Dream Things True

Dream Things True follows Alma, a Mexican-born teenager living undocumented in Georgia, and Evan, the nephew of a conservative US Senator. The two meet at their high school and develop a relationship despite their contrasting backgrounds and circumstances. As Alma and Evan grow closer, they must navigate cultural differences, family expectations, and the realities of immigration policy in the American South. Their connection forces both characters to confront assumptions about identity, privilege, and belonging. The story tracks their efforts to maintain a relationship while dealing with mounting external pressures and legal barriers. Alma balances her academic goals and family responsibilities with the constant fear of deportation, while Evan grapples with his family's politics and his evolving understanding of immigration issues. This contemporary YA romance uses a cross-cultural relationship to explore themes of citizenship, justice, and the human cost of immigration policy. The narrative examines how personal connections can challenge entrenched viewpoints and bridge societal divides.

Readers describe this YA romance as a realistic portrayal of immigrant experiences and young love, though some note the romance develops too quickly. Several reviews mention the book helps humanize immigration issues through the characters' personal stories. Readers appreciated: - Authentic depictions of Mexican-American family dynamics - Educational elements about immigration policy woven into the story - Complex supporting characters, especially the protagonist's uncle - Cultural details and Spanish language integration Common criticisms: - Predictable plot points - Romance feels rushed in early chapters - Some dialogue comes across as unnatural - Political messaging can feel heavy-handed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (48 ratings) "The romance was sweet but the immigration storyline hit harder and taught me a lot," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. Another noted: "I appreciated seeing both sides of the immigration debate represented, even if some conversations felt forced."

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🌟 Marie Marquardt is not only an author but also a scholar who has spent more than two decades working with Latin American immigrant families in the American South 📚 The author drew inspiration for the novel from her real-life experiences working with undocumented students trying to attend college in Georgia 🎓 The book addresses actual policies that affect undocumented students in Georgia, including their ban from attending the state's top five public universities 💝 The romance between Evan and Alma was partially inspired by relationships the author witnessed between documented and undocumented teenagers while working as a college adviser 🌍 Many scenes in the book take place in real locations around Atlanta and North Georgia, including specific neighborhoods and landmarks that add authenticity to the story