FlumeAward – Dreamland Social Club Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando
This story was about a girl trying to define herself through what her mother once was. A tale of a magical place that could come alive again if people believed in it and wanted it to happen enough. A novel about finding friends and other relationships in unlikely places and finding acceptance. Some may be weirded out by the setting, it’s a little freaky-deaky at times, and the teachers seem a little odd too. I love that they have a local history class with plenty of field trips, but I cringe at the mention of the Thomas Edison electrocution of and Elephant video. I thought this was a fun novel that was heartbreaking at times. Every time Jane came to a dead end, or was let down I felt myself feel crushed for her. Her memories of her mother are what she should have been holding onto, like her brother did. It sounded like their mom was a ton of fun though. The characters in this novel were very unique and often outspoken. I think this was a great novel about acceptance, above all the other things it was about. I think it would make an interesting pick for the tops.
Brittany Moore – Hall Memorial Library
I loved this book, very unique, and very timely given that it takes place in an area devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The plot is complex but understandable, very imaginative, and the characters are very real and believable. There are a lot of deeper themes that can be discussed – bigotry, inclusion, staying true to oneself, grief, and romance. A lot of it takes place in a high school and students will relate to feelings of being an outcast, then finding a group that offers them acceptance. The descriptions of the aging resort town and it’s old families ring very true- especially if you grew up near a shore community. The kind of book you want to read again. –Beth Strauss Laconia High School