Lois Lowry, one of children’s literature’s favorite authors, has been awarded and discussed for her unique and powerful writing style. One of the perhaps less discussed series she wrote was about 10 year old, Anastasia Krupnik. When I was reading in middle school and upper elementary school, I loved Anastasia because she was realistic. One writing element that Lowry does so well is get inside the character’s head. The book would describe Anastasia thoughts and responses to life, including a new baby brother, her grandmother, and her quirky parents. Anastasia keeps a green notebook with lists in it, including all of the things she loves and hates. Her notebook, along with the description of her walking down her narrow hallway making noise, were details that really resonated with me as a young reader. Furthermore, I had a younger brother like Anastasia, and I loved how her relationship with him was portrayed.
The book, in my opinion, ages itself as Anastasia encounters and discusses things that I’m not sure we’d see in books today. For example, she tries her father’s beer to taste it, but I think theses are the types of details Lowry excel at to make the characters real and alive. Do you remember Anastasia Krupnik?
From Goodreads: Anastasia’s tenth year has some good things, like falling in love and really getting to know her grandmother, and some bad things, like finding out about an impending baby brother.
Anastasia Krupnik Is the Neurotic YA Heroine You Forgot You Loved
[A cheeky article about Anastasia]
It’s always fascinating to see how book covers evolve with design and time. The orange and pink one below is the one I remember reading!
I hadn’t heard of this series from Lois Lowry! So thanks for sharing. 🙂
-Reshama @ Stackingbooks
I haven’t either (in reference to Resh’s comment above!) Thanks for sharing in the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
Hi there! Visiting from Kid Lit Blog Hop. This looks like a great book! I will have to let my niece know about this one and I loved reading Lois Lowry also 🙂
You know, I have not to this date read a Lois Lowry book, as it was not an author that was popular in Australia when I was growing up, but I want to read The Giver. Thanks for a great review and for bringing more of Lois’s books to our attention on the Kid Lit Blog Hop
I haven’t read this series. More books to add to my reading list 🙂 It’s a pleasure to connect with you on the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
I haven’t read this series either, but enjoyed your thoughts. I too like seeing how old books covers’ evolve over time. I think I like the first one best! Thanks for sharing!