65 pages • 2 hours read
Lois LowryMessenger
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Messenger by Lois Lowry follows Matty, a teenage boy living in a utopian village where everyone is welcomed. As Matty discovers his healing ability, his village begins to change due to the sinister Trade Mart, where villagers trade parts of themselves for material gains, leading them to become selfish and unkind. Matty embarks on a perilous journey to save his village, ultimately using his gift to heal and restore the community.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Messenger by Lois Lowry is praised for its deep themes of community and sacrifice, resonating with readers through its engaging storytelling. The book is noted for its vivid, thought-provoking prose, continuing the captivating world-building from Lowry's previous works. However, some critics feel the pacing lags at times, and certain characters lack development. Overall, a compelling read for dystopian enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Messenger?
Readers who enjoy dystopian and coming-of-age stories will appreciate Messenger by Lois Lowry. Fans of Lois Lowry's own The Giver series, as well as those who enjoyed Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid’s Tale and Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, will find this novel's exploration of community and individuality compelling.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
720LBook Details
Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction
Fantasy
Society: Community
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Self Discovery