Many who pick up this title will be mesmerized by the story of a curious yet brave boy who is chosen to bear the memories, and thus the pain and joy, for the bland, homogenized community in which he lives. More than a few readers will find this introductory taste of dystopian fiction their first step on the way to books like 1984 and V for Vendetta. It has earned a spot in the top 20 of the American Library Association’s Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books every decade since its release, possibly for the author’s treatment of subjects like death, sex and religion. Indeed, author Lois Lowry has many times made the Most Frequently Challenged Authors list for her other books as well. When the controversy dies down, this Newbery Award-winning book will surely be seen as an engaging, thought-provoking classic – required summer reading for children 9 to 12 – much like other older, esteemed books on the same list.
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