Christine Grabowski

Autumn is delighted she has been accepted to Dickensen Academy because of the fine arts program. When she arrives, she learns there is more to this boarding school than meets the eye and Autumn’s creative potential is unlocked.

The strength of this novel is in Autumn’s struggles. Although she desperately wants to succeed in the dream aspect of the school, she is not immediately successful. She has to fight for it and is creative in how she approaches the fight. Her interaction with her friends and siblings made her more realistic and genuine.

There were some weakness in the story, however. Autumn’s attraction to Ben seemed underdeveloped and I found I didn’t care whether they became a couple or not. It could have been removed and the story would not have suffered. I’d expected more danger-there were hints of darkness through the story-but this is never resolved. Perhaps in a sequel it will be addressed?

Overall, it is an interesting YA book I would recommend to readers looking for a contemporary/fantasy read. I was given a copy from the author for reviewing purposes.… (mehr)

Dickensen Academy is a boarding school that fosters creativity in its students; it's also a boarding school that trains its students to send and receive dreams. A bit I adored was the teachers at Dickensen using dreams to allow their students to witness historical events and participate in experiences they otherwise couldn't in the waking world. It added a charming lightheartedness to the story that was sometimes needed by the reader as well as by Autumn, who struggles with homesickness, her father's expectations, and with her ability to send dreams. Fortunately she has her new friends and family to rely on and with them--and sometimes for them--she figures it out. #DickensenAcademy #NetGalley… (mehr)