Gossamer
by Lois Lowry
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2006
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
- empathy and compassion
- power of memories and dreams
- resilience
- found family
- good vs. evil
- hope
- forgiveness
About this book
Where do dreams come from? In this lyrical, gently magical tale, a young dream-giver learns to weave memories into comforting dreams for a lonely boy and the caring woman who shelters him. As shadowy forces try to stir up nightmares, small acts of kindness and courage help fragile hearts begin to heal. Perfect for thoughtful middle-grade readers, it blends fantasy and real-life emotion in a hopeful, easy-to-read story.
Setting: a contemporary small-town home and the unseen world of dream-givers
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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, empathy and compassion, power of memories and dreams.
How long does it take to read Gossamer?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Gossamer takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 30,000 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.