When white fourth grader Cassie opens a magazine sweepstakes in the mail and sees a gold sticker (“GRAND PRIZE WINNER”), it feels like her wildest dreams are about to come true. In a large family where money is tight, Cassie often feels invisible and underappreciated. Winning a vacation, a car, or a waterbed (it’s the ’80s) will surely turn things around. Cassie’s sensitive, imaginative nature is nurtured by her teacher, Mrs. Farmer, and by her best friend, Vali (Latine), who also loves to dream. Lately, though, manipulative classmate Stesha has been driving a wedge between Cassie and Vali and poisoning Cassie’s good opinion of their teacher. Cassie feels terrible when Mrs. Farmer overhears her reluctantly agreeing with Stesha that their teacher is “a weirdo.” It’s Mrs. Farmer, though, who helps Cassie to embrace her own sensitivity. When Cassie apologizes to her, Mrs. Farmer assures her that she learned long ago not to care what others think of her; she’s proud of her unusual and fascinating past and one-of-a-kind personality. Although Cassie finally accepts that the sweepstakes is not going to change her life, support from an older sister, much-needed alone time with her mom, and new, healthier friendship dynamics help. Cassie is a sweet, at times painfully relatable character; even as she and her classmates are starting to grow up, she is learning that her sensitivity and tendency to dream big are not childlike naivete but strengths.

Dream On is the perfect gift for young readers, especially fans of graphic novels, friendship stories, and hopeful, inspiring reads.

"If you have Raina-obsessed readers in your life who have read the “Smile” books, as well as her two stand-alone graphic novels, “Drama” and “Ghosts,” here are some other recommendations." – Colby Sharp, The New York Times, 'My Kids Love Raina Telgemeier Books. What Should They Read Next?'

Shannon Hale, author of the bestselling Real Friends, returns with her first book in her latest graphic novel series, the bestselling Dream On (Good Housekeeping's Best Book of the Year). It's a wholesome and sensitive story of hope, friendship, and heartfelt wishes, perfect for fans of Allergic and Click.

Something is missing from Cassie's life.

Her parents don't have much money, she has to share her bedroom (and bed!) with her sisters, and her family never seem to have time for her. To make matters worse, her best friend Vali is always busy with a new friend.

When Cassie gets a letter from a magazine sweepstakes with the words “YOU’RE THE WINNER” stamped on the front, she thinks it’s the answer to all her problems.

She could buy new furniture to replace their shabby old sofa. Or maybe a car so her family doesn’t have to take two trips to go places. Or maybe she can make Vali her best friend forever by taking her on a fabulous vacation. The possibilities are endless, like an all-you-can-eat buffet!

But will prizes really solve Cassie’s problems?

And what will she lose if she doesn’t win anything at all?

With bright and charming illustrations by Marcela Cespedes and coloring by Lark Pien, Dream On is a joyful story filled with imagination, big dreams, and wonder. This book is perfect for readers who want to enjoy a gentle and accessible story, as well as anyone looking for SEL themes about empathy, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

This story also features children experiencing high sensitivity, big emotions, and feelings of sadness, making it a helpful tool to spark conversations and connections with young readers.