Dickensen Academy

Christine Grabowski

Sep 2018 · The Wild Rose Press Inc

About this ebook

Dickensen Academy isn't a typical boarding school. The faculty is hiding an unbelievable secret within their fine arts program. When Autumn Mattison receives an invitation to attend the high school, she yearns to escape her overbearing father yet remains reluctant to leave her mother and brother. Her doubts fade away when a vivid dream convinces her she belongs there. Away from home, Autumn discovers a unique school environment that awakens her creative potential, and her new friends become like a second family. However, as she uncovers more about the dark side of the school and struggles with its curriculum, she questions whether Dickensen Academy is truly where she belongs. When tragedy strikes, Autumn must learn to believe in her own power and stand up to her greatest fear or risk having her memories destroyed to protect the school's secrets. Caught between secrets and dreams, can she find her true self?

Ratings and reviews

I really enjoyed this book which kept me roped in from the first page, although it probably will be best loved by my teenage daughter. This well written story follows Autumn Mattison as she enters a private boarding school in the mountains near Seattle and her experience as she uncovers the school’s secrets. It captures all the angst of going to a new high school, not knowing any one, and handling a variety of new experiences, and rules. Living in Seattle, it’s also fun to have places and local experiences described in great detail, such as their ski trips to Stevens Pass. It’s a quick fun read, and ends leaving you hoping that it is the start of a series and another is soon to follow.

I thought that Dickensen Academy was an exciting book that would have you relating to each page, and clinging to each word. I would recommend this book to anyone above 6th grade. The themes that you can relate to are hard parents, accidents, and school. This book is one of my favorites for many reasons. You will be rooting for Autumn throughout the book. One last thing: Don't read it unless you have a few hours because you are not going to put it down.

This book gave me chills from the start. Autumn is selected to attend a unique, invitation-only boarding high school in a remote area of Washington State. When she arrives, she and the other freshmen have no idea that the school has a secret curriculum of dream-creating and conveying. Christine describes dream-making in a way that makes it seem like a real possibility. The book's protagonist, Autumn, deals with typical teenage issues such as boys, friends and homework and is a very likable and relatable character who has some misgivings about her abilities. I found myself rooting for her in her successes and empathizing with her struggles as Autumn unravels the mysteries of her school. I really hope there is a second book; it left me wanting more and I'd love to see this story continue.

About the author

Dickensen Academy is Christine's debut YA novel. After graduating from the University of Washington, she earned her MBA at the University at Albany. She honed her technical writing skills in marketing and consulting but attributes the creative part of the process to her passion for reading.When she isn't reading or writing, Christine can often be found running, skiing, or hiking. She lives in Newcastle, Washington with her supportive husband, two avid teen readers, and their energetic wheaten terriers.Connect with Christine online at:Website: www.christinegrabowski.comFacebook: @christinegrabowskiauthorGoodreads: Christine GrabowskiInstagram: @christinegraboTwitter: @christinegrabo