It is a Lois Lowry book. Need I say more? Once again this giant of children's literature delivers a book sweet, poetic and overwhelming (in the best sense of the word!)

This is such a beautiful story of friends, memories and storytelling. 100% recommend for everyone!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

"Tree. Table. Book." by Lois Lowry is an elegantly written and thoughtful piece that delves into the theme of connection—both with nature and with each other. Lowry, renowned for her skill in embedding profound themes within accessible stories, offers a touching exploration of life, memory, and the seemingly small yet impactful moments that shape our experiences.

The narrative is centered around three key elements: the tree, the table, and the book, each symbolizing different facets of life and relationships. Lowry’s poetic language encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, the value of community, and the influence of storytelling. Through vivid descriptions and insightful reflections, she invites readers to ponder their connections to these themes.

The tree represents growth, resilience, and the passage of time. Lowry vividly portrays how trees stand as silent witnesses to our lives, enduring through changing seasons and providing a sense of stability in a constantly changing world. This imagery resonates deeply, reminding readers of nature's significance in our lives and its grounding effect.

The table symbolizes gathering, sharing, and the bonds formed through communal experiences. Lowry captures the warmth of family meals, conversations, and celebrations that take place around the table, emphasizing how these moments create lasting memories and strengthen relationships. Her reflections on these gatherings evoke nostalgia and appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

The book, in this context, acts as a repository for stories—both personal and those passed down through generations. Lowry highlights the power of storytelling to connect us, preserve our histories, and inspire future generations. This theme is particularly moving, as it prompts readers to consider the narratives that shape their lives and the stories they wish to share.

One of the remarkable aspects of "Tree. Table. Book." is Lowry’s ability to express deep emotions with simplicity and clarity. Her writing is both accessible and profound, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The book encourages reflection and introspection, inviting readers to pause and consider their relationships with nature, family, and the stories that define them.

"Tree. Table. Book." is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking work that highlights Lois Lowry’s exceptional storytelling talent. With its rich imagery, profound themes, and gentle wisdom, this book is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the connections that enrich our lives. Lowry has created a timeless narrative that resonates with the heart, reminding us of the beauty found in the simplest elements of our existence. This work will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of life, making it a truly enriching reading experience.

Tree.Table.Book by Lois Lowry is a heartfelt story about friendship, family, and memories. With beautiful descriptions, the book explores how moments in life can change us. It’s a perfect read for kids who enjoy stories that make them think about the world in a deeper way. Thoughtful and touching!

This. is by two-time Newbery medalist Lois Lowry. I have read her work before and she is a creative as well as a talented writer. This book is another of her delightful writings. This is a story about an unlikely friendship and is a compelling piece. She truly is a talented writer and this story continues to show her talent of storytelling and writing. She writes about a young girl and her dear friend, an elderly neighbor. She goes on an eventful journey and learns as well as sees many things along the way. There are landscapes and history as she learns more throughout this story. These two are in different parts of their lives, yet they connect. The younger girl is dedicated to helping her elderly friend. This sweet relationship is well-defined in this story. Readers feel the connection.

I loved this book. Love books that have messages with all the feels. A book about friendship and the different twists and turns in life. The message I took from it was life can change in an instant but love and memories can always stay in your heart.

So quick to get through but so powerful. Unique characters, inspiring messages, and a wonderful story overall.

What a sweet story about 2 Sophie's. I loved young Sophie's empathy and thoughtfulness. Lois Lowry really hit the mark with this one in terms of characters and messaging.

This was sweet and the narrator’s voice sounded just like my young voice. I started it before it published last year and after making it halfway forgot to ever go back to it. Nothing wrong with it, just didn’t pull me in enough to finish.

I just love Lois Lowry and this book, while slightly different due to the nature of the theme, is still classic for her style. A little slow to get into the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC #sponsored

Loved this. I’ve really enjoyed everything by this author. She’s an autobuy author for me. I love how every one of her stories is completely different from the others but you can still feel she’s the author. A very strong voice - one I really enjoy.

I've never read Lois Lowry before, but through the years I've seen a few of her books get some high ratings like The Giver and Number the Stars. Well might daughter is reading chapter books now and approaching that Middle Grade genre. So I knew I needed to start reading some books here and there to be able to recommend books to her as she gets older. Personally, I struggle with books in this age group. So I thought I'd give Lois Lowry a try.

Early on I realized that I would still likely struggle through this book so I would read a little at a time before allowing myself to read something I was actually interested in reading. And this worked. I was able to make progress and eventually finish Tree. Table. Book. using this method.

Sophie, the main character and narrator, is a little hard for me to connect to. She's a little rude/abrasive to her friends, Ralphie mostly. She seems to think she's smarter than others. She has her quirks, but mostly she was a sweet kid concerned about losing her best friend in the world. When Sophie's parents point out older Sophie's memory issues, young Sophie's sets out to prove everyone wrong by using the DSMR that Ralphie's dad has. She gives older Sophie's a series of tests that sparks her to share some of her life stories. Young Sophie has to come to grips with reality which isn't easy for her at all.

Overall, Tree. Table. Book. is a story about love and loss and moving forward even when we want to dig in our heels to stay right where we are. I can't say that I personally loved it as this isn't my preferred age range and young Sophie was a little grating for me. Tree. Table. Book. gets 3 Stars from me. Have you read Tree. Table. Book.? What did you think? Let me know!

Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry tells a story about the friendship between two Sophies: one who is eleven and one who is 88.

The title refers to the three items that young Sophie is trying to help her unlikely elderly friend remember for a dementia test. Sophie asks her friend to think of a story to go along with each item to help her remember them. The stories Sophie shared were quite unexpected.

This is a beautiful story of childhood experiences, compassion, and of course friendship. You should never pass on Lois Lowry novel and this one is no different!

Vintage Lois Lowry, can't go wrong. This woman is a national treasure. I hope she keeps writing forever!

Another important book from Lois Lowry. This one does require some previous knowledge of the Holocaust to understand what's going on, but I think the length of the book and the individual chapters make it an ideal pick for a classroom where students will receive that context.

"Tree. Table. Book." is a precious story about a young girl and an elderly woman-- both named Sophie. They live next to each other and share a friendship. Initially Young Sophie is in denial that Elder Sophie has memory problems. But when it becomes undeniable, she enacts a plan to help her.

Lois Lowry can do no wrong, and this book is no exception.

My Thoughts:
This is a elementary to middle grade book by the trustworthily fabulous author, Lois Lowry. She is the author of the OG of dystopian middle grade novels, The Giver as well as Number the Stars about the Danish Resistance smuggling Jews to Sweden. Both of these books are Newberry Award winners.

This book is about 11-year-old Sophie Henry Winslow and her very best friend and neighbor, 88-year old Sophie Gershowitz. The narrator, young Sophie, overhears adult conversation that Sophie Gershowitzʻ son Aaron will come and move the elder Sophie to a care facility. Young Sophie is determined to show her parents and Mr. Aaron that Sophie Gershowitz is just fine, even if the adults say she is in the early stages of dementia. The title of the book comes from one of the mental status exams she finds in the Merck Manual.

The stories around these three words are just heartbreaking and lovely. They should be read aloud for chapter Fridays in middle school, even if it is heartbreaking.

I had a teacher ask me for book advice and I was trying to figure out what specifically she wanted. At the end of the conversation she said, I just want my students to be kind.

This book is about kindness. It is about wanting the best for someone else even if it is not the best for you.
I think that kind of awareness from an 11 year old is the manifestation of kindness. So to my friend in Nebraska, try this for your 6th graders.

From the Publisher:
When precocious eleven-year-old Sophie sets out to save her elderly neighbor (who is also her dearest friend), her journey will take her through their familiar suburban landscape and then, steadily yet unexpectedly, deeper into a landscape of history and shared stories.

Everyone knows the two Sophies are best friends. One is in elementary school, and one is . . . well . . . in a little trouble of late. She’s elderly, sure, but she’s always been on her game, the best friend any girl struggling to fit in could ever have. The Sophies drink tea, have strong opinions about pretty much everything, and love each other dearly. Now it seems the elder Sophie is having memory problems, burning teakettles, and forgetting just about everything. It looks like her son is going to come and get her and steal her away forever. Young Sophie isn’t having that. Not one bit. So she sets out to help elder Sophie’s memory, with the aid of her neighborhood friends Ralphie and Oliver. But when she opens the floodgates of elder Sophie’s memories, she winds up listening to stories that will illustrate just how much there is to know about her dear friend, stories of war, hunger, cruelty, and ultimately love.



Publication Information:

Author: Lois Lowry

Publisher: Clarion Books First Edition (April 23, 2024)

ISBN 13: 978-0063299504

Hardcover: 208 pages

Grade level: 3--7

A beautiful story of friendship that transcends age. The Sophie's are a beautiful found family that understand each other and their struggles more than their blood relations do. This is a book that emphasizes the importance of strong connection for both young and old alike, an dyow even with family around you can feel socially isolated if not understood and valued as a person.

First sentence: I am going to tell you three words. I'm choosing them at random. Listen carefully. This will be important. House. Umbrella. Apple. Remember those. I'll explain later.

My thoughts (preview): I kept this one waiting. I have absolutely loved Lois Lowry's work in the past. I have. Yet the title was odd--for me (though trust me, it works). The cover was not one that made me want to drop everything and read it. I wasn't quite sure what this one was about. I thought it would likely be worth reading...at some point. Lowry's books rarely disappoint me.

In a way, I'm glad I waited to read it. Now I can tell EVERYONE go read this book and it will actually be available at libraries and bookstores.

Premise/plot: What is this one about? Friendship. Friendship. Friendship. Friendship can be complex, nuanced, wonderful, perplexing. Young Sophie (our heroine) is VERY dear friends with a much older Sophie. The two have a wonderful, sparkling friendship--vibrant and delightful. Yet the older Sophie is beginning to 'show' her age, if you will. No matter how much young Sophie does NOT want to admit it, acknowledge it, accept it, things can't stay the same forever. This Sophie is not Sophie's only friend. There are others in her life that are DIFFERENT yet special. There is only ONE Sophie--irreplaceable.

My thoughts: I purposefully kept the premise/plot on the VAGUE side. Because the JOY of this one is in the unfolding. The less you know about the specifics of the plot, the more you will enjoy the journey. You should know it is character-driven. This isn't an action-packed novel with twists and turns. Nor is it a thriller. But for readers who LOVE character-driven novels that are ALL heart, ALL soul, written with care and beauty, this one is a must. It breaks you, in a way, but it also mends.

I received this book in exchange for a honest review from NetGalley

Lois Lowry has done it again, She made me cry. I have been reading Lois Lowry's books since I was a child and never has one of her books failed to speak to me. This book is a beautiful example of a relationship between a young girl and her older friend and how aging effects us all. It is also a beautiful example of how sometime there is a special person that we can share a part of ourselves with that we have never shared before. I loved this book!