The first comprehensive critical study of Lois Lowrys work. In the first chapter, the author looks at Lowrys career as a whole, from her early work as a photographer and freelance writer for publications such as the New York Times and Down East, through her discovery by a childrens editor at Houghton Mifflin and her distinguished career writing for children and young adults. Provides a careful reading and aesthetic critique of the themes, style, and structure of Lowrys books, exploring connections between them and earlier works of childrens literature. Includes careful analysis of all of Lowrys major works, including chapters devoted to Lowrys early childrens books, her popular Anastasia series, her other humorous fiction, and her award-winning novels. The final chapter assesses Lowrys achievements as a writer and her impact on contemporary childrens fiction.