Dust

Description

In this unmissable story of friendship, courage, and healing, a girl struggling to breathe befriends a boy shrouded in dust, 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 disheveled, 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 is 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.

A page-turning blend of mystery and action, Dusti Bowling delivers a powerful tour de force, perfect for readers of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Erin Entrada Kelly.  

Dusti Bowling is the bestselling and award-winning author of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, The Canyon's Edge, and Across the Desert, among other books for young readers. Dusti holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and lives in Arizona with her husband, three daughters, a dozen tarantulas, a gopher snake named Burrito, a king snake name Death Noodle, and a cockatiel named Gandalf the Grey.

"A powerful call to spell out pain when we see it in ourselves and others, even when—especially when—it feels unspeakable, Dust is mindfully and resolutely told. This book will save lives. I’m grateful it’s in the world."—Beth Vrabel, award-winning author of When Giants Burn and the Newspaper Club series"[Avalyn’s] determined sleuthing will draw in readers. …An investigation of hard choices and empathy."—Kirkus“Valuable…[Dust] will serve as a conversation starter for crucial, sometimes challenging, topics.” —SLJ—SLJ“[Bowling] deftly portrays Avalyn as a resourceful tween who will stop at nothing to protect a friend, determinedly overcoming her feelings of frustration and isolation.”—Publishers WeeklyPraise for Across the Desert:

* “Readers will soar along with Jolene into the prospect of better days.”—Booklist, starred review* “Instantly compelling.”—School Library Journal, starred review* “[A] tense, poignant story about the essential nature of friendship and life’s unexpected possibilities.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review"Experience has taught Jolene she can only count on herself, and she doesn't think she counts for much. But when she witnesses her friend's accident in the desert via live stream, she finds the strength to rescue them both. Across the Desert combines compelling adventure, honesty, danger, and love."—Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, two-time Newbery Honoree and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The War That Saved My Life and Fighting Words.Praise for The Canyon's Edge: