Book Review: The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams by Victoria Williamson | #MiddleGrade #Fantasy @The_WriteReads #BookBlogTour | 4.5 Stars | @strangelymagic @TinyTreeBooks
A book blog tour from The Write Reads.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Dave & the Gang at The Write Reads for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams by Victoria Williamson Published by Tiny Tree on 05/11/2023
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Middle-Grade
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 216
In a strange little village called Witchetty Hollow, eleven-year-old Florizel is the first to run into the curious visitors who've come to open a brand new Daydream Delicatessen and sack-baby factory.
At first, it seems the daydream confection and cheap sack children are the best things that could have happened to the poor folk of the Hollow - after all, who has the money to rent their child from Storkhouse Services these days? But after a few weeks, Florizel starts to notice something odd happening to the adults of the town. First, they seem dreamy, then they lose all interest in their jobs and families. Soon they're trading all their worldly goods in the newly-opened Pawnshop for money to buy daydreams. With no money for rent payments, the children of Witchetty Hollow are being reclaimed by Storkhouse Services at an alarming rate. Florizel needs to act.
A magical tale of intrigue and adventure from award-winning children's author Victoria Williamson.
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Purchase Links for The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams
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My Thoughts on The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams
Victoria Williamson weaves a magical tale of intrigue and adventure in her latest middle-grade fantasy, “The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams.” Set in the peculiar village of Witchetty Hollow, the story follows eleven-year-old Florizel as she uncovers the dark secrets behind the arrival of the Daydream Delicatessen and its accompanying sack-baby factory.
The concept of daydream confections and cheap sack children is both fascinating and thought-provoking. The author brilliantly explores marginalized members’ struggles in this world where renting children has become a financial burden. The story sheds light on the difficult choices people make when they lack the means to support their families and the consequences that follow.
Florizel’s journey is captivating and serves as a metaphor for the resilience and determination of marginalized individuals. Through her courageous actions, she confronts the disturbing transformation of the villagers, who become increasingly consumed by their daydreams. The author skillfully addresses themes of escapism and the potential dangers of losing touch with reality.
“The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams” transcends its middle-grade label, captivating readers of all ages with its intriguing premise and a well-crafted plot. Williamson’s writing effortlessly blends whimsy and depth, making the book an entertaining and thought-provoking read for both young and adult readers alike.
With its unique concept and richly developed characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a magical adventure filled with important messages. Victoria Williamson once again proves her prowess as an award-winning children’s author, delivering a tale that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page.
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About Victoria Williamson
A lifelong storyteller and daydreamer, Victoria Williamson is a children’s author and teacher who has lived and worked in Africa, China, America, and the UK.
Victoria grew up in Kirkintilloch, north Glasgow, surrounded by hills on the edge of a forest estate where many of her early ghost stories and fantasy tales were born amid the magical trees and spooky old ruined buildings.
After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real-life adventures, which included teaching Maths and Science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China, and working with children with special needs in the UK.
A qualified primary school teacher with a degree in Mandarin Chinese from Yunnan University and a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, Victoria is passionate about creating inclusive worlds in her novels where all children can see a reflection of themselves in a heroic role.
Victoria’s experiences of teaching young children in a deprived area of Glasgow, many of whom were asylum seekers, inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of friendship between Glasgow girl Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.
Victoria writes fantasy, adventure, science fiction, and contemporary issue novels for Middle Grade (9-12), Teen, and Young Adult readers. Many of her books have been inspired by children she has met on her travels abroad and in the UK. She is currently working on a Middle-Grade novel exploring the issues faced by a boy with ADHD who is struggling to fit in with his new step-family and a spooky adventure novel for Teens centered around a cast of characters with special needs, including deafness, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
Twenty percent of her author royalties for The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle are donated to the Scottish Refugee Council.
You can find out more about Victoria's books, school visits, and upcoming events on her website.
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Purchase The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams online from a local bookstore.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
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Wonderful review, Gina. I read another review for this book and thought it had a bit of a Grimm’s Fairytale vibe.
Thanks, Carla. It’s one of those books where you can go as deep as you want. Take it as an entertaining middle-grade tale or delve into the social/moral issues if so inclined. I love a book that works for all types of readers.