The Dream Collector

by Joyce Sweeney

When Becky gives each member of her family the self-help book "Creative Wishing," everyone tries to make his or her wish come true with unexpected results

Genres: Young Adult

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Joyce Sweeney captured the attention of the YA book world when her novel Center Line was chosen as the winner of the first Delacorte Press Prize for an Outstanding First Young Adult Novel in 1984. Since that auspicious beginning she has continued to publish appealing novels for teens on a variety of topics, among them friendships, family relationships, and self-discovery. Four of those novels have been named Best Books for Young Adults, four have been Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, and Booklist included Players among its Top Ten Sports Books in 2002.

Reviews

[Leslie Cernosek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior high re-read of one of my comfort books, probably for the fifteenth time. This book completely stands the test of time. Becky and her siblings and the family dynamics are so well developed. A great YA novel.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Joyce Sweeney books. I first read this as a teenager, and it was fun to revisit the characters. There's a teenage girl (of course) who latches onto the idea that positive thinking can make wishes come true. As she and her family work to achieve their goals, their relationships suffer, and they begin to realize that sometimes what they wish for isn't what they really want, and some of their wishes are at cross-purposes. Well-developed characters.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Dream Collector, especially the believable relationships between the four siblings. What happens when you got your wish? What happens when it turns out it's not what you wanted?

41/60 tbr box.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aww, this one was adorable. Somehow, I feel so inspired to go out and buy a Wish Book...