What does tykes mean in the book gathering blue?

In Lois Lowry's novel "Gathering Blue," the term "tykes" is used to refer to young children. It's a somewhat archaic and informal word that often carries a slightly playful or endearing connotation.

Here's how it's used in the book:

* "The tykes were playing in the courtyard, oblivious to the looming storm." This sentence shows that "tykes" is used to describe the children in a general sense, without specifying their exact age.

* "She tried to hide her fear, but the old woman saw it in her eyes. "You're just a tyke," she said gently." Here, the word "tyke" highlights the young age of the character, perhaps suggesting a lack of experience or understanding.

While not a common term in modern language, its use in "Gathering Blue" helps to establish a sense of time and place, aligning with the book's dystopian setting.