Messenger

Second installment to Youth classic, "The Giver." Required in numerous 8th/9th grade English classrooms. Introducing the idea of a utopian society to youth for the 1st time. The well known Trilogy also includes a third book, Gathering Blue. Only recently for the 20th Anniversary of "The Giver" author, Lois Lowry has written a 4th book called, "The Son" now available as of Oct 2012. Which makes the series a fourquet and answers the many hanging questions left by the "The Giver" Reading the two, middle books is not entirely necessary as the "The son" is more a sequel to the 1st book, "The Giver." The moral centre of Messenger is strongest when it rewards kindness and curiosity rather than selfishness, cruelty, or arrogance.

From an Islamic family lens, the useful parts are the moments that open conversation about kindness, curiosity, family discussion. Parents can ask whether the characters show adab, honesty, modesty, justice, and responsibility, or whether the story normalises behaviour that should be challenged.

The main caution is that the book may still include elements that need guidance: Book content varies by chapter and edition; parents should verify themes before assigning it to younger readers. Treat this starter review as a map for discussion, not as a replacement for parent judgement.