Dream to Me
on Goodreads (193)
What’s inside...
From debut author Megan Paasch comes Dream to Me, a YA contemporary fantasy about generational magic, grief, and what it takes to forgive ourselves. Eva Sylvan didn’t ask for any of this. Not the cross-country move with her sister to a town in the middle of nowhere, not the family estate, inherited from a late great-aunt, that’s falling apart at the hinges, and definitely not the sudden death of her beloved father. So when the locals react with hostility to the very mention of her last name, Eva’s pretty sure things can’t get any worse. Until she has a dream about a gas station employee and the next day, he’s in a coma. And then it happens again. Something sinister is lurking in the corners of Eva's dreams, something that’s having devastating effects on the waking world. People are dropping left and right, and Eva finds herself squarely in the town's crosshairs. In order to defeat the shadows of her unconscious, Eva must not only unearth the magic tied to her family history, but she must confront the guilt that has been haunting her since her father’s death. Only she can save the town from the dark power in her dreams - if the threat is truly even her dreams at all.
Age
13-18
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite dream in the book and why?
How did the character's dreams make them feel? Have you ever felt that way?
What dream would you like to have and what would you do in it?
How do you think dreams can help us in real life?
What can we learn from trying to understand our dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing one of your own dreams, making it relatable to your child's experiences to foster a closer connection.
Encourage your child to draw or write about a dream they found interesting in the book or one of their own recent dreams.
Validate any feelings your child expresses about dreams discussed in the book, and relate them to the situations in the story.
Ask your child to imagine different endings or continuations of the dreams within the book, boosting their creativity and engagement.
Link discussions from the book to daytime experiences, helping your child understand how dreams might reflect their feelings and thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but never gives up on their dream, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties whether it be in school projects, sports, or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Characters in the story help each other despite their differences, teaching the value of understanding and supporting others.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to help a friend or family member in need and to embrace diversity.
Example Lesson: The importance of dreaming big
Explanation: The main character has grand ambitions and works towards achieving them, illustrating that it's okay to have big dreams.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to set lofty goals and aspire to achieve great things, regardless of their current circumstances.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: Achievements in the story come as a result of dedication and hard work, rather than luck.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that success often requires effort and perseverance, encouraging them to apply themselves diligently in their endeavors.