Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I typically read romance and thriller books, but was drawn to Fetching Dreams. The cover art sparked my interest and the synopsis sealed the deal. I am so glad I went outside my norm. This book blew me away. It is so inspirational and emotional and raw. While it is marketed as a children’s book, it is so much more! I have recommended it to several people already and want my kids to read it. The story centers around two girls, across the world from each other, being pen pals as part of a school project. Neyah is in Kenya, where she lives in a hut. She has no electricity, or running water, and has to keep her eye out for lions or bandits who could kill her. She walks over 5 miles a day to fetch water for her family to survive (cooking, washing, bathing, gardening). Dirty water, filled with bacteria, that people bathe in and animals drink from. She often misses school for these water runs. She hates it, but it is the way, it’s all she knows. Until her teacher tells the class their water may be making them sick or even killing them. Neyah sets to change the way of life for her family and her village.
Abby lives in the US and daydreams about seeing Justin Beiber in concert, or getting her own cell phone, and having sleep overs. She has no idea where Neyah lives but Googles it. She is a typical American girl. But her penpal opens her eyes, and changes her life. The girls band together on a life saving and life changing mission. I don’t know if this book is based on a real story, but it totally could be. It is so well written and such an inspiration. I warn you, prepare for the emotions to flow.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy