Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Steamy sex, strong language in thoughtful college romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In DAYDREAM, Henry Turner is now a junior and captain of the hockey team at the University of California, Maple Hills. At a bookstore he meets fellow junior and aspiring author Halle, and after running into each other at a party strike up a friendship. Halle wants to write a novel for a prestigious competition, but feels that her lack of life experience is causing major writer's block. She and Henry quickly realize that they can help each other out, she by helping Henry with his schoolwork for a tough class, and Henry by providing her with experiences like going on a date or making friends. They establish a core set of rules for their relationship including that they won't fall in love. That goes out the window pretty quickly, but it doesn't mean either one of them can figure out what to do about it.
Is It Any Good?
This is another funny installment in the Maple Hill franchise that still has steamy sex, strong language, and glamorized college kids, although there's less sex than in the first two books. Daydreamer adds some depth in a main character who author Hannah Grace calls "neurodivergent coded." This offers lots insight into, and may inspire empathy for, people with or without a medical diagnosis. The main focus is on the well developed characters and their growth individually and as a couple, and fans of the series will enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new ones. There's not much of a plot, but fans will enjoy seeing Halle and Henry become who they're meant to be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sex in Daydream. Is it over the top? Realistic? What are some concerns about reading or watching explicit sex? Do you compare yourself or your body to the characters? What positive portrayals of attraction, consent, and sex are in this book?
How does the way they communicate affect Halle and Henry's relationship and their own personal growth? How does the group's ability to work as a team help individual members of the group?
Do you sometimes feel like Henry, who doesn't always understand how his brain works, or do you know someone who does? Did you learn anything about neurodivergence, how to ask for help, or how to help someone who's struggling?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : School ( College & Graduate School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Atria
- Publication date : August 27, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 18 - 18
- Number of pages : 448
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 19, 2025
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