Coleen Murtagh Paratore

Coleen Murtagh Paratore creates books for middle-grade audiences whose books often emphasize family, community, creativity, and purposeful action. Dreamsleeves follows Aislinn, a girl carrying significant responsibility at home because her father’s drinking disrupts family life. She writes her hopes on her sleeves, beginning with a wish that her father will seek help, and the idea spreads as other people make their own ambitions visible. Scholastic released Dreamsleeves in 2012 for middle-grade readers and describes its movement from one child’s plea toward a community response. Apple Books likewise highlights Aislinn’s care for younger siblings, restricted independence, and determination not to surrender her plans. Paratore is also known for The Wedding Planner’s Daughter series, which shares her interest in resilient young protagonists and supportive local networks. Dreamsleeves uses a simple visual metaphor to show how naming a hope can invite assistance and accountability. Its serious family circumstances are balanced by Aislinn’s inventiveness and the widening circle of people willing to act.