Sueños salvajes

Gr 7 Up–In this stirring novel-in-verse, award-winning Engle brings together themes of love, resilience, and environmental activism in a way that feels urgent and timeless. Ana, displaced after her father becomes a fugitive, and Leandro, who carries the weight of anxiety after fleeing Cuba by raft, are two teens living with shadows of trauma and displacement. When they meet under the California moonlight, their bond sparks with a mix of scientific wonder and lyrical magic. A prowling mountain lion serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of the natural world and the need for connection, inspiring Ana and Leandro to channel their pain into purpose. Their creation of a rewilding club reflects the power of youth-led action and the belief that change is possible, even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Engle’s verse glimmers with tenderness while confronting themes of survival, identity, and hope. A moving addition to YA collections, this novel will resonate with teens navigating personal challenges while dreaming of a better world.