Dream Soul

Set in 1927 West Virginia, Joan Lee is captivated by her new neighbor, the sophisticated Miss Wade. Compared to Miss Wade's flashy lifestyle, Joan's own Chinese American family feels overly disciplined and frugal. As Joan tries to emulate her neighbor's ways, she is forced to confront the reality of her family's sacrifices and the depth of their traditions, especially as they prepare for the Winter Solstice. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with cultural identity and the subtle sting of feeling 'othered' or poor. The approach is realistic and grounded in historical context. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in family unity. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of longing and mild dissatisfaction, building through jealousy and social climbing, before landing on a resonant, warm realization of self-worth and familial belonging. IDEAL READER: A middle-grade reader who is starting to look outside their family circle and feeling the first bites of social envy or cultural embarrassment. It is perfect for a child who feels 'different' from their peers and needs to see that difference as a strength. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after hearing their child say 'Why can't we be like [Neighbor's Name]?' or 'Our house is so boring/old.' PARENT PREP: No specific scenes require censoring, but parents may want to research the 1920s Chinese American experience to provide context on the legal and social restrictions of the era. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will enjoy the 'new friend' dynamics and the holiday preparations. Older readers will grasp the deeper themes of class disparity and the performative nature of the neighbor's kindness. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many immigrant stories that focus solely on trauma, this highlights the specific internal tension of a child wanting to be 'modern' while being anchored by a loving, if strict, traditional foundation.