That Literary Itch: Untangling Today’s Crossword
Alright, crossword aficionados! Another day, another grid, another chance to flex those mental muscles. Today’s puzzle presented a delightful mix of trivia, wordplay, and that satisfying “aha!” moment. But one clue, in particular, has been nagging at the back of my mind all morning. It’s a classic, I think, a book that resonated deeply with a generation of young readers, and frankly, a title that should be instantly recognizable to anyone with a passing familiarity with children’s literature.
The clue reads:
“Newbery Medal-winning 1989 novel for children by Lois Lowry.”
Immediately, certain aspects jump out. We’re dealing with a book. We know it’s
for
children, which helps narrow the field immensely. We also know it snagged the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1989, a major indicator of its literary merit and widespread acclaim. And finally, the author is Lois Lowry, a name synonymous with thoughtful, often challenging, young adult and children’s fiction.
Knowing the author is a HUGE leg up. Lowry is known for tackling big themes within the context of accessible storytelling. Her work often explores complex social issues, ethical dilemmas, and the importance of individual thought. This means the answer likely won’t be a lighthearted fantasy tale; it’s going to be something with a bit more substance.
So, where do we begin the hunt for this elusive title?
Firstly, the Newbery Medal provides a chronological constraint. We need to be thinking about books published in 1988. The Medal is awarded the following year, but the winning book always precedes the award year. This instantly eliminates a vast number of potential candidates.
Secondly, think about the themes that Lowry is known for. Are you familiar with her bibliography? Consider books that engage with concepts like memory, community, identity, and the power of choice. If you’ve read widely in children’s literature, try jogging your memory for titles published around that time that dealt with similar themes and might have been awarded the Newbery.
Thirdly, think about the potential length and structure of the answer. Crossword answers must fit specific letter counts. Could the title be a single word? Or is it a longer phrase? Perhaps it’s got a subtitle that would throw you off.
If you’re still scratching your head, don’t despair! Here are a few more mental prompts:
Consider classic children’s literature databases and websites. Many online resources allow you to search by author, award, publication year, and genre. A quick search for Lois Lowry’s books, filtered by the Newbery Medal in 1989, might yield the answer.
Think about iconic book covers from that era. Does any particular image associated with a Lowry novel spring to mind?
Try to recall any memorable characters or plot points from Lois Lowry’s works that might help you identify the title.
Ultimately, solving a crossword clue like this requires a combination of general knowledge, deductive reasoning, and a bit of luck. Hopefully, this little exploration has steered you in the right direction. Good luck filling in that square!
Available Answers:
NUMBER THE STARS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0813-25 NY Times Crossword 13 Aug 25, Wednesday