Dream On

by Shannon Hale, Marcela Cespesdes (Iillustrator)

Mega-bestselling graphic novel author Shannon Hale (Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever—over 2 million copies sold!) is back with a new middle grade graphic novel about hope, friendship, and heartfelt wishes, perfect for fans of Invisible Emmie and Click.

Something is missing from Cassie's life.

Her parents don't have much money, she has to share her bedroom (and bed!) with her sisters, and her family never seem to have time for her. To make matters worse, her best friend Vali is always busy with a new friend.

When Cassie gets a letter from a magazine sweepstakes with the words “YOU’RE THE WINNER” stamped on the front, she thinks it’s the answer to all her problems.

She could buy new furniture to replace their shabby old sofa. Or maybe a car so her family doesn’t have to take two trips to go places. Or maybe she can make Vali her best friend forever by taking her on a fabulous vacation. The possibilities are endless, like an all-you-can-eat buffet!

But will prizes really solve Cassie’s problems?

And what will she lose if she doesn’t win anything at all?

With bright and charming illustrations by Marcela Cespedes and Lark Pien, Dream On is a joyful story filled with imagination, big dreams, and wonder. This book is perfect for readers who want to enjoy a gentle and accessible friendship story, as well as anyone looking for SEL themes about empathy, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

This story also features children experiencing high sensitivity, big emotions, and feelings of sadness, making it a helpful tool to spark conversations and connections with young readers.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fiction, Friendship, Family, Graphic Novels Comics, Childrens

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2025

About the author

Shannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.

Reviews

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be a deeply relatable book for many children, but also many adults. Cassie as a main character stole my heart with her deep feelings and her daydreaming. This was my first book from Shannon Hale, but I can clearly see why her graphic novels are so popular.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fantastic graphic novel by Shannon Hale! Cassie's struggles with friendship, feelings of being overlooked, her desire to do something nice for others, and her sensitivity will resonate with middle grade readers. The graphic format brought forth the character's thoughts and emotions, and the elements of "wonder" stood out clearly. I will definitely be recommending it to middle school readers, especially fans of Hale's previous work. I'm also looking forward to the sequel, "Dream Big," coming in August of 2026.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Roaring Brook Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Gretchen Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good, but also it stressed me out! Apparently I have some unresolved childhood friendship trauma.

[Beth Mendelsohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Cassie Lu is one of 6 children and often feels overlooked in her large family. They never had a lot of money, making do with what they have. Cassie is one of those kids who is “super sensitive,” feeling and reacting to most things. One day Cassie finds a letter from a publishing company that said she has won a sweepstakes with some great prizes - she just has to order 3 magazines. Excited to help her family out, she sends in the request but keeps it secret. Cassie eventually tells her best friend Vali, who thinks it’s cool, and not-really-a friend Stesha, who tells her it’s not real. Cassie learns to take the good with the bad and open herself up to having more than just one friend.
Cassie is based on the author’s real childhood, struggling with friends and being “too sensitive.” Shannon Hale also believed she won the publishing sweepstakes. There are enough references and clues in the graphic novel for me to recognize that it takes place in the same time period of my childhood. (I am 6 years older than the author!) Shannon hale is very popular so the kids will love this book, even if they have to ask their parents why there is a telephone mounted on the wall!
#DreamOn #RoaringBrookPress #NetGalley

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, a thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Here is the thing: Shannon Hale has another hit on her hands. I know it will fly off the shelves of the library and I won't be able to keep it stoked. Because it is Shannon Hale. She has a reputation for fantastic graphic novels that center around growing up and friendship. It's relatable and has funny moments so of course it is what you would expect.

(Side note, I so resonated with the hoped for sweepstakes drawing. I remember thinking I had been a winner once. lolol I never did get to the purchasing magazines part though.)

but I will be a little nitpicky. While Dream On is good, I found myself comparing it to the Real Friends trilogy. Perhaps I liked that better because I love LeUyen Pham's illustrations more.....perhaps it's because nothing fully set Dream On apart from other friendship graphic novels....that does not mean it is bad. But is it my immediate go to? not necessarily

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story of friendship, feelings, and being ok being your true self! I loved this book and the depiction of the very real feelings kids have when they are navigating changing friendships. This book will be really relatable to many of my middle grade readers. Can’t wait to add this to my elementary library collection!

And thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Dream On. Some parts reminded me of when I was a little girl and would have such big feelings and cry easily. My older sister often teased me about it, too. Cassie has big feeling all the time too. Her older sister will tease her too. Cassie is the middle child of her large family of eight. Sometimes she feels left out and other times not so much.

Changes seemed to start when her teacher rearranged everyone's seats in the classroom. Cassie was no longer next to her best friend Vali. Her and Vali did everything together, that's what best friends do. But now Vali is sitting next to Stesha. Stesha and Vali are doing more things together and Cassie is feeling left out. Plus, Cassie doesn't like the way Stesha treats her (Cassie), so she doesn't always want to hang out with them.

I liked the deep feelings Cassie feels throughout the book. She wonders if "being too sensitive" is a bad thing or a good thing. She has ways to deal with her feelings but they don't always work or too hard to do during class time. Cassie wishes she could talk with her mom more but she is busy a lot with the three little kids.

Dream On is a great graphic novel for those readers who enjoy realistic fiction, friendship stories. I think this book would be a great classroom read aloud to discuss having various feelings and ways to deal with them. Cassie never acts out in anger or frustration but still could use some help. She sad (depressed) and lonely a lot of the time too.

I also think this book would be a good read aloud together with a parent. Parents (I think) sometimes forget that their children need attention even when they may not be seeking the attention or maybe a 'checking in' time on a regular basis. I remember what it's like to have so much going on and never enough time to do it all. Parents sometimes forget. This book, could be a great discussion starter for both parent and young readers.

It's important to validate other people's feelings even if you don't agree with 'how' they are feeling. Maybe Cassie is "too sensitive", maybe she is "weird" like her teacher. It's okay to feel all the feels and being weird is okay too! That's what I took from this book!

@ShannonHale #ShannonHale #DreamOn #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #NetGalley

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Roaring Brook Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I reached for this ARC because Shannon Hale’s Real Friends series is one of the most popular graphic novel series in my middle school library in Brooklyn. I was hoping for another graphic novel with a strong theme around changing friendships, and boy did I get it.

I’ve never identified as a “highly sensitive” kid, but I infrequently see representations of characters who are, and I have so many students who I feel would love seeing Cassie’s emotions depicted in Marcela Cespedes’ illustrations. When she’s feeling down, she has blue halos around her head, and when she’s mad, red ones. What I connected with most was Cassie’s deep longing for her mother’s attention as one of six children. Cespedes represents this with ghostly hands reaching out from her torso that read “notice me,” “talk to me,” “listen to me,” “care about me,” and “love me” when she is most in need of affection. These images were a punch in the gut I think young readers will especially empathize with.

I spent most of my time reading this novel wondering the exact age of the protagonist, since her siblings were given grades, but Cassie wasn’t until near the end of the novel. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say she’s a fourth grader. Given that I teach at a 6-8th grade school, I’m not 100% sure that this will end up being a popular title in my library, but I think a lot of the kids who read Real Friends will not need any convincing to pick up another Shannon Hale book. Really I would rate this as a slightly lower grade MG title, like 3rd-4th or 5th grade.

3.5/5 stars

Pub date: August 16, 2025

[Minji · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel made me cry. Cassie Lu's inner thoughts felt so similar to my own thoughts growing up. Shannon Hale is able to capture the essence of a "sensitive kid," and reading through how this little girl feels and works through her emotions was so bittersweet. I loved the depth she was able to bring to these characters and she really shows what it is like to grow up as an anxious child who is worried about friendships, what their siblings think, and growing up as a middle child who is craving familial and friendly attention. This is a book I would recommend to my students who may be struggling with their identity as a young child who may be worried about making and losing friends. I loved this book.

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Shannon Hale knocks it out of the park again. It's a fantastic graphic novel about friendship struggles in middle school, finding your place in your family, and figuring out how to appreciate yourself when others tell you you are too sensitive. Sequel coming soon!

[Leonard Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always appreciated Shannon Hale for remembering what childhood is like. That said, there was little difference between this and her Friends memoirs. (It wasn’t at all necessary to tell us in the author’s note that Cassie the protagonist shares many of her own qualities.)

[Jessica Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc of this graphic novel. Dream On is a great companion to Shannon Hale's memoir graphic novel series. Though the characters here are fictional, the feelings are real and relatable for many juvenile readers. The family dynamics in this novel and how they affect our main character will be a mirror for so many and the storyline will help soothe the rough edges of navigating childhood friendships. Loved the story overall; the illustrations were great.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story about growing up, friends, and living with a book family. Thank you to NetGalley for a free digital copy of this book.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can already seeing this being a hit in my middle school library! It is so relatable!!! This story follows Cassie as she is learning how to handle friendships and life growing up in a large family. This is a story that many teenage girls can relate to!

I thought it was a fun enjoyable read that hit on issues that young readers could reflect on and learn from. I will definitely add this one to my library!

Thank you to MacMillan Children's, Roaring Book Press, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Netgalley

Fourth grader Cassie Carpenter is part of a close but large family that includes her and five siblings, some younger and some older. She is very talkative and anxious, and doesn't get as much attention from her mother as she needs. She has a good friend in Vali, but not that Stesha, a rather mean girl in their class, has lost her best friend, Stesha is playing Vali and Cassie against each other. It's even worse when her teacher, Mrs. Farmer, separates the girls during class, even though Cassie does start to talk to Tomas. Cassie occasionally hangs out with neighbor Trinh, but since she's a year younger, she's afraid people will make fun of her. She's tired of being called sensitive. When she sees an envelope in the mail that says she has won fabulous prizes, she fills it out, complete with stickers for three magazines, even though her mother says they can't afford the $19.95 to pay for them. She carries around the flyer and envisions what she will do with the money and trips, hoping that it will make things better around her house. The friend drama with Vali ramps up, and Cassie even calls Mrs. Farmer "weird" when talking to Vali and Stesha, which she regrets. She does apologize to her teacher, who is retiring at the end of the year and was once married to a prince! Cassie also starts to plan a retirement party, since she'll have the money from her prize. Even though there are some bright spots in her life, like going to the local buffett, there are so many sad things 9like her father being out of work and Vali's grandmother dying) that sometimes Cassie feels that there is no joy in life at all. Eventually, the guilt of the magazines and the friend drama overwhelm her, and she stays home from school and finally has a heart-to-heart with her mother.
Strengths: This is based on Hale's personal experiences, including having a teacher who was married to a prince, so the story really rings true. Not many tweens come from families this large, and it's always interesting to see what that would be like. Friend drama is always a popular topic, and fourth grade can be particularly brutal. This was set sometime in the 1980s, I think, so there are some historical elements that will appeal to readers. The illustrations are bright and colorful, so this will fly off the shelves.
Weaknesses: Middle school drama is slightly different from elementary school drama, so this will be more popular in lower grades, while this author's Best Friends and Real Friends more accurately capture the reality of friend drama for 11-14 year olds.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like graphic novels about anxiety and interpersonal relationships like Libenson's Invisible Emmie or Vivat's Frazzled.

[renee.isreading.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are big Shannon Hale fans in my house. My daughter even dressed up as The Princess in Black for favorite character day at school this year. So, when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I couldn’t wait to read it. And wow! Let me tell you, I read it twice! The graphic novel is friendly and easy to read. I would hand this book to kids from 3rd grade to adult (truly).
The story follows Cassie, a fourth-grade girl, who can’t quite figure out how she fits into the world. She still loves to play pretend, make up games and plays, and dream big. Some of her siblings and peers, though, are feeling like those are babyish, and they are more interested in talking and listening to music. To make matters worse, she and her best friend Vali are trying out a trio friendship instead of just their duo. And it feels tricky when its two against 1…poor Cassie is usually the 1.
At home, Cassie is a true middle child. She’s not quite old enough to enjoy the things her older siblings like. And while she has the imagination to play with her younger siblings, she worries, again, about being too babyish. All she wants is some alone time with her mom, a little attention just for her. When she finally gets this moment, it’s so lovely to see their relationship blook (a kind reminder to parents for making this time to listen and talk with your kids!).
Reading this book, I was immediately transported back to memories of elementary and middle school. I related so easily to Cassie’s confusion about where she fits because she’s not quite an adult but also feeling less like a little kid. Cassie also feels big/deeply. Hale offers the good and bad of this, thus offering moments of introspection about coping with sadness, loneliness, and frustration.
I opted to read this book a second time to really focus on a parent and teacher lens. It really just made me love it even more. I found key excerpts that I would want to carry into a classroom and passages that I know I could use to talk through emotions with my own children. This will absolutely be a book I recommend to my students, my friends, and kids.
The book releases August 26, 2025, and it’s already getting some buzz with starred reviews!!! Pre-order this one from your local bookstore now. Gift it to kiddos in your life. Read it yourself.
Kudos, Shannon Hale. Thanks for continuously putting beautiful work into the world for kids of all ages.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you go to the special thanks at the end of the book, you will read: "...The Richardson family..." I am part of that Richardson family. Shannon has known my family for decades. Clearly, there is no way I can write this review without admitting to some pretty delicious bias. Take what I say as you will, but I really enjoyed reading this book. Shannon has a gift at capturing those (sometimes subtle) moments growing up that shape us. This book is no exception.

It delights me that Shannon captured the chaos of the house I knew growing up. Moreover, she understood the hunger that children like me have felt in doing something to change their situation. I recall so many moments where I had truly believed in my heart that if I prayed a certain way, stepped on cracks in the sidewalk with the tip of my shoe, or picked the weeds in our jungle of a backyard that somehow things would be easier. Cassie, the protagonist, makes sense to be as a character. As a result, I found myself reflective after putting the book down.

One of the the biggest personal takeaways I had was about my mother. She gave over control of her house so that we children had friends. As a parent, I find it hard when I see my children's friends rocking back on kitchen chair or eating Cheetos on my couch. I am that mom in the corner who is always reminding the children to wash their hands, take their shoes off, and eat outside or in the kitchen. I loom and linger making it hard for my children and their friends to feel relaxed. I didn't feel this as a child. We were messy and cluttered and weird. But we were also a safe place to hang and there was an acceptance of everyone in the room. This was because to be in the room, you had to have accepted us and our family.

I don't often think back to my childhood because it was often challenging. But this read gave me a little light and laughter. It reminded me of some of the sweet spots. I hope it will do the same to other adult readers.

p.s. I remember the first time Shannon told me the teacher she had who was a real princess. I heard it a couple of more times after, and it never got old. I loved seeing it show up in this graphic novel.

[Lost in Book Land · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome Back,

I am sorry for the unexpected break last week, but I hope everyone got a ton of good reading in! I was able to pick up a few books and explore a new (at least to me) reading app, which I might really enjoy. During my time away, I was able to finish a bunch of graphic novels and other books. One of the graphic novels was an E-ARC of Dream On (thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions). I love reading graphic novels, so this one was the perfect way to kick off some quiet reading time.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Cassie’s life is kind of chaotic. She has a lot of siblings, and she lives with her parents, who are always busy helping a sibling, cleaning, or working. But Cassie has a best friend that she can hang out with and things she really enjoys doing. However, Cassie has recently started to feel like something big is missing from her life, and she can not quite place her finger on it. One day at school, another student starts to kind of take over Cassie’s best friend. Without her best friend, Cassie begins to feel very lonely, but what if she is just being overemotional? Cassie is struggling with some very, very big feelings, but hopefully, she can figure out how to navigate her life in a way that is best for her.

I really enjoyed my time with this story. I felt like Cassie was taking on some big feelings and situations in life at a really young age. Cassie is not a teen but rather in late elementary or early middle school. She is a bit independent, but also is very sensitive to how people around her treat her and others. Navigating friendships can be difficult at any age, and Cassie is just trying to do what might be best for her. This graphic novel hits shelves in August of this year. I definitely recommend giving it a try.

Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars

***Thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Anne Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Dream On felt like looking into a mirror held up to all the tender, confusing, and often overwhelming parts of being a sensitive, thoughtful kid. Cassie, caught in the middle of six siblings and the messy realities of a working-class family in the '80s, carries so much emotional weight without always being noticed for it. That quiet invisibility—at home, in friendships, even in how she views herself—felt incredibly real and relatable.

What Shannon Hale does so beautifully is let us live inside Cassie's head. We feel her doubts, her longing to be special to someone, her love for imagination and magic, and her constant, almost painful, self-awareness. The book doesn't rush past those feelings; it honors them. As someone who often reassessed their own behavior in response to how others reacted, I found Cassie’s inner monologue achingly relatable.

A standout element is the way the book handles emotional growth. We watch Cassie move from quietly internalizing criticism to learning how to listen to her own feelings—learning that being sensitive isn’t something to fix, but something to understand. Her strained friendship with Vali, her discomfort with Stesha’s manipulation, and her bond with her eccentric teacher Mrs. Farmer all offer rich opportunities for reflection—both for Cassie and for the reader.

Dream On truly shines in how it wraps the messy, magical chaos of growing up in warmth, wonder, and honesty. Cassie’s story is full of humor and heartache, small victories and real hurt—and it’s told in a way that feels both comforting and electric. Shannon Hale reminds us that being sensitive isn’t a flaw—it’s a superpower. That wanting to be seen, to matter, to hold onto joy isn’t childish—it’s human. This book doesn’t just understand its readers, it makes them feel understood. And that, to me, is its quiet, beautiful brilliance.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie (4th grade) is one of six kids in a family where money is tight, bedrooms (and beds!) are in short supply, and her mom’s longed-for attention is almost always elsewhere. Cassie is often called “sensitive,” usually in a “don’t be so sensitive” or “you’re so sensitive!” type of way–often by her older sister–which makes her think it’s a personal flaw. She has a best friend named Vali and adores her teacher, Mrs. Farmer, an older woman who is eccentric, loving, and encourages her students to see the “wonder” in things.

The idea of “wonder” is really striking to Cassie, who spends a lot of time daydreaming and feeling things strongly. Opening the mail one day, Cassie finds a magazine sweepstakes with a gold “Winner” sticker on it and believes that, once she returns the enclosed letter, she will get her pick of three of the prizes shown in the brochure: furniture sets, vacations, a car, a water bed (it’s the ’80s). Life will be so much easier for her family!

She shows the brochure to Vali, who likes imagining the possibilities with her. But things are becoming strained between Cassie and Vali. Their rather manipulative classmate, Stesha, has been doing her darndest to drive a wedge between Cassie and Vali–to the point that Vali feels she can’t hang out with Cassie anymore, because Stesha will stop talking to her. (Stesha is their age but seems older to Cassie; she’s not into games of make believe like Cassie is.) Stesha also thinks Mrs. Farmer is weird and a liar, and she sometimes laughs meanly at Mrs. Farmer in class; this confuses Cassie and poisons her opinion of her beloved teacher.

But it’s Mrs. Farmer who really helps Cassie to accept her own sensitivity and to see the good in it. At home, Cassie also gets unexpected support from her older sister re: her friendship struggles, and she also has a rare afternoon of having her mom entirely to herself, which helps. In the end, she and Vali make up, and they agree that Vali will take turns spending recess and lunch with both Cassie and Stesha; on the days when Vali is with Stesha, Cassie hangs with her new friend Thomasi.

Shannon Hale is, as always, so good at writing really relatable friendship struggles, and I think kids who are sensitive like Cassie will find her extra relatable. I also love the way the characters are drawn by this illustrator. The colors are vibrant, and the characters are cute, but not cutesy.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie lives in a house filled with people, but she somehow manages to feel alone much of the time. Everyone tells her she is sensitive, and her emotions become bigger with each unexpected event that takes place around her. One day, a sweepstakes mailer arrives in her mailbox, and Cassie believes she has won one of the grand prizes. But as she realizes the fault in her understanding and situations continue to arise that test her emotions to the limit, Cassie must find an outlet for her feelings before they consume her. This early middle grade graphic novel appears at first glance to be similar to the illustrative style of newspaper comics from the 1990s. Cassie is often surrounded by other people, whether in her boisterous home or at school, and amidst the word bubbles are asides that are taking place inside of Cassie’s head. As a sensitive child, Cassie’s emotions erupt on her face, depicted in various colors and details that showcase the hurt and embarrassment that occur throughout Cassie’s days. The visuals are a critical component of the storytelling, and they help readers to better understand the life Cassie lives. Alongside the images are short, clear sentences that make the story accessible to young readers. Additionally, the fact that the book is separated into chapters gives readers the opportunity to set the story down and return to it as desired. As the characters interact with one another, the reader feels increased empathy for Cassie as many of her experiences are shared among youth in many communities. Filled with emotion and angst, this graphic novel will resonate with newer middle grade readers and may inspire them to think differently about what it truly means to be sensitive in the wider world.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course Shannon Hale has came up with a wonderful piece! It took me some time to finish this book (both with busy schedule and the plot) as Cassie’s loneliness and big sister responsibilities really hit me a little too much in the heart. Expecting to be her assistant, Cassie’s mom expects a lot from Cassie while she (the mom) juggles with maintaining the house and caring for their baby brother; Cassie is expected to keep watch of her other siblings who are probably 5 years younger than her (I don’t exactly know the age gap, but merely judging from the drawings and their interactions) while she, herself, is only a kid. Expected to also be able to regulate her emotions, Cassie is left alone to wander wildly with her daydreams of winning big prizes so that her family and friends can enjoy themselves and basically appreciate her presence. It saddens me that kids her age would even think that; that something only adults should worry about is being trickled down to a kid as young as her. Cassie strives to people please, self-doubt, judge/compare herself to others, and kept reserved with her thoughts and feelings. Ultimately all this bottled up and ended up causing such emotional damage.

Although this book was made for young readers, I would say this is better for a junior high school student rather than an elementary school student due to a great number of negative emotions in the book (loneliness, sadness, judging oneself, people pleasing, etc.) It requires the reader to be a bit more empathetic and sort of going through something similar to be able to understand the emotional level; someone younger would not necessarily understand fully what Cassie is going through.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy for review!

[Charity Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.

Never have I related more to a character in a children's book/graphic novel! This story follows Cassie, who is trying to navigate life, friendship, and growing up in a large family, all while thinking she has won a grand prize sweepstakes. Cassie also feels things very deeply. That can be great, when she wants to daydream a problem away, but she's often called "too sensitive." Being so sensitive makes friendships hard, and Cassie has a hard time not taking things to personally or "not caring" like others appear to be able to do.

I still relate to these traits so much. As a child, I was also called too sensitive and had a hard time with friends, much like Cassie. Even as an adult, I've carried some of those traits with me (day dreaming, feeling things very deeply, etc.) and that is why I relate to Cassie and her story so much. I am sure there are other adults who feel the same way!

The illustrations were so cute too, I think they captured the heart of the story well! I would definitely recommend this book to young readers. For any librarians out there wondering if they should get it for their collection, it is a definite yes! I remember seeing a lot of Shannon Hale's books when I worked as a librarian and how popular they were getting. I think her newest title will be popular as well! If you'd like to read a more detailed review, check out my personal blog review here: https://www.charityharveyreads.com/po...

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is one of six kids and often feels like she doesn't get the support and attention she needs from her parents. When her best friend begins to hang out with the mean girl in her class, Cassie has to deal with trying to be a friend group despite the verbal abuse from the other girl and ultimately her friend. This graphic novel focus is on the friend issues and uses thinking text nearly as much as speech bubbles. It may take some students a minute to understand the differences, but I am sure all of my students will immediately see the negative energy in this friend story. Staying true to yourself when you feel alone is hard. Giving up pieces of yourself to hang on to a friend may not be worth it. Hale does a great job with this story and allows the reader to see enough of the mean girl's life to better understand why she says the things she says. There is also enough about Cassie's family to notice the close ties they all have despite the chaos of 6 kids and 2 parents in one house with one car. Cassie also believes she has one a contest that came in the mail and her prizes will solve the one car family problem, old couch, and stressed out parent issues in her family. Her belief in the prizes coming soon is something she cannot keep from sharing which causes its own issues in her communications with classmates. This book will work well in elementary or middle schools.

#friendshipstory #meangirl #falseadvertising

Thankful to NetGalley for allowing me to read this one before publication.

[Bexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is always told she's a sensitive girl but she hates that. She prefers letting her imagination run away instead of focusing on the things that bug her. She thinks her problems are solved when she receives a sweepstake letter telling her she's won the grand prize if she mails in the letter with the magazine subscription. Spending her time imagining all the wonderful things she is going to do with her prizes, and how happy her friends and family will be, gives her small moments of happiness before things come crashing back down. She is moved to a new seat in school and is no longer sitting next to her best friend. Another girl in class befriends Cassie and her best friend, but then pits the girls against each other and tells them they're saying negative things about each other. The more Cassie tries to keep things the same, the more they keep changing, and the worse she ends up feeling. Finally, she is given the chance to have a one-on-one talk with her mom who listens to what she has to say and her mother explains that being sensitive is okay, but she can't use it as an excuse to be mean or lash out at others. Cassie realizes that she can still be her sensitive self, but she will need to make sure she communicates better with her friends and family. Filled with bright colors and heartfelt pictures, this is a great addition to Hale's collection of middle-grade graphic novels about growing up and being a good friend/person.

Copy provided by NetGalley and publisher.

[Erlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Sharron Hale’s "Dream On" is a delightful graphic novel that immediately captures the eye with its eyecatching illustrations and colors. The visuals perfectly complement the heartfelt story of Cassie, a middle schooler navigating the often-turbulent waters of family, friendships, and self-discovery.

Cassie’s relatable struggles will resonate with many young readers. Lost and feeling unimportant amidst her big family, she grapples with the worry of being "too sensitive" and the anxieties of peer judgment. The added complexity of her best friend being drawn in by a manipulative mean girl leaves Cassie feeling even more adrift and unsure of how to manage her overwhelming emotions.

When Cassie enters a sweepstakes, she allows herself to dream big, imagining how winning could magically resolve all her problems. However, the narrative beautifully unfolds to show Cassie that true solutions come not from external fixes, but from within. She learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance and finding her own strength.

"Dream On" is a cute story about the complexities of middle school friendships and learning about oneself. Hale masterfully portrays the nuances of early adolescent relationships and the internal battles of finding one's place. This graphic novel will undoubtedly be a great addition to your intermediate school library and will certainly appeal to readers of Hale’s other graphic novels with its engaging characters and thoughtful storytelling.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie’s eight member family is close-knit but at times she feels left out, overlooked and in need of more mom time, not to mention, her own bed! With her father out of work, things are even tighter financially. On top of the money worries, Cassie is afraid she is losing her best friend, Vali, to mean-girl, Stesha, is struggling with the “too sensitive” label she has acquired and is feeling guilty about the magazine sales sweepstakes entry that assures her she has won but the family really can’t afford the $20 to pay for the magazines she is required to order.

So much going on in Hale’s new graphic novel series but children’s lives are packed with many similar situations and more. The scenarios are realistic and ring as authentic, likely due to the semi-autobiographical nature of major elements of DREAM ON. The graphic panels are well-drawn, bright and add much to the dialogue that is always somewhat limited in this format. Readers are likely to relate to elements in Cassie’s life or that of supporting characters. However, I did get a slightly younger vibe from DREAM ON than in Hale’s highly successful “Real Friends” series. This one, with its sequel coming in 2026, seems to fit into the grade 3-5 age group while “Real Friends” skews a bit older.

Highly recommended for elementary libraries with no profanity, sexual content or violence.

Thanks for the eARC, NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press.

[Ardin Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Hale is a master at creating relatable text. Her characters and stories always resonate, and she often covers certain aspects of navigating childhood friendships that I find are sometimes glossed over. Putting these stories in a graphic novel format with the beautiful illustrations by Marcela Cespedes adds so much depth to the emotions the main character, Cassie, is experiencing throughout as she struggles to hold onto the wonder of childhood, and her friendship with Vali.

I felt for Cassie throughout the entire story, and would highly recommend this as a classroom and library book, as well as one for personal home libraries. This is a great book for ages 8-12. I think readers entering 3rd to 5th grade would especially resonate with what's happening in the story, but older readers will still find it relatable. Cassie's experiences will definitely resonate with readers of all ages.

I will note that this book does include the death of a grandparent, and does so in a very loving and sensitive way. Cassie learns how to comfort others, using that sensitivity she is often mocked for by her older siblings and peers.

Although being highly sensitive can be overwhelming, Cassie realizes her teacher Mrs. Farmer was right, that her sensitivity can also help her experience the beauty in the world around her.

https://ardinpatterson.wordpress.com/...

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher for review.

This newest release by beloved author Shannon Hale was delightful! My 9 year old and I both read it and each flew through it.

It follows a girl growing up in a big family in the 80s who is always being told she’s too sensitive. When she believes she has won a magazine sweepstakes she starts to plan and dream about all the ways she could use the grand prizes to change her life. It is full of social emotional learning, navigating friend complications and family life, and kids who want to still keep being kids and holding on to imagination and wonder.

This one is fictional rather than a memoir like the author’s Real Friends graphic novel series, but still has a lot of influence from the author’s own childhood. It absolutely would appeal to fans of that series for many similar aspects, but also has a gentler feel overall.

I really appreciated the exploration of a child with high sensitivity through the main character. It really captured the highs and the lows of being highly sensitive. The way they can see wonder in everything around them as well as well as how hard it is to let things roll off of you. As someone who isn’t highly sensitive myself, but has at least one kid that is, it was really helpful to have insight into the experience.

This is the start of a series with plans for one book a year coming out for the next four years.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

I enjoy a good middle grade graphic novel, especially one that promises imaginative elements. The color palette and the cover added to my piqued interest.

Overall, I enjoyed Cassie, related to her sensitivity, and found the nostalgia to be cozy.
I did wonder if it would be helpful, especially for younger readers, to have a signifier of the year in one of the first pages. I also wished that more of the story leaned into positive feelings as I felt it was a bit heavy on anxiety.
While I appreciate that the story addresses very common issues in friendships and the importance of inclusion, I didn’t entirely agree with the “taking turns to be best friends” strategy or the fact that the manipulation and meanness of Stesha was not entirely addressed. Also, Cassie never really addressed how she treated Trinh and I think it’s important for young readers to see examples of owning our mistakes and being vulnerable, even when we’re embarrassed.

I know lots of kids will see themselves in these pages - from kids with many siblings to imaginative and sensitive souls.

I loved the ending and hope to see more of Trinh in the future!

Thank you to Shannon Hale, Marcela Cespedes, Lark Pien, and Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan Kids) for granting me an ARC through NetGalley.