Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Apr 2010
384 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
From the time he is a young boy, Neftalí hears the call of a mysterious voice. Even when the neighborhood children taunt him, and when his harsh, authoritarian father ridicules him, and when he doubts himself, Neftalí knows he cannot ignore the call. Under the canopy of the lush rain forest, into the fearsome sea, and through the persistent Chilean rain, he listens and he follows. ... Combining elements of magical realism with biography, poetry, literary fiction, and sensorial, transporting illustrations, Pam Muñoz Ryan and Peter Sís take readers on a rare journey of the heart and imagination.
"Starred Review. This book has all the feel of a classic, elegant and measured, but deeply rewarding and eminently readable. Grades 4-8." - Booklist
"This is a story that speaks to the senses and surely will open the hearts and minds of perceptive readers." - Children's Literature
"Starred Review. Readers enter the creative, sensitive mind of Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize-winning poet, in this beautifully written fictional biography. Grades 4-9." - School Library Journal
"Starred Review. Ryan's fictional evocation of the boy who would become Pablo Neruda is rich, resonant and enchanting. Ages 9-13." - Kirkus Reviews
"Starred Review. Stressing 'the importance of following dreams and staying determined,' the book is an immaculately crafted and inspiring piece of magical realism. Ages 9–14." - Publishers Weekly
"Together Ryan and Sís convey the power of poetry--and art--to lift the human spirit, no matter how much others may attempt to confine it." - Shelf Awareness
This information about The Dreamer was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Illustrated by Peter Sis.
Born and raised in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Pam Muñoz Ryan comes from a background that is an ethnic mix of Spanish, Mexican, Basque, Italian, and Oklahoman. She has written books about Mexican migrant workers, the American Wild West, daring women, historic concerts, and mice and beans. "That’s part of the enchantment of writing and creating characters--the variety," Ryan says. "I enjoy that there are many diverse parts to my job." Ryan is the author of more than 25 books for young readers, including the multi-award-winning Esperanza Rising, which has sold more than two million copies.
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