Just as a note, the formatting of this novel on Adobe Digital Editions made it hard to read, and may have contributed to a lower rating.

I really struggled with this one, mostly because I think I just wasn't sure who the target age demographic for this was. I went in thinking it was middle grade, but it just felt older so I wasn't really in the right head space as I was working my way through it.

This was a super fun and fast read. It was not what I was expecting it to be but I think that made it even better. Its written in verse which I think helps in the "quick read" department, there also weren't a lot of pages. Even though it was short I felt like we got a good glimpse of the characters and what they were going and growing through. I loved the cultural similarities of the main characters that brought them together but other than that the things they were dealing with were very, very different. I appreciated that and thought it gave the story a more realistic depth.

Thank you Netgalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Margarita Engle's "Wild Dreamers" is a beautifully written YA love story that combines themes of love, trauma, and eco-activism in a wonderfully crafted novel-in-verse format. Set against the backdrop of contemporary America, the story follows Ana and Leandro, two teenagers grappling with their own personal struggles and the complexities of their developing relationship.

Ana's Cuban-born father has become an extremist, forcing her and her mother into homelessness. When Ana crosses paths with Leandro in the park, their encounter, facilitated by Leandro's therapy dog, Cielo, sets off a chain of events that leads to unexpected connections and opportunities. As Ana's mother finds employment with Leandro's uncle at a nursery, Ana and Leandro's relationship deepens, intertwined with their shared passion for nature and eco-activism.

Engle's use of dual perspectives allows you to delve into the inner worlds of Ana, Leandro, and even Cielo, providing insight into their backgrounds and motivations. I really loved learning more about the characters and their inner thoughts through the multiple perspectives. I think it really added to their development and made the characters feel more realistic. All three characters share a profound connection to nature, which becomes a central theme throughout the novel, and you can see the characters come together due to this. The discussions on conservation and the relationship between humanity and the natural world add depth and relevance to the story, elevating it beyond a simple romance. The romance itself felt well-developed; it didn’t feel rushed at all and it felt real. Plus, it didn’t overwhelm the focus on conservation, which is a real strength and something a lot of YA romance authors struggle with when making sure the romance doesn’t take over the book.

I think my favorite aspect of the book was the novel-in-verse format. The concrete poetry adds a lyrical quality to the book, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Engle masterfully blends culture, nature, and deep introspection, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. I absolutely love novels-in-verse, and Engle’s writing definitely brought this format to life throughout the book. I was loved by the poetry the entire time I was reading.

The ending did feel a bit rushed, making me wish for more development. Overall though, "Wild Dreamers" is a powerful and timely read that offers a refreshing take on love, resilience, and the importance of preserving the natural world.

“If we don’t rewild half of the Earth, we’ll lose biodiversity, millions of species gone forever.”
🐆
Ana’s mother was able to come to the United States while her Cuban-born father became an extremist and has gone into hiding. Ana and her mother are currently unhoused, living in the park. When Ana meets Leandro it’s in the path of a puma. Thanks to Cielo, Leandro’s therapy dog, the two are able to connect and it ultimately leads to Ana’s mother getting a job with Leandro’s uncle at a nursery.
🌎
This was a timeless YA love story that also deals heavily with eco-activism. I loved the dual POV novel-in-verse with concrete poetry throughout. This book is out now.

CW: climate change (theme), immigration issues, death of a parent, attempted kidnapping, extremism, animal death (referenced to), homelessness

4 stars

Margarita Engle knows how to blend culture, nature, and deep thinkers in verse, and this most recent effort is a particularly vivid example of Engle's skills in all of these areas (and more).

Ana, Leandro, and Cielo the dog provide perspectives on the burgeoning love story between the two human characters. Each has a complicated backstory that haunts them in extremely distinct ways in the present, and this makes their love for each other even stronger. While their experiences are not identical, they're all familiar with trauma, struggle, and fear. They also share a love for nature which comes through in their intentional and organic pastimes. I really enjoyed the discussions about conservation, protection, and generally what is considered the right way to approach nature. Yes, this is a romance between two characters, but in many ways, it's a love story between all three characters and nature, and this adds so much to the overall power of the book.

The ending wraps quickly, and I'd have loved to get a bit more development throughout, but is there a more complimentary critique available than "I wish I had more of this?" Exactly. It's a powerful and timely book, and many readers will find it a refreshing take. I know I did.