Lois Lowry Biography: Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth 2025

Lois Lowry Biography: Lois Lowry is one of the most beloved authors in America. She has touched the hearts of millions of readers worldwide with her influential books. Lois Lowry is a literary icon who writes novels about children and adults. As of 2025, Lois Lowry’s estimated net worth is $10 million. This wealth comes from her long and successful writing career, with over 50 books published.

This detailed biography of Lois Lowry will cover her early life, family, career, most famous books, awards, and personal life. It will help readers understand who Lois Lowry is, her beliefs, and why her stories have remained popular for decades. If you are a fan of “The Giver” or “Number the Stars,” this Lois Lowry biography will give you all the facts in a simple and easy-to-read way.

Lois Lowry Biography

Lois Lowry, born on March 20, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a renowned American author best known for her impactful children’s and young adult novels. She grew up in a military family, which led her to live in various places, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Japan.

After graduating from Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, she attended Brown University, where she met her future husband, Donald Lowry. They married in 1956 and had four children before divorcing in 1977.

Lowry began her writing career in her forties, publishing her first novel, A Summer to Die, in 1977. The book, which deals with themes of illness and loss, marked the beginning of her focus on tackling difficult and complex subjects in children’s literature.

She continued to write thought-provoking works, with her most notable books being Number the Stars (1989) and The Giver (1993). Number the Stars won the Newbery Medal in 1990, while The Giver earned her a second Newbery Medal in 1994. The Giver is especially famous for its exploration of a dystopian society where emotions and memories are suppressed, a theme that has resonated deeply with readers and sparked discussions about freedom and individuality.

Throughout her career, Lowry’s works have tackled themes such as memory, identity, loss, and the importance of human connection. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, making her one of the most influential authors in the realm of children’s literature. In her personal life, Lowry faced immense sorrow with the tragic death of her son, Grey, a U.S. Air Force pilot, in a plane crash in 1995. This profound loss deeply impacted her writing, particularly in her exploration of memory and loss.

As of 2023, Lois Lowry continues to write and speak about literature, sharing her experiences and wisdom with readers. She divides her time between Maine and Florida, and her legacy endures through her ability to address complex and sensitive subjects with empathy and insight, making her an enduring and cherished figure in the literary world.

Who is Lois Lowry?

• Full Name: Lois Ann Hammersberg Lowry
• Date of Birth: March 20, 1937
• Age in 2025: 88 years old
• Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Author, Novelist
• Genres: Children’s fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Dystopian Fiction
• Famous Books: The Giver, Number the Stars, Gathering Blue, The Willoughbys
• Estimated Net Worth: $10 million (2025)

Lois Lowry is known for writing books that deal with serious issues in a way that children and young adults can understand. Her stories often discuss freedom, loss, memory, love, and human connection. She believes that literature helps people think and grow.

 

Early Life and Education

Lois Lowry was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father was a military dentist, so the family moved a lot. She lived in New York, Pennsylvania, and even Tokyo, Japan as a child.

Her love for books started at an early age. Lois enjoyed reading and writing stories as a young girl. She said that books gave her comfort when she moved to new schools or felt lonely.

She went to Brown University, one of the top schools in the United States. But she left before graduating to marry Donald Lowry. After raising four children, she returned to school and earned her degree in English Literature from the University of Southern Maine in 1972.

 

Career as an Author

Lois Lowry started her writing career in the 1970s. Her first book, “A Summer to Die”, was published in 1977. It was based on the loss of her sister, and it received positive reviews. This emotional and honest book introduced Lois Lowry to young adult literature.

After that, she wrote several books, but her big breakthrough came in 1989 with “Number the Stars.” This story is about a Danish girl helping her Jewish friend escape the Nazis during World War II. The book won the Newbery Medal, one of the top awards for children’s books.

In 1993, she published “The Giver,” a dystopian novel that became her most famous work. “The Giver” tells the story of a boy named Jonas who lives in a society without pain, love, or choice. The book explores deep themes like memory, individuality, and freedom. It won another Newbery Medal in 1994.

 

Popular Books by Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry has written many books, but some are more popular. Here are a few of her best-known titles:

• The Giver (1993)
• Number the Stars (1989)
• Gathering Blue (2000)
• Messenger (2004)
• Son (2012)
• The Willoughbys (2008)
• A Summer to Die (1977)
• Gossamer (2006)

“The Giver” is the first book in a four-part series, often called The Giver Quartet, which includes “Gathering Blue,” “Messenger,” and “Son.”

Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and are read in schools worldwide. Some of her stories, like “The Giver,” have also been made into movies.

 

Writing Style and Themes

Lois Lowry is known for writing in a clear and straightforward style. But her books are never shallow. She deals with big topics such as:

• War and peace
• Death and grief
• Freedom and control
• Family and friendship
• Courage and hope

Even though she writes for young people, adults often find her books meaningful, too. She believes that readers of all ages can learn essential lessons from stories.

 

Awards and Achievements

Lois Lowry has won many awards during her long career. Some of the most important ones include:

• Newbery Medal (1990) for “Number the Stars”
• Newbery Medal (1994) for “The Giver”
• Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement
• Regina Medal for excellence in children’s literature
• National Jewish Book Award for “Number the Stars”

She is one of the few authors to win the Newbery Medal twice. Her work is taught in schools and universities, and she is considered a master storyteller.

 

Family and Personal Life

Lois Lowry was married to Donald Lowry, and they had four children. They later divorced. One of her sons, Grey Lowry, was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and died in a plane crash in 1995. His death deeply affected Lois and influenced some of her later writing.

She has grandchildren and enjoys spending time with her family. Lois Lowry lives in Massachusetts and continues writing and meeting with readers.

Despite her age, Lois Lowry remains active. She speaks at schools, libraries, and literary events. She uses her life experience and creativity to inspire the next generation.

 

Lois Lowry Net Worth and Legacy

As of 2025, Lois Lowry’s estimated net worth is $10 million. Her income comes from book sales, film rights, speaking engagements, and international royalties.

Her legacy is not just in the number of books she has sold. It is in the impact her books have had on people. She has helped children understand history, morality, and emotions gently and thoughtfully.

Millions of readers say that her books changed how they think and feel. Teachers and librarians recommend her books year after year.

 

Fun Facts About Lois Lowry

• Lois Lowry’s real last name is Hammersberg, but she writes using her married name.
• She wrote her first story when she was only eight years old.
• She was a photographer before becoming a full-time writer.
• She still uses a typewriter to draft some of her work.
• She loves dogs and often includes them in her books.

 

Conclusion: Lois Lowry Biography

The Lois Lowry biography is a story of talent, love, and strength. From her early days in a military family to becoming one of the most respected authors in the world, Lois Lowry has always believed in the power of stories. Her books continue to teach young people about life, choice, and compassion.

Her writing is simple, but her messages are deep. That is why her books are still read and loved today.

 

Call to Action

Did you enjoy learning about Lois Lowry’s biography? Share this article with other readers, teachers, and students. Pick up one of her books today and discover why her stories matter.

📚 Read “The Giver” if you haven’t already.

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