Dream Within a Dream

Starred review from March 4, 2019
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.

Narrator Jesse Vilinsky establishes a youthful voice for Louisiana, Louisa for short, who is spending the summer on Deer Island with her grandparents while her parents go on a bird-watching excursion. Upon arrival, Louisa notices that her grandfather is losing his vision, which will eventually prevent him from driving, one of his passions. She also begins to notice George, a neighbor who has been learning about cars from her grandfather. Vilinsky creates unique voices for the island inhabitants as Louisa learns their stories. Listeners will enjoy being whisked off to this pleasant island community and following Louisa in a coming-of-age story about family and young love. M.D. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine