Lois Lowry Pack

I love cheap books, so I never pass up a Scholastic deal. I especially love their packs where they lump several books together either of similar topics or by the same author. One of my Scholastic purchases was the Lois Lowry pack. The two books I received written by Lois Lowry were The Giver and Number the Stars.

The Giver is one of those books that you like while you're reading it and then finish and you're not sure you liked it. It is about a Utopian, futuristic society. It was written well and really makes you think about the government and control, freedom and responsibility, but there are definitely some mature elements and themes to deal with emotionally. While I was reading it, I found myself talking to Chris about it and even had disturbing dreams about it. As Jared would hear me talking about it, he kept asking about it and if it was something he should read. I had to respond that I didn't think he should read it yet. It is not a children's book. It is a Young Adult book and should be reserved for when they are mature enough to understand the complexities of the ideas presented.

It is hard to believe that Number the Stars was written by the same author. It is so different. This book is about a family during World War II who help a Jewish girl escape. It was really good and although there were some tense moments, I would definitely read this to my children, as well as recommend it for adults.