We writers of middle grade books know how special this genre is. There is so much good writing and noteworthy books are always being published. My pile of "to read" books never ends. I look forward to each new book and what I might discover in its pages.
Even with so many great books, there are some that rise above and insert themselves under my skin, inside my soul, and refuse to leave.
DUST by Dusti Bowling is one such book.
Here is the blurb from Amazon:
A
girl who struggles to breathe befriends a boy who seems shrouded in
dust, in this unmissable tour de force from bestselling and
award-winning author Dusti Bowling.
After Avalyn
nearly died from an asthma attack, her parents moved her to the clear,
dry air of Clear Canyon City, Arizona. And for the last ten years, she’s
been able to breathe. That is, until Adam showed up.
Quiet and
unkempt, Adam is an instant target for the bullies who have plagued
Avalyn and her friends. As Avalyn gets to know him, she begins to
suspect that the sudden, strange increase in dust storms around town are
somehow connected to his emotions. She thinks his problems may be even
worse at home, especially when massive black walls of dust start rolling
in after the school day. Will she find a way to stand up for her new
friend? Her life may just depend on it.
Dusti Bowling delivers a
page-turning, powerful, and poignant novel of friendship, courage, and
healing, perfect for readers of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Lynda Mullaly
Hunt, and Erin Entrada Kelly.
Here is my review:
A powerful,
affirming, and important story of friendship, courage, and healing, sensitively
and honestly told in Bowling’s signature style. My favorite quote: “Breath is
powerful. What I choose to do with my breath can change the world.” Indeed.
When Avalyn,
the heroine of the tale – who struggles to breathe due to severe asthma and allergies
– finds the courage to speak out about the bullying and abuse taking place at
her school, things do begin to change. The message is a simple but powerful
one: Speak up. Do not be silent. Tell someone you trust and don’t stop telling
until someone believes you. Use your words, your breath, to make a difference.
This is an
important message and an important book that should be required reading in
every classroom in America. Highly recommended.
You won't regret it Holly!
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