Wild Dreamers

By: Margarita Engle

Narrated by: Zac Aleman, Andre Bellido, Alejandra Reynoso

Longlisted for the National Book Award
A Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Honor Book

In this stirring young adult novel-in-verse from award-winning author Margarita Engle, love and conservation intertwine as two teens go on a “transformative journey celebrating the power of overcoming personal struggles to make a lasting impact” (Kirkus Reviews).

Ana and her mother have been living out of their car ever since her militant father became one of the FBI’s most wanted. Leandro has struggled with debilitating anxiety since his family fled Cuba on a perilous raft.

One moonlit night, in a wilderness park in California, Ana and Leandro meet. Their connection is instant—a shared radiance that feels both scientific and magical. Then they discover they are not alone: a huge mountain lion stalks through the trees, one of many wild animals whose habitat has been threatened by humans.

Determined to make a difference, Ana and Leandro start a rewilding club at their school, working with scientists to build wildlife crossings that can help mountain lions find one another. If pumas can find their way to a better tomorrow, surely Ana and Leandro can too.

Critic reviews

"The narrators successfully infuse their voices with the rapid emotional changes of their characters' complicated circumstances. Aleman voices Cielo in a rich voice that conveys wisdom. Bellido and Reynoso aptly change their voices to match the emotional turmoil of young adults who are learning to navigate life."

Complexity of Growing up as a Dreamer

I listened to this book to preview it for my school's library. It is such a wonderfully knitted story full of pain and triumph. I am going to buy a paper copy for our school.