Gathering Blue is a companion to Lois Lowry’s award-winning The Giver. Often viewed as a sequel, it is not, but it does follow the same principles of life’s portrayal that The Giver offered, taking place in a world of humans similar to our culture and way of life, but in sharp contrast regarding the opinions of the people and how they execute their daily routines.

Kira is a raven-haired girl past puberty, known because of her two-syllable name (Kir-a). When one is born in her society, they are given a name of one syllable, identified simply as “tykes.” When the child reaches adolescence, a second syllable is added to their name, and when they become adults—determined usually by marriage or fatherhood/motherhood—a third. If they live to be old, a fourth is added, but rarely does anyone reach this, for several reasons.

Kira’s world is governed by the ability to survive. Though they live in a community with a governing body of twelve elders (the Council of Guardians), it’s every man for himself. Fights, arguing, and abuse both verbal and physica

Some topics in this essay:
Council Guardians, Third Council, Lois Lowry’s, Council Edifice, Kira Mother, Blue Giver, Kira’s Kir, Gathering Blue, gathering blue, Date Publication, “the field”, council guardians, clothes people,