The Dreamer

The Dreamer’s 12 chapters are informally divided into four sections. The sections are separated by excerpts from Pam Muñoz Ryan’s poem “I Am Poetry,” and each group of three chapters has thematically-linked titles. What do you think these divisions represent? How does structuring the narrative this way affect the story?

Consider some of the negative things Neftalí’s father says about his character, his abilities, and his future. Identify at least three ways in which Neftalí contradicts these assessments. How does Neftalí view these contradictions at different times in the narrative, and how do they inform his character arc? How does the text depict the relationship between fathers and children more generally?

Choose one of the story’s conflicts and describe a time when you’ve faced a similar conflict in your life. Describe how Neftalí responded to the conflict in The Dreamer, and compare this to how you handled the conflict in your situation. What factors complicated things for you? What is the significance of this conflict in Neftalí’s life?