Lois Lowry Biography
Lois Lowry is an American writer and author who was born and brought up in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America. She is widely known for authoring several books for children and young adults, including Number the Stars and The Giver Quartet. Lowry is also recognized for writing about difficult subject matters and complex themes in works for young audiences. In 1990, she won two Newbery Medals: for Number the Stars and The Giver 1994. Her book Gooney Bird Greene won the 2002 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award.
One of her most well-known works is “The Giver,” published in 1993. It is a dystopian novel set in a society where emotions and memories are suppressed. “The Giver” won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1994, recognizing it as the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Lowry has also written three companion novels to “The Giver” known as “The Giver Quartet,” which includes “Gathering Blue,” “Messenger,” and “Son.” These books expand on the themes and concepts introduced in the original novel.
Another notable work by Lowry is “Number the Stars,” published in 1989, which tells the story of a young Danish girl named Annemarie during World War II. The book received critical acclaim and won the Newbery Medal in 1990.
Throughout her career, Lois Lowry has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to children’s literature. Her books often explore themes of individuality, freedom, and social issues, resonating with readers of various ages.
10 Quick Facts About Lois Lowry
- Name: Lois Ann Hammersberg
- Age: 86 Years (As of 2023)
- Birthday: 20 March
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Writer and Author
- Marital Status: Single
- Salary: Under Review
- Net Worth: $1.9 Million
Lois Lowry Age
Lowry is 86 years old as of 2023, she was born on 20 March 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. She celebrates her birthday on 20 March every year and her birth sign is Pisces.
Lois Lowry Height
Lowry stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m).
Lois Lowry Weight
Lowry Weighs 62 kg (140 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Lois Lowry was born Lois Ann Hammersberg on March 20, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was the middle child of three siblings. Her father, Robert E. Hammersberg, was an Army dentist, and her mother, Katharine Gordon Landis, was a teacher.
Due to her father’s military service, Lowry’s family moved frequently during her childhood, living in different parts of the United States and abroad. She spent her early years in places like Pennsylvania, Tokyo, and New York City. The frequent moves exposed her to various cultures and experiences, which would later influence her writing.
Lowry developed a love for reading and writing from an early age. She was an avid reader and often escaped into books as a way to cope with the challenges of moving and adjusting to new environments. Her passion for storytelling grew, and she began writing her own stories and poems.
After completing high school, Lowry attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she studied literature and writing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958.
Following her graduation, Lowry pursued a career in writing and worked as a journalist and photographer for various publications. She also got married and had four children. While raising her family, she continued to write, primarily focusing on children’s literature.
Lois Lowry’s early life experiences, including her exposure to different cultures and her love for reading, played a significant role in shaping her writing career. Her varied background and personal experiences have infused her stories with a rich tapestry of themes and perspectives.
Rise to Fame
Lois Lowry’s rise to fame as an author began with the publication of her first novel, “A Summer to Die,” in 1977. The book was inspired by the death of her own sister and tells the story of a young girl coping with the loss of her sister to leukemia. Although it received positive reviews, it didn’t gain widespread attention.
Lowry’s breakthrough came with the publication of “Number the Stars” in 1989. The book, set during World War II, tells the story of a young Danish girl helping her Jewish friend escape from the Nazis. “Number the Stars” received critical acclaim and won the Newbery Medal in 1990, catapulting Lowry to prominence in the world of children’s literature.
However, it was her novel “The Giver,” published in 1993, that firmly established Lois Lowry as a prominent author. “The Giver” received widespread acclaim and became a bestseller. The book explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the consequences of a society that suppresses emotions and memories. It won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1994 and has since become a staple in classrooms and a beloved classic among readers of all ages.
“The Giver” and its subsequent companion novels, collectively known as “The Giver Quartet,” further solidified Lowry’s reputation as a master storyteller. The quartet includes “Gathering Blue” (2000), “Messenger” (2004), and “Son” (2012), each expanding upon the world and themes introduced in the original book.
Throughout her career, Lowry has continued to write thought-provoking and impactful books for young readers. Her works often tackle complex subjects and encourage readers to question societal norms and explore the power of individuality and empathy.
Lois Lowry’s rise to fame can be attributed to her ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with readers of all ages, addressing important themes in a sensitive and accessible manner. Her books have received numerous awards, gained a wide readership, and continue to be celebrated and studied in classrooms around the world.
Lois Lowry Family, Parents
Lowry was born to her parents Robert Hammersberg and Katharine Hammersberg in Honolulu. Her father Robert was an Army dentist which forced the family to move all over the United States and many parts of the world.
Lois Lowry Siblings
Lowry has two siblings, an older sister named Helen Hammersberg who died of cancer in 1962, she has a younger brother Jon Hammersberg who she still shares a close relationship.
Lois Lowry Husband
Lowry was married to her husband Donald Grey Lowry, a United States Navy officer in 1956. In 1977, when she was 40 years old, she divorced her then-husband, Donald Lowry. Not long after, Lois met and married another man by the name of Martin Small as her second husband unfortunately he died in 2011. After Small’s death, Lowry got into another relationship with Howard Corwin, a retired physician but they have not disclosed whether they tied the knot or not.
Lois Lowry Children
Lowry is a proud mother of four children. Her sons are Grey and Benjamin. Her son Grey was killed in the crash of his fighter plane in 1995. She has two daughters namely Alix and Kristin.
Lois Lowry Net Worth
Lowry has an estimated net worth of $1.9 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a writer and author. Through her various sources of income, Lois has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Lois Lowry Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Lois.
Lois Lowry Wiki
- Full Names: Lois Ann Hammersberg
- Popular As: Lois Lowry
- Gender: Female
- Occupation/Profession: Writer and Author
- Nationality: American
- Race/Ethnicity: Not Available
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Lois Lowry Birthday
- Age/How Old?: 86 years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Date of Birth: 20 March 1937
- Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Birthday: 20 March
Lois Lowry Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height/How Tall?: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m)
- Weight: 140 lbs (62 kg)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Lois Lowry Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Robert E. Hammersberg
- Mother: Katherine Gordon Landis
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Patrick
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Husband/Spouse: Donald Grey Lowry (m. 1956; div. 1977)
- Children: Son (Donald Grey and Benjamin) Daughters (Alix and Kristin)
Lois Lowry Net worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $1.9 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Writer and Author
Lois Lowry House and Cars
- Place of living: Maine, United States
- Cars: r Car Brand to be Updated
Contacts
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