Dream On, Amber Scores 4 Starred Reviews and A Best Book Pick

Hello,

My name is Amber Miyamoto and my story is called Dream On, Amber. You know how some stories are SAD, some are EXCITING, and some are LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY? Well, my story is ALL OF THESE THINGS and MORE, if you can believe that. Which you should, because it’s totally true.
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It’s SAD because my dad left home when I was six and left this big black hole right in the middle of my life. It’s EXCITING because my little sister, Bella, wrote Dad some letters and gave them to me to post, but instead, I had the stupid idea of pretending to be him and writing back. That all goes hideously wrong and turns into a big mess, so it’s kind of exciting to read on and see if I’m ever going to fix it. And it’s FUNNY because I invent this imaginary dad who helps me sort out my problems and he’s kind of nuts. Like Bella.

​Plus, it’s a WHOLE LOT MORE, because it’s about being half this and half that and about middle school and Locker Boy and cat poo and art competitions and monsters under the bed and made-up dads and samurai. Obviously this makes no sense to you whatsoever, but all these random things connect into one mind-blowing story. I seriously think everyone who reads it will love it, and love the super-cool illustrations as well, and…

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I was right! Because four super important reviewers each gave me a bright, shiny starred reviews (like as big and cool as a supernova). So thank-you to Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly for liking my story!

Oh! And I just got some more amazing news that’s almost as good as a new cell phone: Dream On, Amber is a Booklist 2015 Top 10 First Novels for Youth!!

So, I’m kind of famous now. I mean I was just in the Wall Street Journal and in November I’m going to be in the New York Times. So, hopefully (fingers AND toes crossed), my book will sell zillions of copies and I’ll never have to shovel cat poo for an allowance again. Ever.

Thank you, Sourcebooks! Yours truly,

Amber Miyamoto

​PS I used the starred reviews to create this massively cool word cloud. Brilliant!