Dream

    Dream

    by Barbara O'Connor

    Ages 8-122025
    Middle Grade

    Dream follows Idalee Lovett, a small-town girl in Colby, North Carolina, who dreams of becoming a country songwriter while living in her family's big boardinghouse full of colorful renters. When a local radio station announces a songwriting contest, Idalee enlists her loyal friends and her dog Wishbone to help her earn money for a guitar by searching for her late grandfather's long-lost hidden treasure. Along the way, she grapples with feeling overlooked by her touring musician mother and discovers a sense of found family among the quirky boarders and friends who surround her. The heartfelt story emphasizes themes of friendship, self-belief, family dynamics, and chasing one's dreams against small-town, Southern backdrop.

    2025Published
    Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade, Coming-of-Age, Family Drama

    Quick Theme Summary

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    Theme Presence Analysis

    Family, Friendship & Community
    Frequent
    Diversity & Cultural Representation
    Minimal
    Fantasy or Symbolic Storytelling
    None
    Gender Identity Topics
    None
    Romantic or Mature Themes
    None
    Sexual Orientation Topics
    None
    Social or Historical Topics
    None

    Theme indicators show observable presence levels only. They do not represent endorsement, recommendations, or value judgments. Hover over themes with notes for additional context.

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    About This Analysis

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