Gathering Blue
by Lois Lowry
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2006
Book 2 of The Giver Quartet
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- power of art and creativity
- freedom vs. control
- truth and secrecy
- courage
- friendship
- resilience
- community and conformity
About this book
In a harsh, rule-bound future village, Kira, a gifted young weaver with a disabled leg, is taken to the grand Council Edifice to use her talent for the community’s most important ceremony. As she learns more about her craft and her new home, she begins to sense secrets beneath the village’s strict control. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking dystopias will be drawn to Kira’s quiet strength, the mystery surrounding her world, and the power of art and story. Perfect for upper elementary and middle schoolers who liked The Giver but want a gentler, equally compelling companion tale.
Setting: a primitive, tightly controlled village in a distant future
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gathering Blue right for my child?
Yes — Gathering Blue is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include identity, power of art and creativity, freedom vs. control. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Gathering Blue?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Gathering Blue takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gathering Blue have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gathering Blue has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Gathering Blue?
Gathering Blue has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.