Dreamrider

February 4, 2008
The opening of this absorbing drama may startle with its graphic violence. Jonsberg (The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne
), an Australian high school teacher, does not shy away from darkness, whether considering his beleaguered and bullied protagonist, the grotesquely overweight Michael Terny, or the supporting characters—the kind-faced classmate, the well-meaning stepmother, the cruelly intelligent tormenter—who orbit Michael's pain-filled world as he enters a new school, his eighth in four years. Michael is a “lucid dreamer” who learns to “ride” or control what happens in his sleep with a confidence that eludes him in his waking life, even as his actions during sleep begin to spill into reality. Don't mistake this novel for fantasy, however. It has fantastic elements, yes, but it switches genres at a climactic moment. Readers will be chilled by the author's unflinching and innovative treatment of the horrors and hopelessness engulfing the victim of bullying. Jonsberg's prose is spare, his pacing excellent, his plotting memorable. Ages 14-up.

July 1, 2008
Gr 10 Up-Starting at a new school is always hard, but Michael Terny's size makes him a larger and easier target for bullies. His dad constantly pressures him to fight back, but the teen quails at the thought of physical confrontation. In dreams, however, he finds that he is the one in control, and begins to take revenge on his tormentors. Embracing his role as a self-proclaimed dispenser of justice, Michael tempers his vengeance by healing those in need. Ultimately, is he truly in control, or is he trapped between dreaming and waking? His older voice is at odds with the high school setting, and teens will feel as though the narrator is talking down to them. Though the fact that Michael's mother is dead creates some sympathy, the tenuous emotional connection deteriorates, as he stills seems too bland, even when breaking another student's fingers. An underdeveloped Australian setting nags at readers, gradually unraveling the cohesiveness of the plot. The "Sixth Sense" ending, asking readers to determine what was "all in your head" and what might be real, will leave readers frustrated, especially as the author is not generous with clues. Shooting for an introspective and suspenseful tale, Jonsberg instead creates a muddled Shyamalan imitation."Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2008
After starting at a new school, overweight Michael Terry finds himself facing a same old problem: bullying. In addition to the standard-issue bullies, Michael must also contend with Martin, so chillingly calm in his subtle tormenting that he really stands out. Michael finds a supportive friend in Leah, a girl who can see beyond Michaels appearance to the intelligent young man within. After the conventional opening, the plot becomes more surreal as Michael develops lucid dreaming abilities, which allow him to travel outside himself to magically heal or physically attack. Michael is a surprising character who takes on several roles; on the one hand, he channels his miraculous talent to do good; on the other hand, he administers rough justice. Readers will be intrigued by the many paranormal ideas presented in a story that gradually and effectively reveals its many layers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)