15 Interesting Facts about Lois Lowry

15 Interesting Facts about Lois Lowry

If you are a book worm then you have probably come across Lois Lowry’s books and might even have read some of them. You might be a fan of her works and have collected all the books she’s written.

Lois Lowry is an American writer; her books are still popular among kids today. Lois has written over twenty novels for young adults and has won numerous awards, including two prestigious Newbery awards, one for Number the Stars and the other for The Giver.

Lowry doesn’t rely on awards to determine her success as a writer but, rather, on how well she communicates with her readers about individuality, life, and relationships. Her books portray sensitive, intelligent, witty protagonists who are faced with challenges and choices in life.

She writes about topics that range from the humorous escapades of Anastasia Krupnik to Jonas’ serious realization in The Giver that he has been living his life like a robot. So, what do you know about the author behind “The Giver”, “Number the Stars”, and other popular stories? If you don’t know much about Lois Lowry, browse through this guide and learn interesting facts about her.

1. Lowry’s Books Were Inspired By Personal Experiences

Like many authors, Lowry used the things that happened in her personal life as an inspiration for her stories. Her first book “A Summer to Die” was based on her experiences when her older sister Helen died of cancer in her late twenties. Her popular book “The Giver” was influenced by her father, who began to lose some of his memories when he was in his 90s and eventually forgot all about Helen.

Her memoir “Looking Back” was the result of Lowry’s project for her granddaughter, whose father (Lowry’s son Grey) died when she was still a toddler. Lowry wanted to give her granddaughter a book that would help her know more about her father, and Lowry went through lots of family photos to create the book. This prompted her to look back on her own life and write her memoir.

2. Lowry has written a book based on her sister

Lowry’s first book, A Summer To Die is a fiction referring to the death of her sister and the effects of the loss to a family. Number the Stars also depicts the loss but in a different time and culture. Autumn Street was based on her traumatic experience of having her childhood friend murdered; Crow Call was based on her father’s return from the Pacific after World War 2 when she was eight years old. The Birthday Ball was based on a typical fairy tale story of a princess seeking love.

3. Lois Lowry had a degree in English

Lois Lowry, the renowned American author, is well-known for her critically acclaimed novels for young adults. However, before she embarked on her successful writing career, she pursued a higher education and earned a degree in English from Brown University. Brown University, established in 1764, has a rich history and is renowned for its liberal arts education. The university offers a wide range of programs, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering. It is particularly esteemed for its English department, which has attracted distinguished faculty.

4. Lois Lowry has received many awards

Lois Lowry has received numerous awards throughout her career in recognition of her exceptional contributions to children’s literature. One of Lowry’s most notable achievements is her two Newbery Medals, a prestigious honor bestowed upon outstanding children’s books by the American Library Association. In 1990, she received her first Newbery Medal for her novel “Number the Stars,” a moving tale set during World War II that explores themes of bravery, friendship, and resistance. In 1994, Lowry’s novel “The Giver” received the Newbery Medal, further solidifying her status as a master of children’s literature.

5. Lois Lowry is not her official name

Lois Lowry is the pen name of Lois Ann Hammersberg. She was born on March 20, 1937 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She decided that she wanted to be a writer when she was only eight or nine years old. Lowry married at the young age of nineteen to a naval officer when she just finished her sophomore year in college. However, the marriage ended in 1977 when she was forty years old. She met her second husband and had a blissful married life of thirty years until her husband died in 2011. She had a son, Grey, a fighter pilot for the US Air Force, who sadly died when his fighter plane crashed in 1995.

6. She Was Present During The Filming Of “The Giver.”

Lowry revealed to Buzzfeed that the people behind the movie adaptation of “The Giver” consulted her about the film. They asked her opinion about the screenplay, set design, costume design, and other parts of the movie even though, as Lowry clarified, they were not obligated to do so. The film crew even brought her to South Africa so she could watch the film and see the movie being made. Lowry reveals that was very pleased with the outcome of the movie and that it maintained the tone of the book even when certain aspects were changed.

7. Lois Lowry has served as the ambassador for young people’s literature for the Library of Congress.

Lois Lowry has successfully served as the Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for the Library of Congress. The position of Ambassador for Young People’s Literature was established in 2008 to raise national awareness of the importance of literature in the lives of young people.

Lowry authored numerous acclaimed novels. Her works often explore complex themes and tackle difficult subjects, making her an ideal choice for the ambassadorship.

During her tenure as the Ambassador for Young People’s Literature from 2019 to 2021, Lowry effectively promoted the value of reading and the potential impact literature can have on the lives of young individuals.

8. Lowry is known for her openness in discussing difficult topics

Lois Lowry is famous for her remarkable ability to approach challenging topics and themes in her books targeted at young readers. She possesses a unique talent for discussing difficult subject matters, including death, war, and social justice, in a way that captivates her young audience and fosters empathy and understanding.

9. Lowry’s work has been adapted for television

Lois Lowry’s book The Giver was adapted into a movie last 2014 with Brenton Thwaites as Jonas; Jeff Bridges as the main character and Meryl Streep as the Chief Elder.

The Giver book revolves around the story of a world where everyone takes drugs to suppress their memories and emotions.

10. Lois enjoys gardening as a hobby

Aside from writing, Lois Lowry also enjoys gardening during summer and spring and knitting during winter. She is also into photography where her photos grace the covers of her books- Number the Stars, The Giver, and Gathering Blue.

11. Lois Lowry’s has had an impact on children’s literature

Lois Lowry has made a significant impact on children’s literature through her thought-provoking stories that engage young readers and explore complex themes. With over 40 books to her name, including influential works such as “The Giver” and “Number the Stars,” Lowry has captivated generations of readers and has left an indelible mark on the genre.

12. Lois Lowry grew up in a military family

Lois Lowry’s father served in the United States Army, causing the family to move frequently during her early years. As a military brat, she was exposed to different cities, states, and even countries. This nomadic lifestyle taught her to adapt quickly to new environments and helped her develop a deep understanding of diverse cultures. Lowry often mentions that these experiences influenced her work, enabling her to create richly diverse worlds and relatable characters.

13. Lois Lowry was born in Hawaii

 Lois Lowry, the renowned American author, was born on March 20, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She spent her early years on the beautiful island before moving to different places due to her father’s military career.

Lowry’s childhood might not have been a conventional one due to frequent relocations, but it was filled with adventure and new experiences. Living in different places, including Pennsylvania, Tokyo, and New York City, allowed her to observe and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives from an early age. These encounters, alongside her natural curiosity, played a significant role in shaping her as a writer.

14. Lowry is still writing to date

Lois Lowry is now based in Cambridge, Massachusetts living alone while writing. She is accompanied by her pets, a Tibetan Terrier named Alfie and a cat named Lulu.  She also owns a farmhouse dating back to 1768 with meadows and flower gardens.

15. Lowry’s book subjects depict real-life situations.

She has covered numerous subject matters in her novels such as adoption, mental illness, cancer, the Holocaust, and futuristic scenes.

Such subject matters are to help young readers confront real-life situations and imperfections. According to her, her success as an author can be measured when she can, “help adolescents answer their questions about life, identity and human relationships”.