 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Dreamer
- By Pam Munoz Ryan
- Genre: Biography
Common Sense Media says
The lyrical and luminous story of Pablo Neruda.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this fable-like biography tenderly reveals the soul
of an artist, a soul that may not have survived without nurturing from a
stepmother and an uncle who were both brave and self-sacrificing. While the actions of his abusive father may frighten sensitive young readers, they will be
heartened by Neftali's ultimate ability to stand up to his father and pursue
his dreams, and the knowledge that he went on to become one of the world's
greatest poets. This book vividly demonstrates the power of resilience that some children are lucky enough to embody, and may inspire others in need of it. Young readers will relate to the episode of being bullied by a schoolmate, and will relish the fact that the recipient of the love poems knows exactly who wrote them.
What's the story?
In the early 1900s a gifted young boy named Neftali Reyes grows up with an emotionally abusive father and struggles to maintain his
individuality. In Neftali's world, birds become words and words become
flowers, and such dreaminess is highly discouraged by neighborhood bullies
and ambitious fathers. He is known as a gifted young writer, but endures constant cruelty from his father. Surrounded by the beauty of Chile, Neftali is compelled to write to survive and his talent is recognized by teachers and peers, yet he spends a lonely boyhood enduring his father's efforts to stomp out any artistic talent. A supportive uncle teaches him journalism, and becomes a role model who champions social justice. That sustains Neftali
until, at 18, he is old enough to create a new identity, that of Pablo Neruda. Contains an
author's note; some of Neruda's poems, and a source list.
Is it any good?
Based on anecdotes from the life of Neftale Reyes (Pablo Neruda), Ryan has created a series of scenes that form an enchanting and vivid life story. This reads almost like a fairy tale, with its elements of cruelty and beauty that had an equal power over the childhood of one enormously gifted and sensitive soul. The incorporation of quotations in the form of questions that make up each illustration (by the very gifted Peter Sis) allows the story to flow effortlessly, and lifts it with the redemptive quality that seemed so strong in Neruda's character. THE DREAMER is inspiring and satisfying.
Beautifully done, this story could be a starting place for many discussions about the value of art and the role of an artist in society. Lyrical quotes and illustrations by Peter Sis combine to carry the
story in a dream-like flow that reveals the nature of Pablo Neruda the
way a
flower unfolds into an incomparable object of beauty.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how Neftali daydreams, and life around him becomes magical. Does Neftali consider the beauty around him to be magic? Where does the term magical realism come from?
The illustrations throughout ask questions that are inspired by a book Pablo Neruda wrote as an adult called The Book of Questions. What was your favorite question?
Neftali's father told him he was very weak. Did you think Neftali was weak? What were some of the things he did that took strength? Where did he find that strength?
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AGE
Lovely for a few; limited appeal for most
Very well written and presented, with exceptionally appropriate and evocative illustrations for the story. The story flows very well between regular text, some sound effects in special fonts, the illustrations of the story itself, and illustrations of Neruda questions. I also must compliment the book's successfully educational side, introducing readers to themes in Neruda poems, background in his interests, and providing a picture of a different time and life style. However, I suspect it will only appeal to kids of a certain sensibility. For kids who don't themselves feel ecstatic, mystic communion with nature, or find insight via Zen/Sufi/Neruda style questions, the story may feel primarily negative as Neruda's father is relentlessly oppressive. So while some kid readers may find this book speaks directly and powerfully to them, many other kids will likely find the story boring and baffling. Some books with semi-related themes that I consider more generally accessible would be: "The Man in the Ceiling" by Jules Feiffer (the struggles of an artist as a child with his own limitations, a father who doesn't understand, and critics -- plus it has an uncle mentor), or "Steinbeck's Ghost" by Lewis Buzbee (magical realism, the power of art/writing, and finding a mentor) -- though neither of those books incorporates nature as a healing, nurturing influence in the way of "The Dreamer". For age recommendation, for the "right" reader this could go younger (9 or 10?) -- the sole area of concern is the emotional cruelty of the father -- but in terms of appeal, 12+ may be more likely to appreciate it.
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| Author: | Pam Munoz Ryan |
| Illustrator: | Peter Sis |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Biography |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Press |
| Publication date: | April 1, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 384 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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