Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: 2004 ALA Best Books for Young People
Summary: The Canadian countryside is devestated by a drought. Robert Steelgate, 11, seems unphased by it until his seven-year-old brother Matthew becomes missing when he walks to town.
Robert has some suspition that Abram Harsich, a mexmerizing newcomer to town has something to do with the disappearance of his brother. His suspitions become more and more strong as more and more children become missing and the townspeople around him become drawn to Abram's seemingly magic ways and powerful effect over people. Robert gathers the courage to visit Mr. Harsich's house and what he discovers changes the town forever.
Reaction: I found the book, Dust, to be interesting, but strange at the same time. I think that the author would do well at writing historical fiction. Those parts of the story that learned toward historical fiction were, in my oppinion, much better than the fantasy aspects. Fantasy is not my reading of choice, though, so maybe others would really like the book. There was a lot of symbolism in the story and much of it, I am sure, went over my head. I don't tend to get a lot of sybolism.
Recommended to: Dust would be a good title to recommend to students in 7-9th grades who enjoy reading both historical fiction and fantastical fantasy. This book is a mix of both.
Book Talk Hook: Do you find yourself getting strong feelings about new people who enter your life? Can you often get both good and bad "vibes" from people around you? If so, you may enjoy reading Dust by Arthur Slade.
1 comment:
I have read this book, and also thought it had a rather strange story. But it is fantasy and fantasy is not one of my favorite young adult genres. I think it is a book that boys might enjoy, because the main character is a boy and he does discover what is happening in his town.
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