Review by Frank Plowright

Cassie is the third oldest in a family of five, still young, but with a younger sister and a baby in the house her parents are kept very busy, while her older sister is a constant source of criticism. With so many mouths to feed, money is tight, so when Cassie receives a letter telling her she can enter a prize draw without having to buy anything, she’s delighted, convinced she’s going to win.

Shannon Hale sets Dream On in the past when sweepstake draws were routinely sent through the post, although there’s little other evidence of times gone by. The young readers at whom this is aimed won’t have a clue about postal sweepstakes and will be able to dream along with Cassie, while if her parents had the time to talk to her they’d be able to tell her the chances of winning anything are very small. Winning prizes isn’t the only thing on Cassie’s mind, what with the retirement party to organise for the class teacher, worrying about being too sensitive and how her best friend Vali seems to be ignoring her.

The way Marcela Cespedes draws Cassie’s expressions ensure readers will feel so sorry for her, while Hale equally ensures they’ll be able to see how manipulative classmate Stesha is in upsetting Cassie. As she navigates through her troubles Cespedes provides a fully detailed neighbourhood for Cassie, and makes her fantasies fly as she dreams about what she’s going to win.

Thought balloons have become a signifier of old-fashioned comics, but the orange coloured variations of doubt and uncertainty provided for Cassie are essential in reinforcing what she’s going through. As emotionally strong as the art is, Dream On wouldn’t have the same impact without knowing exactly how Cassie feels. Hale plots this exceptionally well, escalating Stesha’s behaviour into bullying, showing how easy it is for Cassie and Vali to believe the confident Stesha because they’re not aware enough to realise some kids tell lies. Cassie does have happy moments in between upsets, mostly when she’s allowed to be herself.

Perhaps the way things work out is a little easier than it might be in reality, but who wants books for children that upset them? Cassie’s concerns will captivate, and it’s hoped after reading Dream On children will conclude they’re best being themselves.