Book details
Across the Desert
Description
Twelve-year-old Jolene spends every day she can at the library watching her favorite livestream: The Desert Aviator, where twelve-year-old "Addie Earhart" shares her adventures flying an ultralight plane over the desert. While watching this daring girl fly through the sky, Jolene can dream of what it would be like to fly with her, far away from her own troubled home life where her mother struggles with a narcotic addiction. And Addie, who is grieving the loss of her father, finds solace in her online conversations with Jolene, her biggest-and only-fan.Then, one day, it all goes wrong: Addie's engine abruptly stops, and Jolene watches in helpless horror as the ultralight plummets to the ground and the video goes dark. Jolene knows that Addie won't survive long in the extreme summer desert heat. With no one to turn to for help and armed with only a hand-drawn map and a stolen cell phone, it's up to Jolene to find a way to save the Desert Aviator. Packed with adventure and heart, Across the Desert speaks to the resilience, hope, and strength within each of us.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
beginner
Length
320 pages
Book in series
#2
Why to read
- Engaging Adventure: 'Across the Desert' offers readers an exciting and gripping adventure through the desert, which is sure to captivate those who enjoy stories of survival, exploration, and overcoming the odds.
- Unique Characters: The book features a diverse cast of well-developed characters, each with their own distinct personalities and backgrounds, providing a rich and varied reading experience.
- Important Themes: Dusti Bowling's writing tackles important themes such as friendship, resilience, and the power of human connection, making it a thought-provoking read that resonates on multiple levels.
- Beautiful Descriptions: The author's vivid descriptions of the desert landscape allow readers to immerse themselves in the setting, experiencing the beauty and harshness of the environment alongside the protagonist.