THE DREAM WEAVER

Zoey, 12, and her older brother, José, have gotten used to moving around constantly to follow their dad’s ever changing career path since Mami died.

Everything is shifting yet again as José prepares to leave for college at the end of summer, Zoey gets her first period, and Dad announces that he’s moving to New York without them to chase another allegedly lucrative business opportunity. Now Zoey craves the opportunity to discover what her own dreams are. Staying with her maternal grandfather and working at his bowling alley on the Jersey Shore for the summer while Dad gets settled in his new job allows Zoey to take a break from her role as the family peacemaker and have a little fun—like joining a struggling middle school bowling team, competing in the league championship, and forming friendships along the way. She still has work to do as she fights to save the failing bowling alley that feels like her only link to the family she misses. Zoey’s insecurities feel authentic to her age, and more complex emotional conflicts and challenges are revealed throughout the course of the story. Zoey’s mom and grandparents are Cuban American, and her dad is implied white. Zoey’s new friends are diverse.

A heartfelt debut novel rooted in the importance of family ties, the bonds of friendship, and bowling.