Looking Back : A Book of Memories

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Summary: Looking Back: A Book of Memories
Review: How do writers create the characters for their books? Writer Lois Lowry answers this question in this beautiful book of memories. Each individual memory with accompanying black and white photograph illustrates an important event in the author's life. Together they weave a story that is impossible to put down and leaves the reader wanting more. There is humor reminiscent of Erma Bombeck and sadness that makes you want to weep. Lois Lowry includes quotes from characters in her books echoing experiences that are provided in the memories. The death of her sister is found in Number The Stars, her grandparent's house is in Autumn Street, and her son and his horse in The Giver, and she herself in books like Anastasia Krupnik and The One Hundredth Thing about Caroline. Read this book to learn more about a new friend or to find a new one.

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Summary: Looking Back: A Book of Memories
Review: Lois Lowry recounts her life with pictures and stories that correspond to books she wrote for children. Thus giving a glimpse of "where she got her ideas from." A wonderfully touching historical memoir that was delightful to read becasue she skipped around with generations in telling her story. Excellent black and white illustrations and recommended for teachers to read to the students from the 3rd grade through the 5th grade, and for students to read for themselves in the 6th and 7th grades.

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Summary: Why did it take a writer for children to think of this?
Review: Lois Lowry ties quotes (some of them memorable) from her various novels for children (including Newbery Medalists Number the Stars and The Giver, as well as her popular Anastasia Krupnik series) to memories from her life. The words create masterful links between fiction and fact. The bonus - the photos. Each vignette is paired with a photo, entirely appropriate because of Lowry's skill as a photographer (and, from the looks of it, an inherited skill it is). The effect is absolutely affecting. This is a book for children AND adults.

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Summary: Looking Back: A Book of Memories
Review: Newbery Award winning author Lois Lowry offers her fans a creative look into her life. Using photographs, Lowry spins vignettes of memories triggered by each photo. Each chapter opens with a quotation from one of Lowry's books. From the vignettes, we learn how her life has influenced her writing. This autobiography is a very personal and intimate conversation between friends. It will appeal to both adults and children.