The Dream Merchant

A parent should reach for this book when their child is navigating a period of profound loneliness or lingering grief, especially if they are struggling to reconcile their childhood memories with the complicated demands of entering adolescence. This expansive, 600 page odyssey follows twelve year old Josh as he is recruited by a shadow corporation to travel into 'umaya,' a dimension existing between dreams and reality. While on the surface it is a high stakes science fiction adventure, the heart of the story involves Josh being accompanied by the spirit of his deceased twin sister, making it a powerful vehicle for exploring how we carry those we have lost. It is best suited for mature middle grade readers who enjoy immersive world building and are ready for a story that treats their emotional complexity with respect. You might choose this book for a child who feels 'different' or who finds comfort in the idea that the boundaries of our world are more porous than they appear.