Dream Stealer

Title: The Dream Stealer
Author: Gregory Maguire
Ages: 9-12
Rating: 3.5/5

Plot: The village of Miersk is being threatened by a figure many thought was just a story -the Blood Prince. That is until two children, who still believe in the stories, decide to take the fate of their village into their own hands.

Assessment: This is an interesting modernization and joining of popular folktales of the Grimm genre, and it certainly sets the imagination running. I love the idea of moving a town onto a train!

This is a story that focuses on how children can make a difference. The children in this story are among the most brave in their entire village, but they both still really want someone to acknowledge it.

The story takes place maybe around the 1930s or 40s, in a small rural village in Europe. This is a good story for older children who might stick with the story even though they do not relate to the environment.

Maguire, G. (1983). The Dream stealer. New York: Clairon Books.