Ray and his best friend Dolly live in Texas in the area called the Panhandle.
As the cover says the year is 1935 which means America (and other places in the world) are in the grip of the Great Depression. In this small town, businesses are closing and Ray's mum and dad are struggling on their farm with money issues and with a long running drought. In this area and other parts of the US the soil survived over the centuries because there were huge areas of native grasses which kept it locked down but with the arrival of farms and the growing of wheat the grasses are now all gone setting up the perfect conditions for huge and destructive dust storms.
This story is told by dates and it begins April 14th 1935 then switches back to March 30th. You will feel as though you are living through each dust storm because the descriptions are so intense:
"The wind wacked him down. Ray gasped as dirt and dust rushed into his nose and mouth, clawed his eyes. He flipped over, curling himself into a tight ball. But it did no good. Powerful waves of dirt and dust crashed into him. He couldn't see. He couldn't breathe. He was drowning ... in dust."
"It raged through the morning - brutal winds, whirling dust and dirt, and darkness. As usual Ma and Pa and Ray did their best to seal up the house with sheets and rags. But dust still filled the air and poured down on their heads with every gust of wind."
It was another whole day before the wind died down and the dust stopped swirling. ... A knee-high pile of dust blocked the doorway. ... Their truck was buried up to the windshield. It was going to be a long day of cleaning up."
Plot summary: It is 1935, and Ray and Dolly, best friends, live in a small farming town in the Texas Panhandle. Things had been fine until a drought began. Now, people are losing farms and small businesses to the bank. Many people leave town. Matthew, a nice older boy at school, rides the rails to California to get work. The dust storms are more frequent and severe, and they damage property and people’s health as well. Dolly’s little brother, Skippy, ends up in the hospital with dust pneumonia. The doctors say he can’t stay in Texas any longer, so Dolly’s family is moving away. Ray finds out his parents owe money to the bank, and they might lose the farm. Ray feels like his world is falling apart.
Late last year I read The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron Illustrated by Matt Phelan which is set during the depression and on the Texas Panhandle. That's where I read about these horrible and life-threatening dust storms that ravaged parts of the US in the 1930s. When I saw this book from the I survived series in the library where I volunteer I knew it would be a terrific follow-up.
The "I survived series" are short historical novels and they are a perfect way to introduce young readers aged 9+ to major events in history BUT my big advice is don't read the end notes before you read the fictionalised version. I didn't know much about the dust bowl of 1935 so I read the notes first. Sadly this meant as I read this Lauren Tarshis story I found myself ticking off a mental checklist of all the things she had mentioned in her notes. The story really held my attention but I think I would have found it more gripping and perhaps it might have felt less simplified if I did not have the 'facts' rolling around in my head. I will read of the I survived books and next time I won't read the historical information until the end.
Kirkus explains this in their review of the Titanic book from this series: The plot involves too many convenient coincidences, but the fast pace and intrinsically fascinating disaster story will keep readers turning the pages ...
Having said wait to read the back notes I was very impressed to read the depth of research by Lauren Tarshis and the way, in the case of this book, she took the time to visit a small town in Texas, to talk to the librarian, the historical society and one resident who lived through these times.
The story of Ray and Dolly is one that young readers will relate to and sympathize with. It is a great way for kids to learn about the history of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Like all the I Survived books, this one is short, well-written, and compelling. Chicago Book Review 5 Stars
The best part of the I Survived books are the historical back matter, which includes period photos and much discussion of a variety of topics. I would have avidly saved my allowance to purchase these titles in elementary school! Ms Yingling (she has a good plot summary too)
I am very very late coming to the series "I survived" and I also now need to read the graphic novels from this series too. There are over 28 titles published so far all by Lauren Tarshis. The series began in 2010 with I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 and I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 is a new title published in 2025. I plan to find I Survived the Black Death, 1348 to read next.
About the series:
The I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis presents historical fiction stories focused on children placed in life-threatening events. Each book centers on a different disaster, such as the Titanic sinking, Hurricane Katrina, or the American Revolution. The main conflict involves survival under extreme conditions, often blending factual events with fictional characters. The structure emphasizes action, resilience, and decision-making in crisis situations.
The I Survived series books in order are not required, as each story is fully self-contained with its own beginning, conflict, and resolution. There is no overarching storyline or shared character development across the books. Each installment introduces a new protagonist and historical setting without relying on previous entries. Reading out of order does not affect understanding or enjoyment.
The tone is fast-paced and suspenseful, designed to engage younger readers while presenting serious events. Themes include survival, courage, resilience, and the impact of historical events on ordinary people. Many stories highlight quick thinking and emotional strength in dangerous situations. The writing balances tension with accessibility.
Here are some of the
Graphic Novels from this series. I watched
The Contoured librarian today and she said the readers in her library rate these very highly. Colby Sharp often mentions these books too.
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