Title: As I Dream of You
Author: Jennifer Lee
Publisher: First Second
Publication date: May 5, 2026
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Summary
Franny and Sam didn’t expect to fall for each other as fast as they did. But their romance is fast and intense, and they are ready to spend as much time together as they can. When tragedy strikes, their quest to stay together becomes more complicated. Will their love be able to transcend everything else?
Review: As I Dream of You
Thanks to First Second and NetGalley for an advanced copy of As I Dream of You by Jennifer Lee to review! I’ve seen some great things about this book, and LeUyen Pham (the illustrator) does beautiful work. However, I wasn’t expecting it to pack such an emotional punch!
This is one of those books that I’d actually recommend going into without knowing too much. Keeping the plot vague helps to keep the experience reading this book the emotional gut punch that it is. Especially with the plot twist at the end. It is an exploration of grief, of death, and what it means to move on, and both Lee and Pham do an excellent job of portraying these emotions through both the images and the text.
There are parts of this book that also feel almost horror-like, while there are other aspects of romance. It’s one of those books that will absolutely stay with you after you read it; Franny and Sam are characters who worm their way into your head and don’t want to leave.
Though this might be a quick read, it doesn’t take away from its emotional impact. I think a lot of teens will be drawn to this story once it comes out in May!
5/5 stars