Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The fascinating third companion novel to THE GIVER which inspired the dystopian genre and is soon to be a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges, Katie Holmes and Taylor Swift. In MESSENGER, Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man known for his special sight. His community once welcomed newcomers, but something sinister has seeped into Village and the people have voted to close its borders to outsiders. Now Matty must risk everything to make one last journey through the treacherous forest… Award-winning author Lois Lowry challenges readers to imagine what our world could become, how people could evolve and what could be considered valuable in this fascinating follow-up to THE GIVER.
Is Messenger: The third novel in the classic science-fiction fantasy adventure series for kids appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
A thoughtful middle-grade dystopian tale exploring themes of community, fear, and sacrifice. Contains mild peril during a dangerous forest journey and explores the darker side of human nature (xenophobia, closed communities) but remains age-appropriate.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include xenophobia, isolation, and abandonment.
Who'll love this
Readers who loved THE GIVER will appreciate this companion story about a boy who must undertake a dangerous journey to save his community from itself.