son," which together with "The Giver" form a loose quartet exploring themes of freedom, choice, and the human condition. Lowry's ability to weave intricate narratives that challenge readers to think critically about the world around them is a hallmark of her writing.
Impact and Legacy
Lois Lowry's impact on literature, particularly children's literature, is profound. Her novels often address complex and sometimes controversial topics, encouraging young readers to engage with difficult questions about morality, society, and human nature. Her work has sparked discussions in classrooms and book clubs around the world, making her a pivotal figure in the genre.
Lowry's legacy is not only in her books but also in the way she has inspired generations of readers and writers. Her willingness to tackle challenging subjects has paved the way for other authors to explore similar themes, broadening the scope of children's literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lois Lowry is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to articulate profound truths about the human experience through the lens of children's literature. Her quotes often reflect her deep understanding of human emotions and societal dynamics, resonating with readers of all ages. Her work challenges readers to question the status quo and consider the complexities of life, making her a source of inspiration and reflection.
Lowry's writing continues to be a touchstone for discussions about freedom, individuality, and the power of memory, ensuring her place in the literary canon for years to come. Her ability to connect with readers on an emotional level, combined with her skillful storytelling, ensures that her words remain relevant and impactful.
Quotes by Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry's insights on:
It bothered him a little to lie about small things. But he always had; he had grown up lying, and he still found it strange that the people in this place where he now lived thought lying was wrong. To Matty, it was sometimes a way of making things easier, more comfortable, more convenient.
Artist?” Thomas suggested. “That’s a word. I’ve never heard anyone say it, but I’ve read it in some of the books. It means, well, someone who is able to make something beautiful. Would that be the word?
You know, sometimes it’s nice to just have someone to blame, even if it has to be yourself, even if it doesn’t make sense.
But this room’s walls were completely covered by bookcases, filled, which reached to the ceiling. There must have been hundreds – perhaps thousands – of books, their titles embossed in shiny letters.
The exemption from rudeness startled him. Reading it again, however, he realized that it didn’t compel him to be rude; it simply allowed him the option.
NEFARIOUS means utterly, completely wicked. The character in The Wizard of Oz could have been called the Nefarious Witch of the West but authors like to use the same beginning consonant, often. Perhaps L. Frank Baum crossed out nefarious after wicked came to his mind. Thank goodness, because Nefarious would be a terrible name for a musical.