111dBOOKLIFE, JANUARY 27, 2020
allows her morality and bravery to guide
her, with help from her brother and some
new friends. Tinsey is relatable as a curious
girl searching for her place in a world that
needs change. Though the plot and charac-
ters lack depth, the tale underscores open-
mindedness, inclusivity, and forgiveness.
Ages 8–12.Wake Up
Brooke De Lira. Brooke De Lira, $12.99 paper
(251p) ISBN 978-1-79328-795-3
De Lira’s uneven novel draws upon the
concepts of lucid dreaming and repressed
memory as pink-haired “Native American”
teen Madelyn Clarke delves deep into her
own mind to solve a mystery. Three sum-
mers ago in Shy Harbor, Wis., Aiden died
in an alleged bouldering accident near the
Clarkes’ vacation home. Madelyn, the only
witness, suspects homicide, though she
cannot remember the truth. At a therapist’s
suggestion, Madelyn learns to lucid dream,
recreating Shy Harbor to find the Key to
her unconscious. But after recovering the
Key, Madelyn finds she can’t awaken. Her
consciousness, embodied as a Native
woman named C, reveals that she’s stuck
(“I’m afraid the only way to wake up now is
to find your unconscious”). If Madelyn
doesn’t recall Aiden’s death soon, C will
disappear, stranding Madelyn in her mind
forever. Though stereotypical characteriza-
tions and a muddled conclusion may well
prove problematic for readers, De Lira’s
dream world, replete with telekinesis and
eerie Intruders, proves engaging. Those
seeking an energetically paced adventure
about grief, loss, and self-acceptance will
likely enjoy joining Madelyn, her new
friend Luke, and her anthropomorphic
mental constructs on their journey. Ages
14–up.® PW REVIEWS