Fetching Dreams

by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl

Two girls living a continent apart become pen pals. One is quiet and shy and spends most days fetching water for her family to survive. The other is bold and boisterous and lives comfortably but faces personal challenges of her own. Despite differences, a unique bond forms and the girls discover they can inspire each other to find a purpose in their challenges if they only DO something.

298 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2023

About the author

This successful indie author grew up in a large family on a dairy farm in northeast Iowa. She loved books of all kinds but especially mysteries. As a parent and elementary teacher, Bleckwehl collected all kinds of stories for "writing material" and puts them to good use in her children's books: HENRY! YOU'RE LATE AGAIN! and HENRY! YOU'RE HUNGRY AGAIN? Both are gold MCA (Mom's Choice Awards) recipients for humor. The two HENRY books have earned a total of nine awards.
Bleckwehl introduced readers to a new character in her 2018 release, CLAIRE'S HAIR. It debuts the wild and woolly-haired Claire and the laughter her hair brings to Claire and her BFF, Albert. When Albert gets sick, Claire gets her "big hairy idea" to bring back the laughter. Claire's kindness and empathy shine! This title earned 3 Midwest Book Awards.

THE BIRTHDAY COOKBOOK, Bleckwehl's first dive into non-fiction for the education market, is available from Black Rabbit Books along with four books in the nonfiction series: Awesome Disgusting Careers. Her debut novel for tweens, THE WORRY KNOT, is a January 2022 release from Immortal Works. Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! is a January 2023 picture book from Starlight Books. Soon to follow: Middle Grade book called Fetching Dreams June 2023 from Immortal Works and Familius Publishing will release GRANDPA! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR HAIR? in 2024.
Bleckwehl still spends a lot of time with children as a guest teacher and a visiting author in schools. She has presented to over 90,000 students in schools and at young writer conferences. Inspiring young writers and readers to dream big and to share their stories is her passion.
"Books change and sometimes save lives!" Bleckwehl says. "And every book has two stories-the one inside it and the one about the writing of it."

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fetching Dreams is a book about 12-year-olds becoming pen-pals and learn about other cultures and lives. Worlds apart as one Neyah lives in a village in Kenya Africa and worries of harsh living conditions and one Abby in a modern city in Minnesota.
It is a heartfelt story aimed at middle school aged children where they get insightful lessons of tragedy and fear of change.
It is an engaging tale about bonding and finding one’s voice and speaking out to make a difference. It is about making connections no matter where one lives in the world.
We learn about plants and wildlife and the differences of people around the globe. We also learn that “Water is life,” for those that have to work for it and others take for granted.
Fetching Dreams is worth the read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jamie Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, there are many ways to describe this book, but Mary Bleckwehl used a quote that comes to mind, “Go further than you planned. Ask for the moon: you will be surprised how often you get it.” This book was simply amazing, I have high expectations for the books I read, and expect to be over the moon about them when I finish reading. Many authors have succeeded, including Bleckwehl. This book goes far to the land of Africa where people are still struggling to get education, food, and water. The main character, Neyah has to fetch water, and so she misses so many days at school. She dreams and wishes there was a better way. We get introduced to Abby, Neyah’s pen pal who lives with all of the modern conveniences and cannot imagine what Neyah must be going through. As the two girls correspond, they find strength together. Abby becomes less self centered and quickly cares about Neyah and her family’s situation. Through Abby, Neyah finds the courage to speak up about the water situation and about basic hygiene she is learning about at school. Abby and Neyah decide to team up together to work on a solution for the water problem. There are many struggles that both Neyah and Abby face, but can they find the strength to push through and overcome the struggles? Will Neyah be able to bring much needed CLEAN water to her village? To find out, read this book, Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl. To say that this book is eye opening, is an understatement, but it is also heart warming at the same time. Who knew how much power pen pals from two different countries could change the world! It goes a long way to say that what you say matters, and so does the way you treat people.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neyah is a young girl living in Africa, which means that she misses school a lot due to having to walk many miles a day to fetch water for her family to use for food, bathing, washing, crops and livestock. When her school starts a pen pal project with a group of middle school students in Minnesota, Neyah gets to know an American teenager named Abby. Abby is surprised by how different things are, such as a lack of running water, or that Neyah is the one that has to miss school and not her four brothers. Throughout the book, we see many problems that Neyah faces in her daily life, such as diseases caused by lack of clean water, her dad’s lack of willingness to change how things have always been done, the dangers of her climb to and from the different water sources in her area of Africa, bandits, and the possibility that her father will sell her as a second wife for cattle. Neyah at first thinks that Abby’s life is “perfect”, but quickly we learn that Abby has issues of her own. Her parents are struggling after issues of their own, and then Abby ends up with a brain tumor. The girls start working together to get access to water in Neyah’s village, by raising money and awareness of the situation that Neyah lives every day. This is a great book for reminding people that everyone has their issues, we are not that much different than other people our age in other places around the world. This is a great book for adults and teenagers, alike.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fetching Dreams is a beautifully written and inspirational YA family book. Neyah and Abby live in two very different worlds but form a friendship as pen pals through a school project. Neyah lives in Africa and does not have water in her village. She misses a lot of school because of having to walk several miles to bring water to her family for bathing, cooking, and for the livestock. Neyah’s village struggles with diseases caused by the lack of running water and her daily life is full of dangers as she faces bandits on her way to get water. Abby lives worlds apart in Minnesota and has a good life in comparison to Neyah. She has clean, running water and modern conveniences but her life is far from perfect. Her parents have issues, and she has been diagnosed with having a brain tumor. The two girls work together to raise awareness and money for water in Neyah’s village. The characters of Abby and Neyah are well written and the strength and courage the two girls had was inspiring. Both girls were smart, independent, and faced challenges head-on. The unlikely friendship between Neyah and Abby will inspire and uplift you as they encouraged each other to follow their dreams. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the girls faced their own challenges and helped each other even though they were worlds apart. I highly recommend this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written heartwarming and inspirational YA novel which kept me captivated throughout.
When Neyah and Abby who live a continent apart become pen pals neither realised how important their friendship would become to them both. Neyah is shy and quiet living in a rural African village whilst bold and boisterous Abby lives a comfortable life in a modern American city. Whilst Abby spends her time planning her social calendar and waiting for her school day to be over, Neyah longs to spend more time in school, but has to spend most days fetching water for her family to survive, and even then it’s filthy water. Although they both live very differently they are keen to learn about each other’s lives and a friendship grows through their letters. We soon learn that Abby has her own challenges to face, and the girls inspire one another to find a purpose in their difficulties. The descriptive narrative brings the settings in which both girls live vividly to life, making me feel immersed in their world. The author teaches us about African customs and it’s culture, as well as the challenges young girls and women in particular face, whilst keeping it part of the storyline. This is an emotional and engaging read, and although it’s a YA novel I would recommend it to all ages!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sweet moving story aimed at young adults. It is about 2 young girls who are similar ages but live worlds apart.
Neyah lives in Kenya. Her life is hard and she is forced to give up her education to fetch water for her family.
Abby's life is the complete opposite. From someone like Neyah Abbey has it all. She has a nice home, time to socialise and more importantly an education which is what Neyah would love.
However Abby's life isn't as perfect as it seems and as the girls exchange letters we get an insight into the challenges and heartbreak that Abby faces, as well as the challenges that Neyah faces. Together they work together to problem solve the issues surrounding Neyah. But can two 12-year olds make a difference at all?

This is a beautiful story about friendship that grows between 2 people who would be unlikely to become friends normally. By exchanging their stories and learning about each others lives they both learn an appreciation for their own lives even though sometimes things are hard. They also inspire each other to problem solve and try to find a solution to make things better. The author does an amazing job especially of bringing Neyah's life into reality for readers who would never normally get a chance to experience it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how Mary Bleckwehl brought to life the lives of rural African women and girls. It was eye opening to read about how much time they spend on obtaining water, something we in the United States take for granted, and how it affects their education and livelihoods. Neyah (the main character) is very strong even in the face of the adversity she encounters and her father's fear and decisions. Her interactions with her American pen pal, Abby, are fun and I was eager to read the next letter from Abby to hear how her life was going. Neyah and her friends encounter many things we would never even imagine when living in the United States, and even though this is a work of fiction, I felt like it could be a true story. I had to restrain myself from reading too fast to get to the end to find out how everything was going to turn out, and had to hold back tears at some of the things that happened to the characters in the story. Overall, this is a very well told, interesting, and heartwarming story.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neyah and Abby are pen pals. Both learning about each other's lives. While the girls are the same age, they live very different lifestyles. Neyah lives in Africa while Abby lives in a city on the other side of the globe. Abby works on her social life, while Neyah gathers contaminated water for her family. Neyah longs for the days when she can go to school, while Abby goes to school everyday. Such an inspiring story for all to read. I found both main characters to be strong independent young girls. Who strive for a better life for each other. This author has captured my heart in this story. I feel every 12 year and older child should get the opportunity to read this story. To have a pen pal from a different country and to learn how fortunate they are to live without fear. As this story unfolds many lives are touched by the strength of these two girls. Fantastic story to read! It's fast paced and you find yourself wanting so much more. I feel this to be an excellent read for young teens, teachers, librarians and parents. Let's open our children's minds and bring back helping others.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two girls a continent apart. Neyah is super quiet and shy and lives in Africa. Abby is a bubbly socialite in Minnesota, USA. They learn of each other through their social studies teachers and become pen pals.

Neyah rarely gets to go to school. Her family depends on her to fetch water for them to survive. Neyah loves school and learning and aspires to be a doctor.

Abby is ok with school but jealous of the "time off" that Neyah has, not really realizing at first why Neyah isn't able to attend as much.

Through a series of back and forth letters, the girls learn of each others cultures, customs, and norms and both are determined to help make the world a much better place.

I would advise you to read this in a solitary room if you're apt to cry. I was reading this while sitting out at a yard sale in between customers. BAD IDEA because I could not stop the tears. There are happy crying moments, there are sad crying moments. This book is such a beautiful story of two unlikely people to form a bond and then do something with that bond. This story will stick with me awhile!!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that grips your heartstrings with the story of two girls living two different lives with two separate challenges but they are both so strong and brave. Neyah has a very tough life and yet she perseveres and continues to write of her adventures to Abby. We get an idea of what is going on. There are moments of joy and moments of heart break. For Abby, life is different. She may have more but she is facing her own battle. We learn about her adventures in her letters to Neyah. I felt like I was on the emotional roller coaster with this book. It was a good thing because this story reminds you that you are alive and blessed. The author does a very good job of making this story feel realistic. The writing and the characters just keep you wanting to find out what’s coming next. This story is a definite tearjerker so I’d keep tissues handy. It’s one of the best YA stories I’ve read this year.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

"IT WAS JUST A SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT UNTIL IT BECAME A LIFESAVING MISSION."

Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson-Bleckwehl is an inspiring chapter storybook that tells a tale of friendship and making a difference, aimed at middle school aged children. Abby and Neyah are pen-pals who begin to learn about each other’s lives. Neyah lives in a small village in rural Kenya, where they struggle to have the bare necessities to survive- and Abby who lives in Minnesota USA, in a city with all the modern conveniences we all take for granted. This story takes us on a journey of friendship, coming together to problem-solve to make things happen. It’s about collaboration and co-operation and overcoming challenges. Can two twelve-year-olds come together to find a way to bring fresh water to a remote village. You really should read this heart-warming story to find out
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Mary Evanson Bleckwehl!

[Mark Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Fetching Dreams' is a novel written by Mary Bleckwehl about a young African girl named Neyah who has the everyday chore of fetching water for her family in her village of Letsokoane. Neyah is a quiet girl who has to learn to use her voice if she is to become who she wants to become one day. It all starts out one day when her schoolteacher Mr. Sahli gives each student a penpal to write to and learn about other countries and cultures. This is how Neyah becomes friends with Abby, a young girl in the United States, and they both learn what makes them special to each other. Mary Bleckwehl wrote a story that will define what really makes a family wherever the family is located. She has described Neyah's and Abby's family well and the reader will feel an attachment to each family member in some way and maybe even shed a few tears. It is also a good way to learn some very important vocabulary words we all need to remember.

[Lynn Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fetching Dreams by award-winning author Mary Bleckwehl is a contemporary coming-of-age novel. Bright and curious Neyah dreams of becoming a doctor in her Kenyan village. Neyah’s dreams are thwarted when she cannot attend school every day as she must haul water for her family, their goats, and crops. “Mama, someone has to fetch water. Why not fetch dreams?” asked Neyah.
Neyah’s world expands through an exchange of letters with her Minnesota pen pal. Their letters illuminate the contrasts of two worlds, but ultimately their deep friendship is grounded in overcoming adversity to pursue their dreams.
Mary Bleckwehl’s evocative words opens the reader’s eyes to the wonder and majesty of Kenyan. Young adult readers along with educators, librarians, and adult clubs will cherish Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl. I highly recommend Fetching Dreams. Engaging. Powerful.
Lynn Moore

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

FETCHING DREAMS is an engaging story of friendship across cultures that also inspires young people to tackle global challenges. Reading this book as an adult was just as powerful as I imagine it will be for young readers. I felt an emotional connection to the main character and was moved to take action for clean water and learn more about cultures different than my own.

This text is ideal for classroom use and equally wonderful as a leisure book for curious readers. Back matter offers discussion questions to provoke critical thinking, and an author’s note about the story’s genesis. FETCHING DREAMS sticks with readers long after they finish the last page, and is timely as we look to the next generation to help solve major global issues. A wonderful addition to any middle-grade bookshelf!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fetching Dreams
By: Mary Bleckwehl

This is such a fantastic chapter book. The quote in the description is what drew me to this book, it ultimately became the reason I absolutely could not put down. “It was just a school assignment until it became a lifesaving mission.” This is such a heartwarming story. Neyah and Abby are penpals who begin writing because of a school assignment. However they connect on a much deeper level. This becomes such a valuable friendship that definitely changes their lives and the lives of others. As a teacher, this instantly became a book that I know I will use as a read aloud with my students. I cannot wait to see the conversations that my students will have and see if they are as moved by this book as much as I am. This is absolutely such a heartwarming inspirational story that I think that everyone should read.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl. This is probably one of the very best books I've read this year. I loved it. Its about 2 young 12 year olds who become pen pals and learn about their very different lives. The live totally different lives because Neyah lives in Kenya, Africa and who struggles everyday with harsh living conditions. Abby lives in Minnesota and has all the luxuries in life and doesn't understand all the struggles that Neyah has. Abby doesn't understand not having running water or having to miss school to take care of your siblings. Neyah is very jealous of Abby until she realizes that Abby has her struggles to, Abby has a brain tumor. Working together they try to get water for Neyah's village and learn that not everyone's lives are as they seem. Most people have trouble it just may be different than yours. Amazing book with a great lesson!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title fits this book to a T. Two girls that couldn't be more different (Kenyan Neyah and Abby from the States) share a common dream. Parental warning- children deaths of malnutrition, cancer, and cholera are mentioned as well as physical and mental brutality. Yet, that is reality of kids around the world, and author Bleckwehl captures the eagerness of the teenagers to do something to help others.

I appreciated the closure of the book (you aren't left hanging) as well as the banter between Neyah and her teacher, as well as Neyah and her father. Neyah's relationships with her pen pal, family members, school peers, and people she meets at the watering hole are well developed and three dimensional, and I couldn't wait to read what happened next.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that I walked about thinking about after every reading session. There was hope, tears, celebrations and the gut wrenching realization that this is real for so many today. The story is told through a penpal relationship between two girls - one in America and one in Africa. Two girls, with two very different lives that learn they can have a voice to make a difference. There were times in this story that I was faced with big feelings knowing that so many go without the basic necessities like water, education and a childhood - while many take having these things for granted. I was glad there was a positive outcome even in the shadow of sorrow - and I will remember the power of raising one's voice!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neyah, a 12-year-old girl from rural Kenya, Africa, befriends Abby, a girl the same age from the United States, via pen pal letters. The girls team up to help solve Neyah’s problem: she travels miles a day to fetch water for her family. This book is superably written! It’s obvious the author took time to research/experience life in rural Kenya. The friendship that forms between Abby and Neyah is a powerful one. This book reminds us of the value of friendship and the problems we can solve when we work together with others. The issues in this book are relevant and demand our attention as a society. I recommend this book for all older teens and adults. May we read it and be determined to take action ourselves.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of the masterful literary novels of Abraham Verghese (Cutting for Stone, The Covenant of Water, but I found myself equally transported to a far away continent in Mary Bleckwehl's Fetching Dreams. Much shorter and lighter than Verghese books, the author nonetheless provides an enlightening and sensitive story of 12-year-old Neyah in Western Kenya, with contrast and challenge provided by Neyah's pen pal friend Abby in Minnesota, USA. This book goes beyond telling a story as it also provides inspiration to find purpose, face challenges, and embrace the values of compassion and friendship.
I understand that this book was written for a young adult audience, but it will be appreciated by adults of all ages. It is not a book for children.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly an inspiring and heartfelt story of two young girls who strike up a bond despite living worlds apart. The connection they develop grows overtime as they slowly get to know each other. And, although on the face of it their lives are completely different, they soon find commonalities as their bond strengthens.
The author has done an incredible jobs at portraying both of these girls. They are engaging and interesting and I wanted to know more about them. The story is inspiring, watching two young girls forge a connection when everything says it shouldn’t work. I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more like it.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl

Fetching Dreams is a YA chapter book aimed for middle school aged students ten and up. Although I believe adults will enjoy reading this as well. This is exactly what I needed today this book touched my heart and soul. It’s a heartfelt story about two girls from different worlds find more in common than they ever imagined. One lives I in the USA and the other in Africa. These two bond through being pen pals. The bond between these two girls made my heart so happy. This is a truly inspiring story that I highly recommend reading. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Nakyshia Leger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! Neyah lives in Africa and Abby lives in America. Though they are in two different worlds, they are brought together and realize they have more in common than they thought. The girls work together to find a solution to change their worlds.

This emotional journey shows the power of coming together, even far apart. Have your tissues ready for the mixed emotions of joy and sadness! I cried happy tears, and I cried sad tears. It was fun to see the characters grow as they came to understand one another. Their strength and determination are awe-inspiring. Your preteen, teen, or young adult would love this book!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a book geared toward middle-schoolers; however, it's a very quick, heartfelt read that many adults will enjoy. We meet Neyah and Abby who are pen pals learning about each other's lives through a school assignment. As the story progresses, the girls quickly realize that while their lives are vastly different, they both are facing very real and serious obstacles. I found this story to be very inspiring and Bleckwehl's message of maintaining hope through adversity and having kindness and empathy for everyone to be something that we all need to remember and perhaps exhibit a little more in our daily lives. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from her.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Fetching Dreams is aimed more towards middle-schoolers, I found it to be quite moving myself. I read this one with my soon to be 6th grader, and she loved it as well. It sparked a very deep conversation between us about remaining hopeful in the toughest of times. We also spoke about how, even though Neyah and Abby are living in almost completely opposite worlds, how empathetic they were towards each other. I found this story inspiring and really liked the determination of these young ladies. Even if you don’t have a middle-schooler in your life, I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a chance.

[Rebecca Bischoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fetching Dreams” is a must-read and a must-have for classroom and school libraries! Beautifully and sensitively written, heartbreaking and inspiring, this book reminds us how we need to work together to solve our greatest problems and reminded me just how lucky I am to have such easy access to clean water and all the comforts of modern living. I don’t know if I can also call this a “girl power” book, but I was cheering (and crying) at the end for Neyah’s and Abby’s story and inspired by their beautiful friendship. Five stars!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. This is a great young adult story that is engaging to the end. A well written story where two girls find more in common than they realize. A story of friendship and the things they cannot control. These are great characters that bring inspiration to friendship. They have great growth throughout and add so much to the entertaining value of the story. This is a great young adult story that anyone would enjoy, especially young adults. I enjoyed this book and I think you will as well. I highly recommend this book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fetching Dreams was a great story, it wasn’t my usual read but it was really enjoyable. The story is about 12 year old pen pals who live in completely different parts of the world and have completely different lives. It shows how through these communications the girls learn about different lives and how sometimes we think someone else has the ‘perfect’ life we can all be going through our own things in life we really wish we weren’t. This story is aimed at young readers and I think it will definitely give them some thought provoking moments.

[Eunice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does not make the lack of clean water in Kenya cute and child-friendly. It is very blunt about the realities faced in a country where children have to walk for hours a day to bring dirty water to their family.

You will become invested in this story the further you get in. It is poignant and inspiring. I definitely recommend reading with your children because there are some disturbing details that were even hard for me to read (death, disease, danger). I recommend this for ages 16+.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.