Dreamrider
by Barry Jonsberg
by Barry Jonsberg
DREAMRIDER by Barry Jonsberg
Category: Paranormal
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 2/12/08
Publisher: Knopf
Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose
Rating: 5 Stars
As a lucid dreamer, Michael Terny can control the direction of his dreams, and, over the difficult years since his mother’s
death, he’s used that ability to escape the harsh realities of his life. While tucked away in his dreams, it only takes that
one little difference, that blip on the screen for him to recognize, to bring him into control. Then, he’s no longer the
hopeless fat kid who suffers the same fate at each new school, that same tiring choreography of the first day—the
seventh in four years. Here, he is the master, and can heal the sickness of those in need and bring pain to his tormentors.
Michael had hoped that Millways High School would be different, and it started promisingly enough, with his finding a
friend in a girl named Leah on that very first day. However, he finds the same types of kids following him, promising the
same problems he’s tried to escape. What’s more is that parts of his dreams seem to be leaving their mark on the real
world. Is it possible that he might be able to influence the things that happen in real life through the power of his dreams?
If that’s the case, then it might be time for Michael to start fighting back, and not just in the ways his dad keeps telling him.
But one must wonder if Michael’s perceptions are accurate. Even his allies may not be what they seem. How much of the
dreamworld has crossed over?
This masterfully written book challenges the reader’s preconceptions of reality—their own as well as that of those around
them. Interesting and thought-provoking, it appeals to those who love seeking details, and finding where the puzzle pieces
fit together. Some harsh language and violence, fitting for more mature readers.
Category: Paranormal
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 2/12/08
Publisher: Knopf
Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose
Rating: 5 Stars
As a lucid dreamer, Michael Terny can control the direction of his dreams, and, over the difficult years since his mother’s
death, he’s used that ability to escape the harsh realities of his life. While tucked away in his dreams, it only takes that
one little difference, that blip on the screen for him to recognize, to bring him into control. Then, he’s no longer the
hopeless fat kid who suffers the same fate at each new school, that same tiring choreography of the first day—the
seventh in four years. Here, he is the master, and can heal the sickness of those in need and bring pain to his tormentors.
Michael had hoped that Millways High School would be different, and it started promisingly enough, with his finding a
friend in a girl named Leah on that very first day. However, he finds the same types of kids following him, promising the
same problems he’s tried to escape. What’s more is that parts of his dreams seem to be leaving their mark on the real
world. Is it possible that he might be able to influence the things that happen in real life through the power of his dreams?
If that’s the case, then it might be time for Michael to start fighting back, and not just in the ways his dad keeps telling him.
But one must wonder if Michael’s perceptions are accurate. Even his allies may not be what they seem. How much of the
dreamworld has crossed over?
This masterfully written book challenges the reader’s preconceptions of reality—their own as well as that of those around
them. Interesting and thought-provoking, it appeals to those who love seeking details, and finding where the puzzle pieces
fit together. Some harsh language and violence, fitting for more mature readers.
