Photo of Lois Lowry
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Lois Lowry

2 series 10 books in order 2 standalone books

Lois Ann Lowry, born Lois Ann Hammersberg on March 20, 1937, is an American writer known for her works for children and young adults. She is the author of several notable books, including the Giver Quartet, Number the Stars, and Rabble Starkey. Lowry's writing often explores difficult subject matters, dystopian settings, and complex themes aimed at young audiences. She has received critical acclaim for her work, including two Newbery Medals: one for Number the Stars in 1990 and another for The Giver in 1994. Additionally, her book Gooney Bird Greene won the 2002 Rhode Island Children's Book Award.

Born
1937
Known for
The Giver Quartet, Gooney Bird

Series by Lois Lowry

The Giver Quartet

4 books in order · 1993–2012

  1. Cover of The Giver

    The Giver

    1993 · Lois Lowry

    At the age of twelve, Jonas, a young boy from a seemingly utopian, futuristic world, is singled out to receive special training from The Giver, who…

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  2. Cover of Gathering Blue

    Gathering Blue

    2000 · Lois Lowry

    Kira is a young girl who lives in a poor village. She is injured and loses her parents, but she is taken to a large building called the Council…

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  3. Cover of Messenger

    Messenger

    2004 · Lois Lowry

    "The Giver" is the first book in a trilogy by Lois Lowry. It is commonly taught in 8th and 9th grade English classes and introduces the concept of a…

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  4. Cover of Son

    Son

    2012 · Lois Lowry

    Claire is a teenage girl in a utopian community where Birthmothers are assigned to bear children. Unlike the other Birthmothers, she forms a strong…

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Gooney Bird

4 books in order · 2002–2008

  1. Cover of Gooney Bird Greene

    Gooney Bird Greene

    2002 · Lois Lowry

    Two-time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry introduces a new girl in class who loves being the center of attention and tells the most entertaining…

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  2. Cover of Gooney Bird and the Room Mother

    Gooney Bird and the Room Mother

    2005 · Lois Lowry

    Gooney Bird Greene likes to be right smack in the middle of everything. That's why she wants to have the lead role of Squanto in her class…

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  3. Cover of Gooney the Fabulous

    Gooney the Fabulous

    2007 · Lois Lowry

    Gooney Bird Greene has a fabulous idea after her teacher reads fables to the class. The children learn that fables are stories with animal characters…

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  4. Cover of Gooney Bird Is So Absurd

    Gooney Bird Is So Absurd

    2008 · Lois Lowry

    On the day that Gooney Bird wears her special brain-warming hat to school, Mrs. Pidgeon is teaching her class about poetry. But just when things are…

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Standalone books

  1. Cover of Number the Stars
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  2. Cover of Rabble Starkey
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Frequently asked questions

How many books has Lois Lowry written?

We list 10 books by Lois Lowry across 2 series, published between 1987–2012 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Lois Lowry's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “The Giver.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Lois Lowry's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.