Awake and Dreaming

Awake and Dreaming tells the poignant story of Theo, a nine-year-old girl living in poverty with her neglectful mother, Mary-Rae. Theo escapes her difficult reality through books, fantasizing about a perfect family. Her deepest wish seems to manifest when she mysteriously finds herself living with the loving Kaldor family. However, this idyllic existence proves fleeting, and Theo is returned to her original life, grappling with whether the Kaldors were real or merely a dream. The story beautifully explores themes of longing, resilience, and self-discovery as Theo learns to navigate her challenging circumstances, find her voice, and ultimately advocate for a better life with her mother. It also features a gentle ghost story element, adding a layer of mystery and introspection.

Theo and her young, irresponsible mother seem trapped in their miserable, poverty-stricken life. Theo dreams of belonging to a "real" family, and her dream seems to come true when she is mysteriously adopted by the large, warm Kaldor family. But as time passes, the magic of Theo's new life begins to fade, and soon she finds herself back with her mother. Were the Kaldors real or just a dream? And who is the shadowy figure who haunts Theo's thoughts?