The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan

Neftalí Reyes, who became Pablo Neruda, the great Chilean poet, was born to a domineering father, who wanted his sons to be strong and powerful. But Neftalí and his older brother, Rodolfo, are more interested in books and music than math and business. Neftalí is shy and unsure of himself and feels most at home surrounded by nature or the many interesting objects he collects, like shiny keys, feathers and beautiful stones. His head is full of stories, and he is entranced by the rhythmic sounds of the forests, rivers and jungles. As he grows up, inspired by his uncle, a progressive journalist and activist on behalf of the native Mapuche, Neftalí finds his voice and strength in the written word --- first in political essays and finally in poetry.

This is the fictionalized biography of Neruda's life.