The Dream Stealer

By Sid Fleischman

A fearless girl confronts a thief who steals her precious dreams.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·3.3/5 Goodreads · 292 ratings

128 pages

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Bookroo's summary

Susana's only connection to her distant best friend is through dreams. When a mysterious Dream Stealer snatches them away, Susana embarks on a daring quest to reclaim her stolen dreams. Armed with courage and wit, she faces a world where dreams are the ultimate treasure. Can Susana outsmart the Dream Stealer and reunite with her friend in the dream world? Discover a tale of bravery and the power of dreams.

From the publisher

What would you do to rescue your most precious dream? Susana’s best friend moved away, and now the only time Susana can see her is in her dreams. Until one night when the dream suddenly ends. The Dream Stealer has come, her grandmother says. The Dream Stealer does not want pretty silver earrings or dangly gold necklaces, diamonds or rubies. He wants dreams. He’s supposed to take only nightmares, but he’s grown scared of the monsters and phantoms. He’s been stealing good dreams instead. But he’s stolen from the wrong girl. Susana is clever. She is fearless. And she wants her dream back.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 128
Reading age: 7–11
Audience: Juvenile Reader
Lexile: 610L

Themes & topics

Books about bedtime and dreams Books about culture Books about Mexico Books about places and regions

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

This book contains one instance of using the word "idiot."

Scary Villains and Characters

This story contains multiple monsters, such as a two headed giant, devils, and more, though all of the monsters are said to be "pretend" and are not described as being extra scary.

After the last page

Talk about it together

The Dream Stealer steals a dream Susana can't let get away. Can you think of any of your own dreams that would be worth saving, if the Dream Stealer were to take your dreams?

At the beginning of the story, we learn that Susana's best friend has moved away. Have you ever had a close friend move away? What does Susana's experience inspire you to do to stay in touch with your friends?

What readers & critics say