Dust is the compelling and unputdownable latest from Alison Stine. I was completely swept away by this tale of a girl whose family has decided to go off the grid. Thea is heartbroken when her father moves their family from Ohio to Colorado. Her dad wants to keep the family safe, even when there doesn’t seem to be any danger. Thea is hard of hearing, but her father is determined to ignore it. Thea often misses words when someone is on her “deaf side” or they turn away and she can’t see their lips. As strange weather haunts their town, with swaths of dust sweeping over them, Thea tries to find connection in the town. Can her family survive when a dust storm threatens everything they have?

Dust is a well-written and important story. Alison Stine brings up real concerns about climate change and the potential for environmental disaster if changes are not made. I loved how she handled Thea’s deafness and how her difficulty with hearing was portrayed. When Thea doesn’t hear a word, a blank space is left. I thought this was so clever because it really helps readers take on Thea’s point of view. Even though we can make a guess for what word fills the gap, we won’t know exactly which word was used. Thea is stuck in between the hearing world and the Deaf world, with a foot in both and neither. Stine portrayed this so well and with deep care. I was so happy when Thea met Ray and was exposed to someone who used sign language and who could relate to her. Thea’s bond with her little sister Amelia was also very special. As their father’s ideas get stricter, the two of them rely on each other.

Dust is a book that will stay with me long after the final page. Stine writes so atmospherically about the dust and unforgiving heat. The dust finds its way into everything, from a coffee cup to lungs. The dust goes from innocent and easily brushed away to something that is life threatening. I loved how the townspeople banded together and always took care of each other. The library being a safe refuge and the librarian trying to sign everyone up for library cards was the best!

Readers who enjoy stories about strong heroines, community, and overcoming unforgiving environments will love Dust. Even readers who think this may not be their thing should give this a chance and let it sweep you away!

Thank you to Alison Stine, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.