Dream Factory
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4.0 • 1 Rating
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
Set within the enchanting backdrop of Disney World, this heartwarming young adult romance will make you believe in the magic of love.
“Readers will enjoy this book for . . . the fun depiction of life within the magic kingdom.”—VOYA
“The authors realistically portray all of the anticipation and thrill of a romance.”—School Library Journal
When the Disney World character actors go on strike, the teens hired as replacements learn that this fairy-tale land isn’t exactly the happiest place on earth. Ella is assigned the role of Cinderella simply because the shoes fit. And every afternoon she gets married to Prince Charming. A dream come true . . . except Ella doesn’t believe in dreams anymore. Meanwhile, Luke is Dale, the chipmunk; and his girlfriend, Cassie, plays his counterpart, Chip. Cassie is perfect in every way, so why does Luke want to be with Cinderella? Then Luke and Ella are brought closer together during a scavenger hunt. And as they uncover the Magic Kingdom’s hidden treasures, they discover an undeniable magic between them.
Perhaps dreams really can come true after all. . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fans of Barkley and Hepler's Scrambled Eggs at Midnight will find a similar slice-of-teen-romance in this novel, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at America's favorite amusement park. Ella and Luke meet at Disney World when both take temporary jobs as Disney characters after the permanent employees go on strike. Ella is cast as Cinderella-not because of her name but because she fits into the costume. (Luke plays the less prestigious part of Dale the chipmunk.) The two first become romantically linked with other "characters" before realizing they have more in common with each other than with their respective partners. Ella and Luke's alternating narratives express similar outlooks and states of uncertainty, yet the teens' backgrounds and conflicts are different. Ella is still reeling from the death of her brother and the recent departure of her parents, who have decided to go to Africa ("suddenly, the vague ideas about their doing something for others and making a difference in the world had details and a date"). For his part, Luke is dreading his future of entering the family business. If it takes a frustratingly long time for Ella and Luke to admit their mutual attraction, their individual musings and insightful conversations provide a thought-provoking prelude to their eventual pairing. A generous sprinkling of Disney trivia adds color to this wistful novel while an ongoing theme regarding the existence of magic adds an extra layer of meaning. Ages 12-up.
