Gossamer

Lois Lowry’s Gossamer (2006) is a middle grade fantasy novel that explores the world of dreams and the fragile boundary between reality and imagination. The story follows Littlest One, a young dream-giver in training, and her mentor, Thin Elderly, as they weave dreams for a troubled boy named John and his elderly caretaker. As Littlest One learns the intricacies of her role, she must also confront the Sinisteeds, creatures that bring nightmares. Through its gentle narrative and rich symbolism, Gossamer explores The Healing Power of Happy Memories, The Role of Empathy and Compassion in Addressing Trauma, and The Journey of Personal Growth and Resilience. The novel won a Parents’ Choice Award and was nominated for the Cybils Award. Other works by Lowry include Number the Stars, The Silent Boy, and Gooney Bird Greene.

This study guide uses the e-book edition of the novel, published in 2006 by Houghton Mifflin.

Content Warning: The source material contains depictions of child abuse, domestic violence, and alcohol use disorder.