
"I would like to introduce you to this book. It has no plot. It is about moments, memories, fragments, falsehoods, and fantasies. It is about things that happened, which caused other things to happen, so that eventually stories emerged." Children as well as adults often ask Lois Lowry where the ideas for her stories came from. In this fascinating, moving autobiography, the Newbery Medalist answers this and many other questions. Her writing often transports readers into her own world. She explores her rich history through family pictures, memories, and recollections of childhood friends. She details pivotal moments that affected her life, inspired her writing, and that magically evolved into rich and wonderful stories that one is reluctant to put down. Lowry fans, and anyone interested in the writing process, will tremendously enjoy this poignant trip through a remarkable writer's past.
Publisher:
Boston, MA : Houghton Mifflin, c1998.
ISBN:
9780395895436
039589543X
039589543X
Characteristics:
181 p. :,ports. ;,24 cm.


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Add a CommentThe combination of photographs and brief text is what makes Looking Back a short but worthwhile read. I must admit, however, that I would have enjoyed it a little more if there had been more pictures of Lowry throughout her adult years and perhaps more biographical information. I felt like I learned more about her from the book jacket and introduction. Nonetheless, I understand the premise of the book was to respond to readers' queries about where certain story moments came from, and Lowry obviously stuck to that format.
Gifted children’s writer Lois Lowry shares a collection of black and white photos of herself and her family and tells a little story about each picture. Often funny, sometimes painfully sad, this is a gem. Certainly not just for children.