Dream Within a Dream

Newbery Medalist MacLachlan again concisely and authentically conveys character and emotion in this novel about two siblings spending the summer on their grandparents' Deer Island farm. When redheaded Louisa, almost 12 and a "secret writer," resolutely tells her grandmother, Boots, "I hate change," the wise woman replies that change can help "you find out who you are." And change does, in fact, expand Louisa's sense of self and connection with others. Her innate bond with her grandfather Jake strengthens as he loses his eyesight, and when Jake introduces her to brown-skinned George, a young friend and neighbor whom he's teaching to drive, Louisa recognizes the perceptive and eloquent boy as a kindred spirit who "makes change sound more interesting to me." MacLachlan tenderly captures their instantaneous friendship, burgeoning attraction, and uncanny ability to communicate nonverbally--a skill endearingly shared by Boots and Jake. Louisa's younger brother Theo, a sensitive bookworm who longs to live on the island full-time, instigates another pivotal change that rewardingly caps this resonant story of community, love new and old, and embracing the unknown. Ages 8-12. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. (May)

Gr 3-7-Twelve-year-old Louisiana, Louisa for short, and her little brother Theo are sent off to Deer Island for the summer to stay with their grandparents while their parents go bird researching. Every summer tends to be the same on the old sheep farm, but this summer feels different. Louisa is recognizing that her grandparents, Jake and Boots, are getting older; Theo decides he wants to stay on the island year-round and go to school; and Louisa meets George. George and his family live on the island, but they have spent their summers in Africa so the pair didn't meet until this summer--this summer, when Louisa learns that Jake's eyesight is failing, that Boots keeps secrets, and that she is falling in love. MacLachlan skillfully weaves a simple story of family, first love, and the quotidian events that shape human lives. The writing is gentle, innocent, and transports the reader right into text. VERDICT A satisfying journey to a summer island with friendly faces; perfect for readers who love a gentle, heartwarming tale.-Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH