Gossamer
by Lois Lowry
Clarion Books 2024
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include healing from trauma
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Genre
Themes
- healing from trauma
- foster care and resilience
- empathy and compassion
- memory and dreams
- good vs. evil
- found family
- courage
About this book
This lyrical fantasy follows tiny dream-givers who gently collect life’s memories to weave comforting dreams for a lonely older woman and a scared foster boy. When dark forces try to stir up nightmares, the newest dream-giver must learn courage and compassion. Lowry blends wonder with real-world feelings about fear and healing, making it a thoughtful, accessible read. Short chapters and rich imagery make it engaging for middle-grade readers who enjoy magical realism with heart.
Setting: a contemporary small town, primarily within a home at night where dreams are made
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gossamer right for my child?
Yes — Gossamer is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 healing from trauma, foster care and resilience, empathy and compassion.
How long does it take to read Gossamer?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Gossamer takes around 3.4h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gossamer have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gossamer has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Gossamer?
Gossamer has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.