“Gossamer,” by Lois Lowry

“Gossamer,” by two-time Newberry Medal winner Lois Lowry is a fantasy story about dreams and dream bearers.

The main characters are two people: a lonely old woman, and an angry young boy. But behind these two people are powerful forces attempting to influence them both for good and bad. Every night dream givers come to pull pleasant memories and experiences from household objects and bestow healing, strengthening dreams to the sleeping humans.

Littlest One is a young dream giver who likes to play and have fun. Thin Elderly is her mentor and teacher. He must teach her the fine art of healing people through dreams. When John, an angry young foster child comes to live in the household that Littlest One and Thin Elderly serve it is the start of a trying time for all involved. John is really quite sensitive, hiding his fears and insecurities behind meanness and unkind words. The old woman can see behind John's assumed mask, but even she finds it hard to reach his heart.

It is up to the dream givers to use their caring powers to teach John about the feelings of love and make him open up. But even as they try to help John their efforts are all but thwarted by Sinisteeds, warped dream givers who have fallen to using their dream bestowing powers to create nightmares that cause damage and fear.

“Gossamer” is a marvelous fantasy creation. Lois Lowry's remarkable imagination has created a beautiful world peopled by caring, loving creatures who work behind the scenes to change and mold people. The tenderness of Lois Lowry's words gives “Gossamer” a lasting appeal. “Gossamer” teaches that love can always triumph over hate and that we must always be careful to avoid misusing whatever powers or abilities we may have. I would definitely recommend “Gossamer” to fantasy lovers.

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