This was so cool, a perfect mix of realistic fiction and science fiction. I loved reading about her struggles with asthma, and then how her friend brought the dist with him like a superhero. It was super engaging.

I love Dusti's stories and this one was such a beautiful and heart warming story of making a difference. I loved our characters and the plotline and I especially loved the messages within the story. Definitely a great book for middle grade and adults.

Due to her asthma, seventh grade Avalyn’s whole life has been spent avoiding dust. Suddenly, her small Arizona town isn’t a safe place for her anymore. There’s a new kid in town who brings dust with him, in addition to a lot of secrets. Will Avalyn have the courage to see past his aloof exterior to find the source of his pain? More importantly, what will she do once she uncovers the truth? Find out in this excellent work of middle grade fiction about speaking out and making a difference.

“Dust” is a middle grade novel written by Dusti Bowling. I have loved reading Dusti’s previous books.

I am honored to have received an eARC from Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company. “Dust” will be released on August 15, 2023.

This book is about Avalyn, who has lived her life with asthma and allergies. Her parents moved to Arizona to avoid asthma triggers- including dust. Which was mostly avoided until Adam moved to town. Avalyn starts to wonder if there is a connection between the increased dust storms and the arrival of Adam. Avalyn, Adam, and her other friends are daily targets for bullying at school. Horrible bullying.

This book is another hit out of the ballpark story by Dusti Bowling. I highly recommend it for older middle grade readers.

4 stars

Do I have many books to read and review before this one is scheduled to publish? YES. Did that stop me from reading this one in one sitting as soon as I received it? Of course not. This is my fourth Dusti Bowling read, and - as expected - it did not disappoint.

Avalyn, the m.c., has a unique medical situation. Her asthma is so severe that she has almost died from it (readers learn in the first chapter), her parents and school have her medications on hand (or in pocket), and her family even relocated to another state to support her climate-related health. As readers might imagine, Avalyn and everyone around her are always thinking about whether she is safe and healthy. So, when an unusually dusty period hits her region, it's no surprise that Avalyn begins to suffer not only physically but also psychologically.

Where Bowling really shines is in the pairing of Avalyn's physical condition with the rampant bullying that she and several peers experience at school. There's a nearly supernatural connection between the environment and *the environment*, and this creative tie and certainly how this all comes together are absolute highlights of the book.

At times, Avalyn and company read really young (even for the audience), and while this may be attributed to their general lack of coolness, I found this a tad distracting at times (their name for the mean kids is a good but not exclusive example). There's also a bit of a quick and clean wrap on the ending (again, not the most shocking scenario for the audience but still noticeable to this reader).

Overall, this is yet another solid middle grade feat from a consistent author, and while there are some expected wins for these characters, there's an intriguing dash of something extra to enjoy here, too.

TW: References to child abuse