Messenger by Lois Lowry

“My books have varied in content and style “My books have varied in content and style. Yet it seems that all of them deal, essentially, with the same general theme: the importance of human connections. The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger…speak to the same concern: the vital need of people to be aware of their interdependence, not only with each other, but with the world and its environment.” - Lois Lowry

“I try, through writing, to convey my passionate awareness that we live intertwined on this planet and that our future depends upon our caring more, and doing more, for one another.” – Lois Lowry

Keep the following questions in mind as a focus to guide you through the work we will do with Messenger by Lois Lowy.

What theme is developed throughout the book? How can one person make a difference? What is community?

LOOKING AHEAD: After completing the novel, you will compose an informative writing piece in which you address the following prompt: Write an essay in which you analyze how Lois Lowry uses Matty’s responses to challenges to develop the theme. Support your response with evidence from the text. Make sure to keep this in mind and pay attention as you read through the book, so that you will be able to determine the theme.