Awake and Dreaming

Nine-year-old Theo has had a rough life so far, moving from one crummy Vancouver apartment to the next with her irresponsible 25-year-old mother Rae, without friends as she moves from school to school. When Rae meets a new man, she decides to move in with him and send Theo to her sister Sharon in Victoria for a while; on the ferry, however, Theo meets the Kaldors, a family of four children who, along with their parents, immediately accept her as one of the family. She spends a blissful few months with the family, until all of a sudden they don’t seem to see her anymore; and then, abruptly, she’s back on the ferry with Rae. Was the whole experience just a dream? Theo doesn’t know, but she’s depressed about it until she suddenly show more discovers that the Kaldors are quite real after all…. This is quite a lovely YA book (perhaps meant for slightly younger children, given that Theo is only 9) about the power of imagination, finding one’s place in the world and discovering that “perfect” doesn’t exist. Written in 1996 by a well-known Canadian YA author, I especially liked the setting in Victoria, since I’ve been there several times and know the neighbourhoods depicted in the book. The above description is only part of the story - there are ghosts and a cemetery and lots and lots of books, too, resulting in quite the tale; recommended! show less

One of the best YA fantasies I have ever read, and certainly one of the most original. The story's denouement is quite unexpected and satisfying. It's also a treasure for readers of children's and YA literature, exploring the power of books to change lives, and the nature of fiction.

I read the first couple of chapters to my 9 year old niece and she had to take it home to finish it. I now have it back, all gibbly-covered and well-loved. She said it was GREAT!!! (Two days later: I agree! I stayed up till 2 am to finish it.)

Awake and Dreaming is one of the first books I read by Kit Pearson. It was a really interesting book about this girl named Theo who lives with her mother in a very poor part of Vancouver. The only two things that keep her going are books and her imagination. It is a magical story that will definately move you. I recommend this book to everyone.

growing up this was my most favourite book. i kept it with me at all times and still have it practically memorized.