Review: A Case of Stolen Dreams by Annie Mack

Going into Annie Mack’s debut middle grade novel, I didn’t expect a goopy little monster to be the reason main character James Dawson makes a good friend at his new school. But when the family moves from Vancouver to a little town outside Kamloops, BC, to set up their bookstore—one that sells crystals and special herbs—James seems like the perfect candidate to help a classmate figure out what’s been slobbering in his ear at night.

Although there is a magical aspect to the story, Mack intertwines many key STEM concepts into the plot: the five senses, for once, and especially the scientific method. From an educational perspective, this book offers many points of departure for further discussion: biology, Canadian content, classic literature—there’s a chapter called “Sherlock Holmes Game,” after all—, and healthy familial relationships. Supportive parenting and typical sibling rivalry make up the Dawsons’ interactions, while James’s time at school gives a glimpse into the 2020s classroom environment.

With a few black and white illustrations by Phillip Reed, A Case of Stolen Dreams is perfect for younger middle-grade readers and introduces new vocabulary words in a way that doesn’t seem out of place in the story. Adding to this the humour with which the author writes, the first book in this series will certainly have readers wanting more.

The book is available on Amazon in paperback or ebook format.