Across the Desert

By Dusti Bowling

New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2021. Fiction.

Jolene spends her days keeping cool at the Phoenix Public Library, reading travel books, drawing maps, and watching her favorite adventurer live streamer, Addie Earhart. She has needed to take care of herself over the years, ever since her mother got into a terrible car accident and then became addicted to opioids. This has resulted in a tricky home life situation for Jolene and not a lot of friends. Over time, Addie becomes one of Jolene's only friends as they chat online. One day, while Jolene is watching Addie's livestream, Addie accidentally crashes her ultralight plane in the middle of the desert and loses contact. Jolene knows that she is the only person who knows where Addie is located and she sets out on an adventure to help her. As she sets out, she realizes that there are people who are willing to help her in her rescue mission both for her friend Addie, and with her mom's addiction.

This middle grade novel is perfect for fans of survival stories and adventure lovers. Jolene makes a journey across the desert to search for her missing friend in the heat of Arizona, with very few supplies. The topic of growing up with an addict parent are addressed but in an age appropriate way that shows the hope and help that can be found, even in the most difficult situations.

Comments

An ABC of Flowers

An ABC of Flowers by Jutta Hilpuesch New York, NY : Philomel Books, [2019] It turns out there really is a flower for every letter. This sweet book has a photograph of every flower and a sweet cartoon illustration to go along with it. All your favorite flowers are here (forget-me-nots, mums, and sunflowers), along with some you probably haven't heard of before (billy ball, kalanchoe, xeranthemum?). This is a perfect book for reading together, and readers of any age will enjoy every page. Don't miss this great springtime alphabet book.

From Story Time: The Letter "B"

From Monday Book Babies Bird, Balloon, Bear By Il Sung Na Alfred A. Knopf, 2017. Picture Book. Bird is new to the forest, and he’s looking for a friend. Bear could use a friend, too. But Bird is too shy to introduce himself. Just as he musters the courage to say hello . . . it’s too late! Bear has already found a friend: a bright, shiny red balloon. Has Bird missed his chance? From the acclaimed Il Sung Na comes a charming and beautifully illustrated story about courage, kindness, and friendship. --Publisher From Monday Cuentos El primer día de un colegio Texto de Adam Rex Ilustraciones de Christian Robinson Traducción de Teresa Mlawer Editorial Corimbo, 2017. Spanish Picture Book. Aquel verano, cuando terminaron de construir la escuela Frederick Douglass, el edificio comenzó a hacerse muchas preguntas: ¿Cuál será mi destino? ¿Quién vivirá entre mis paredes? ¿Para qué me utilizarán? Através de sus conversaciones con el conserje y t...

Display: Teddy's Top Picks

Bear in the Air Written by Susan Meyers Illustrated by Amy Bates New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. Picture book. When a teddy bear is lost by the child who loves him, the bear begins an adventurous journey to get back home again. -- Editor Blanket and Bear, A Remarkable Pair Written by L.J.R. Kelly Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013. Picture book. When a boy loses his beloved blanket and bear, they travel a great distance to make their way back to him. -- Editor A Bear to Share Written by Jessica Alba, Nora Weinstein, and Kelly Patricof Illustrated by Alicia Mas New York, NY : Baby2Baby/Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2021. Picture book. Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't mind that he's a little worn and somewhat torn. So when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can't believe her ears! Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she really loves? Or will she find room in her heart for t...

Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Search This Blog