Lois Lowry is a deeply-imaginative and highly-influential figure in the world of American letters, known for her thought-provoking and emotional novels that explore complex themes such as power, individuality, and social conformity. Born in Hawaii in 1937, Lowry grew up in a military family and spent much of her childhood traveling around the world. This nomadic upbringing, along with her experiences living in different cultures, would later inform much of her writing.
Lowry&#8217;s literary career began in the late 1970s with the publication of her first children&#8217;s novel, the somewhat gruesomely titled, A Summer to Die. This novel, which tells the story of a young girl dealing with the loss of her sister, was an immediate success and established Lowry as a gifted storyteller with a unique voice. Over the next few decades, she continued to write and publish a wide range of books for children and young adults, including the critically acclaimed, widely-read dystopian novel, The Giver and the Holocaust novel, Number the Stars.  
One of the most notable aspects of Lowry&#8217;s work is her ability to tackle difficult and controversial subjects in a way that is both accessible and meaningful to her young readers. For example, The Giver, which is set in a dystopian society where emotions and individuality are suppressed, explores the dangers of conformity and the importance of free will. Similarly, Number the Stars, which is set during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, deals with themes of resistance and bravery in the face of oppression.
Lowry&#8217;s writing has won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and the Scott O&#8217;Dell Award for Historical Fiction. In addition to her writing, she is also an active member of the literary community and has served on the board of the National Children&#8217;s Book and Literacy Alliance.