Recommended Author: Dusti Bowling
- Charity Harvey
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
This is my first blog post dedicated to recommending an author, and I'm excited to share my thoughts! I've thoroughly enjoyed every title I've read by this talented writer. Previously, I recommended one of her series, but as I revisit my reading list, it becomes clear that she is an outstanding children's author. Here are a few of her novels that I've read and what I loved about them!
The Book: In "24 Hours in Nowhere," we are introduced to Gus, a determined 13-year-old living in the desolate town of Nowhere, Arizona. Faced with the relentless bullying of Bo Taylor, Gus's life takes a turn when racer Rossi Scott intervenes, sacrificing her prized dirt bike to save him. To reclaim the bike, Gus teams up with Rossi and friends Jessie and Matthew on a treasure hunt in the perilous Dead Frenchman Mine. As they encounter danger and share their struggles, the adventure becomes a powerful journey of friendship and resilience, offering them a glimpse of hope for a brighter future beyond their bleak surroundings.
Why I liked it: I’m always drawn to stories that include treasure hunting, and this book definitely has a "Goonies" vibe. I enjoyed the humor in the names, especially the town name "Nowhere." The adventure, mystery, and setting captivated me. There’s a genuine sense of survival and urgency, as Nowhere is situated in the desert, making it dangerous for anyone, especially kids, to be out alone without proper supplies.
The Book: Across the Desert is a gripping tale that intertwines the lives of two twelve-year-old girls, Jolene and Addie. Jolene, who finds escape in Addie's thrilling livestreams as the Desert Aviator, faces the harsh reality of her troubled home life, while Addie copes with her father's death. The story takes a dramatic turn when Addie's ultralight plane crashes in the unforgiving desert, leaving Jolene as the only hope for her survival. With a hand-drawn map and a stolen cell phone, Jolene embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her friend. The narrative beautifully captures themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of dreams amidst adversity. This heartfelt adventure is both a testament to courage and a reminder of the bonds that can form in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
Why I liked it: Dusti Bowling's books often explore the theme of desert survival. In this story, however, there is a compelling addition of two young girls grappling with intense emotions. The author skillfully integrates this theme throughout the narrative. Jolene's mother has become addicted to painkillers after a car accident, impacting every aspect of their lives. Many families face similar challenges, and this book can be a valuable resource for younger readers who have experienced such situations and find it difficult to express their feelings.
I don't think you can go wrong with a book by Dusti! She has more published titles that I haven't gotten to yet, but they are on my to-read list. I hope you check her out the next time you're looking for an adventure to read or searching for a book for a student. As always, happy reading!
