Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry (2002, Paperback, Reprint)

This is the second in a loosely-tied series by Lois Lowry. Although Jonas or his society are not the focus of this novel, Kira's society has many eerie similarities to that of The Giver.

Kira and her mother are both gifted weavers. When tragedy strikes Kira's family, she is forced to prove herself worthy of survival. (Kira's disability makes her "undesirable" to the other citizens.) She soon becomes a valuable member of the community by recording and repairing their woven history. In the book, Kira's new life of privilege is astonishing to her, as is her new lack of independence.

The book has great themes that lead to great discussion. Don't miss the book Messenger, which ties Kira's and Jonas's societies together!

I first read this book when I was in seventh grade and it facinated me. Now as a college freshman, I bought the book and its sequel, "Gathering Blue," and within one day I have enjoyed the book enough to nearly finish it. A truly wonderful classic book about conformity and compassion that will have you reading til your eyes hurt. Enjoy!

This is a really great book - a must have for anyone who enjoyed The Giver. My son (age 12) said these two books, The Giver and Gathering Blue, are the best that he has ever read. As a teacher, I know that they have been nationally recognized for their excellence in the area of adolescent literature.