Dust Storm! by Terry Lynn Johnson
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on November 6th 2018
ISBN: 0544970985
Pages: 128
Goodreads

 

Do not panic! Again, do not panic! That’s the best advice to anyone caught in an emergency, such as in this book about getting caught in a dust storm.

In this volume of the “Survivor Diaries,” the story unfolds as sixth-grader Jen describes her experience to a reporter. She and competitive classmate Martin learn that their personal strengths can be used together to increase their chances of survival, and that their personal weaknesses need not be hidden or be ashamed of. They also learn to accept each other’s differences.

Back matter is full of useful information: actual survival strategies from the New Mexico Search and Rescue, list of wilderness travel essentials, and author information that lends authenticity to the series.
There’s are online games that parallel each book in the series, and if the player makes all the “right’ choices, s/he survives.

Occasional illustrations in grayscale hint at the reduced visibility one would experience in a dust storm.

This lacks the realistic details and intense drama of Paulsen’s “Hatchet” or Tarshis’ “I Survived” series, but could be an additional purchase for survival fans who are younger or less experienced readers.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town