The Dreamer by Pam Muñoz Ryan and illustrated by Peter Sís is by far this summer’s most beautifully written and illustrated book for young adults. The story takes you through the childhood of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Neruda, who was born Neftalí Reyes, is a sensitive boy whose attention to detail and passion for poetry is ignored and repressed by his father. So while his father might not make OOM’s Top 10 Dads in Literature, we all know that Neruda does overcome this challenge. And how he pursues his dreams is really what makes the book so special.

Neftalí eventually finds support from other members of his family, and as he grows older, he adopts the pseudonym “Pablo Neruda” (a name we all recognize), in order to hide his actions from his disapproving father.

NPR recently recommended this book to not just young adults who might enjoy this book as a nice break from “subsisting all summer on a diet of vampire novels,” but to adults as well as a summer read. You can actually hear Pam read an excerpt on NPR’s site. And take a look at this excerpt which shows some of the drawings. All the wonderful artwork featured throughout the book is by Peter Sís. And each of the drawings pairs perfectly with the verse, especially the poems that Pam wrote in the style of Neruda.

We interviewed Pam a little while ago to tell us more about her books and what inspired her to become an author. (I have to add that she is such a lovely and sweet person and we had a wonderful time interviewing her.)

You can check out Pam’s other books here on her website.

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Previously On Our Minds:
* Gaga for Ga’Hoole
* It’s National Poetry Month. How will you celebrate?
* The Truth About…the Baby-sitters Club