"I had told Sophie Gershowitz that I always got the dates right, on history tests, always got As. That was true. But I had never really got it, never understood history, how things fit together, because I needed someone to tell me the stories not of politics and dictators, but of berries and bunnies and books. Of how things are lost, and what that means and how it hurts."

This new story from Lois Lowry talks about two unlikely best friends, both named Sophie but born 77 years about. Young Sophie is a bit of an outsider - she awkward and knows it. Her two friends that are closer to her age are also quite quirky. While they both add to the plot it really is 88 year old Sophie Gershowitz that is the star in this story. The two Sophies are neighbors and unfortunately Sophie G is starting to show signs of dementia. While Sophia Henry Winslow (young Sophie) administers a medical test to determine mental fitness of Sophie G we come to learn three important tales that involve a tree, a table, and a book. Through those three words and stories we learn small pieces of Sophie's story as a Jewish child in Poland during the holocaust.

This story is simple, yet stunning. The above quote captures the distinct differences between learning history and understanding it. It's the difference between first hand accounts and information that has been filtered through various sources. This story, although about the past, is perhaps arriving at the perfect time. That those that read this will learn to listen to the people who are experiencing/living the story and not just from a secondary source.

I'll be adding this to my classroom library when it is published in April 2024.

Thank you to netgalley and Harper Collins Children's Book for proving me access to an ebook ARC.

A wonderful story about an eleven-year old girl and her friendship with her eighty-eight year old neighbor. The two Sophies who serve as the main characters show readers what different generations can learn from each other through stories and memories.

This was a sweet story about friendship that transcends age. Young Sophie is struggling with her best friend needing to move into an assisted living home near her son. As she tries to keep her friend close, Sophie learns more about who elderly Sophie is and where she came from. Young Sophie learns to accept the aging of her friend as the story progresses. The stories of Sophie’s childhood are so important and a window into a significant part of history. The growth that Sophie shows during the story is a great part of the story. I also enjoyed the myriad of other friends that Sophie has.

This story is absolutely beautiful. I was completely unprepared for how deep it was going to be. I should have known- Lowry is, of course, a master storyteller. This story is powerfully told. I can see it being a great touch point for adults to start conversations with middle grade kids. But even if not, this is a great story to help kids and adults think deeply and reflect.

As an avid reader, I will always be grateful for Lois Lowry and her works of art. The Giver has left an impression on my life that has guided me many of my days. Tree. Table. Book. will now hold another endearing spot in the bookshelf of my heart.

Do you know how much a young readers book can impact YOUR life? I certainly do and that is why when I saw the latest novel by Lois Lowry, I practically begged to get an advanced reader copy. It was worth the begging 😊

This book paints a beautiful picture of an average family, with your normal neighbors and with their everyday lives. The difference is the powerful relationship between two neighbors. A young girl and her elderly neighbor develop the most heartfelt relationship and they both share and learn so much from each other. And true to classic Lois Lowry style, there is so very much to learn from our fellow neighbors.

I really, truly couldn’t put this book down. After finishing the book, I felt like I was a shadow in the room, joining the characters on their experience. Change is always a difficult challenge in life to learn to manage, but with good friends it becomes a journey to enjoy!

Highly recommending this book! A great addition to every school reading list.


Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books, Clarion Books

This is a heartfelt story of 11 year old Sophie with her 88 year old friend also named Sophie. The older Sophie is struggling with dementia, and this story is a good introduction to the topic for young readers.

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved reading Lois Lowry growing up and was excited to see a new book from her. The title is intriguing and I love the cover with the juxtaposition of a young girl and an elderly woman. Stories that cross generations are always ones I enjoy and this one is the same.
Sophie is determined to help Sophie pass a cognizance test so she won't have to move away. Lowry captures the fear of change.
One of the things I enjoyed most in this book was the writing style. Sophie is writing her story, and at the beginning the writing is very choppy, straightforward and as then smoothes out and becomes more fluid as the book and story is told.

I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley; this is my honest review.

This book was such a fun read. The story was great, and it was fun to get to know the characters. There were moments where I felt strong emotions for the characters and wanted the best for them through the tough situations.

Lois Lowry is a genius storyteller. She is able to tell a beautiful story without putting all the words on the page. This book leaves the reader richer for having read it. She is able to weave historical fiction and realistic fiction together masterfully, and teach meaningful lessons without being preachy. Never overdone or lacking; Lowry’s books are always just right.

It starts off slow but I liked the middle grade character's perspective of writing a story. Good introduction to aging and dementia. I really enjoyed the unspoken depths of her older friend Sophie's story, told through the three words of the title. Very moving.

Its Lois Lowry. What is not to love?

Tree. Table. Book. is about eleven year old Sophie whose best friend is her eighty eight year old neighbor named Sophie. And the changes that life brings.

Beautifully written. Fun and exciting. Sad and real. Fantastic.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Thank you first of all for the ARC. It has been many years since I picked up a book by Lowry.
Living life differently. Having a taste and curiosity of medical journals. The background of WW2, which many authors touch upon at times. The 3 words, the title itself sends you through many levels of understanding and building a deeper love. There are some parts that will touch your heart and make you feel. This book is perfect for high school students and adults.

I just reviewed Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry. #TreeTableBook #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Such a sweet story. And yes, I cried.
Young Sophie and elder Sophie are best of friends, despite their age difference. Sadly, elder Sophie is beginning to show signs of dementia and needs to live near her son. Young Sophie has a very hard time accepting this and tries to prove her dear neighbor is just fine.
In the process of testing her, we hear stories of the older Sophie, getting to know her and her childhood.

Wonderful book for helping young folk understand that what we think is for the best, is really all about us and not the person we want to help.

My children read Lois Lowry in grade school (The Giver), and I was impressed with the story but the ending was too brutal. All these years later, a new Lowry story comes along, and I hesitate: will we have to suffer another sad, sad ending? I decided to give it a chance.


The ending is far less brutal than it might have been.


Lowry tackles an issue that too many of us face: losing a loved one, not to death, but to dementia. How to care for an elderly parent who’s no longer able to safely live alone. The elderly treasure their independence and will not give it up without a fight. No longer competent? Never will they admit that, even to themselves.


In “Tree. Rock. Book.” we have precocious 11-year-old Sophie and her 88-year-old neighbor, also named Sophie, a World War II Holocaust survivor. The title comes from a cognitive test for dementia: given three simple little words, can we repeat them back five minutes later? Young Sophie overhears the neighbor’s adult son talk about this test–and the need to get his mom into Assisted Living. Sophie 11 resolves to test Sophie 88 herself, to help her pass the test, to keep her dear neighbor home, right across the street, a while longer.


The three words prompt Sophie 88 to tell her young friend three stories from her childhood. It’s a clever narrative structure, logical, compelling, and full of intrigue. What will the third prompt, book, unleash from the long-term memory of this neighbor?


Young Sophie is an engaging narrator. However, she seems far too insightful and wise for her age. Then again, her autistic neighbor Oliver is a walking encyclopedia, a savante. We can accept the extraordinary children, or quit reading and miss out on a good story. Sophie’s friend Ralphie is a great foil and “partner in crime,” when the three friends start plotting to rescue old Sophie from her fate.


The loss of our loved ones to dementia is all too common, these days. It’s something our children should read about in their fiction, in a way that isn’t too depressing. Lowry delivers. Sophie’s story is poignant but not more than a child reader can bear. Factor in the message of patience and acceptance of the Aspie kid, and this story checks off more boxes for a teacher looking for classroom fiction. And if that isn’t enough, we get the horrors of the Holocaust, which will always merit our awareness and attention.


In all, the story is cleverly written and relevant. If at times it strains credulity, I figure the message is so worthwhile, I can accept an 11-year-old narrating with the wisdom and insight of someone much older.


Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for an ARC of this novel.

This started off well and I like the voice, but I did not fully connect to the story as much as I had hoped. That is just me, however, and the experience may differ for younger readers. I will certainly be purchasing this as the literary value is high and there is usually some interest in young person/older person friendship titles.

It's been too long since I picked up a Lois Lowry title! Tree. Table. Book. was a perfect dose of nostalgia and hope. I love a friendship that spans generations, and so does Lowry!

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC of this title!

Another sweet story from master storyteller Lois Lowry! I got teary-eyed as I read through this sweet story of friendship and finding yourself. Parents, this is a great one to share with your kids

What would you be willing to do to make sure that your friends and loved ones are ok? Eleven year old narrator Sophie grapples with this as she sets out to prevent her best friend (eighty eight year old neighbor Sophie) from being moving away. When a series of memory tests unlock Sophie's childhood memories of World War II, Sophie comes to realize that history is more than just words and that there is more to her friend than she ever knew.

This book is well worth the read. While intended for a younger audience, it will also appeal to fans of 'A Man Called Ove' and the author's previous book 'Number the Stars.'

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

This will go over great for elementary/young readers. It’s well written, flows well, and moves at a good pace. I stopped after chapter 3 (6%), but I see kids really enjoying it.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the ARC.

Absolutely a must read! This newest title by Lois Lowry didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to add this one to our bookshelf.