this gets an extra star for how much i loved it as a child. i reread it in 2007 and it wasn't THAT great, but still somewhat fascinating. ( )

Paul has been have a recurring and eerily frightening dream; things only get stranger when he learns that Francine, a girl in his school, is having the same dream as well. Through the dream, they realize that they must save a little boy, but who? Can they find out in time to rescue him?

Many years ago as a child, I read this book and it stuck with me over the years. Or rather, a vague sense of the plot and the crucial Stardust motel stuck with me; the title and the author eluded me. After some sleuthing online, I re-discovered it recently and was glad of it. The book is as I remember -- vaguely sinister with a satisfying mystery at its core. As an adult, it reminds me of an X-Files episode --- UFOs, telepathy, telekinesis, shadowy government figures, and even an ambiguous ending that suggests more strange events may lie ahead.

Although the book is from the late 70s, it mostly holds up. There are a few dated references (e.g., phone booths) but nothing that really takes away from the enjoyment of the book. I'd recommend it if you or your child like books with supernatural elements, mysterious suspense, and smart kids who can crack it all. ( )

Lots of excitement in a very short book. Great introduction to thoughtful SF for the youngest readers - from back in the day when SF wasn't so mainstream. (However, don't misunderstand - it's not dated and it does hold up well imo.) I actually liked it quite a bit, and would give it a 3.5 star rating. It's more careful and complex than it first appears - a child rereading it would find more details to learn about the characters and the plot with each reading.

For example, Francine explains why she lives in a poorer neighborhood with one throwaway sentence. It's not relevant, really, but it gives the young reader something to think about, and more insight into her character.

Sleator hasn't disappointed me so far. ( )

Disappointing. As usual, William Sleator's beginning isn't too strong, but the middle is better. The climax really is very good, but the solution the two protagonists come up with is just...ridiculous. It makes me upset how ridiculous it really is. It doesn't solve anything and almost makes it worse.

This is really the first Sleator book I haven't enjoyed. I'm hoping it's his only dud. ( )

From back cover: He awoke to the sound of his own cry in the dark bedroom, the terror still with him. Paul knows it's a dream--but it's so terrifying, so real. And, what's even more frightening, francine, a girl from his class, is having the same horrible nightmare! They both know something terrible is going to happen--and time is running out! --Sleator bridges fantasy and science fiction very well, but I am usually left somewhat dissatisfied by his novels for children and young adults. It seems to me he's more interested in his own plot than in his characters and their development. ( )