The+Dreamer+(Kleinmeyer)

//Submitted by Lynn Kleinmeyer//

The Dreamer

This is the fictionalized biography of famed poet and Nobel Prize winner, Pablo Neruda. As a young boy, Neftali (the real name of Pablo Neruda) struggles to live up to his father's expectations. Neftali is a dreamer, who much prefers the peace and quiet, who builds whimsical collections, and who loves words. Neftali's father doesn't understand this and pushes Neftali to become stronger, to word harder, to give up his day dreaming ways. Through the quiet support of his stepmother, sister, uncle and brother, Neftali must learn to stand up for what he believes in and pursue his dreams.
 * Summary:**

The Pura Belpe Medal IRA Notable Children's Books for a Global Society Kirkus Best Children's Books of 2010
 * Awards (the short list):**

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 * Videos:**

This is a video of Pam Munoz Ryan discussing //The Dreamer//.

• Pam Munoz Ryan's Author Page This is a link to Pam Munoz Ryan's Author Page. Not only can you read about her, but you can read about //The Dreamer// as well. There is even an author interview about //The Dreamer// and a Reader's Theatre script for the book//.// //• Information about Peter Sis// This is a link to Peter Sis's website. In addition to information about Sis, you can also find information on other works he's completed. // • A Biography of Pablo Neruda // // This is a link to a biography of Pablo Neruda. This resource also includes several poems and Neruda's Nobel Prize acceptance speech. // // • Pablo Neruda's Poetry // // This link gives students access to at least 45 of Neruda's poems translated into English. // // • Teacher Discussion Guide Resource // // This is a link useful for educators. This is Scholastic's discussion guide for before, during, and after reading questions. //
 * Extra Resources:**


 * Discussion Questions**:
 * 1) How does Neftali’s relationship with his father differ from his relationship with his stepmother? How does Neftali’s relationship with each of these characters shape him throughout the story?
 * 2) Think about how Neftali discusses his stepmother's strength. Do you think she's truly a strong character? Why or why not?
 * 3) Think about Neftali’s choice to change his name to Pablo Neruda in order to continue pursuing poetry without his father knowing. Would you be willing to “hide” yourself to appease another? Explain your answer.

After reading the questions created by Pam Munoz Ryan in the book and reading some examples from Pablo Neruda's //The Book of Questions//, have students brainstorm a list of two or three of their own questions. Choosing their favorite, ask them to create a poster (on computer paper), complete with question and illustration, similar to those created by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis in the book. Collect the posters to create a class (or grade) Book of Questions.
 * Classroom Activity:**

Ryan, P. M. (n.d.). //Selected awards for the dreamer//. Retrieved July 25, 2011, from [] Scholastic. (2010, June 22). 5 questions with Pam Munoz Ryan [Video file]. Retrieved from Youtube database. Sis, P. (2010). //The dreamer// [Cover illustration]. Retrieved from []
 * References:**