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56 pages 1 hour read

Ray Bradbury

Dandelion Wine

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1957

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Dandelion Wine chronicles the summer of 12-year-old Douglas Spaulding in Green Town, Illinois, capturing the magic and growth of childhood through a series of interconnected vignettes. These nostalgic stories encompass a range of genres, including fantasy and magical realism, as Douglas experiences the wonders and mysteries of growing up. The book contains references to spanking as punishment and uses outdated language regarding African Americans.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury is lauded for its evocative prose and vivid portrayal of 1928 summer life, invoking nostalgia and the simple pleasures of childhood. Critics appreciate its heartfelt and poetic narrative but note that the episodic structure and sentimental tone may deter some readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its imaginative and reflective quality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dandelion Wine?

Fans of Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine will likely appreciate its nostalgic and poetic exploration of childhood and summer in a small town. Readers of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird will find similar themes of innocence, wonder, and communal life.

Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Green Town, Illinois • 1920s

Publication Year

1957

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

880L

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