The Dreamer

The Dreamer

Written by: Pam Muñoz Ryan

Illustrated by: Peter Sís

Published by Scholastic Press in 2010.

The Pura Belpré Award Winner in 2011.


Diverse, Heart-Wrenching, Insightful, Intense, Thought-Provoking,

Summary:
This story is about a boy named Neftalí who lives in Chili. He has a father that has a my way or the highway attitude. He must do everything his father tells him even though his father tells him that his passions are rediculous. His father gives him harsh punishment if he does not follow his rules. Neftalí still thinks his father is a good father until he forces him and his sister into the ocean everyday to make them stronger, and everyday they almost die. After this, Neftalí is stubborn like his brother and does not care if his beliefs go against his fathers. Neftalí works with his uncle and writes articles speaking out agianst the views of his father and the view of the majority of people. He refuses to give up his writing despite his father's threats and punishments. In the end, Neftalí writes in secret.

Reading Level:
Lexile Measure: 650L
Grade Equivalent: 3.7
Interest Level: 6-8

Electronic Resources:
Pam Munoz Ryan Website
This link leads to Pam Muñoz Ryan's website. This website gives a biography of the author, other books she has written, advice for children and adults, and contact information if you would like to write her. This is a good link for both teachers and students who want to learn more about her and her writing and who would like to write to her.

The Dreamer Teaching Ideas
This link leads to a journal article about ways to reflect and extend learning of students based on this book. These strategies are for students grades five through nine. This would be extremely helpful for teachers.

Teaching Suggestions:
Teachers can use this story to show how different types of writing can fit into one story.
Teachers can use this story to show students a different kind of life and culture.

Suggested Delivery:
I would use this book as a read aloud. There is a lot of dialogue and emotion in the dialogue. This would be good in teaching students expression when reading. I would also read it aloud to discuss the poetry because it is difficult to understand.

Key Vocabulary:
Loitered, Luminescent, Sputtered, Tandem, Ransacked, Invigorating

Reading Strategies:

Before Reading:
Have students read the question on the back of the book and answer what they think it means and how they think it will relate to the story.

During Reading:
Have students discuss how the poetry in each chapter relates and enhances the story.

After Reading:
Students will discuss how Neftalí's life is different from their own.

Writing Activity:
Students will write about how Neftalí changed and the reasons why he changed and how they beileve Neftalí will continue to change. What will happen next in his life?