In the 1930’s, severe drought throughout the Great Plains of North America caused a misery called the Dust Bowl. Lack of water killed the crops, and high winds picked up acres of dirt carrying it as far east as New York City and beyond. Farms failed, towns were buried in dust, and millions migrated westward. Stories written about this period of American history reflect the heartaches and terrible losses of those who survived.
Dirt, by S.L. Dwyer, s no exception. The story centers on 13-year-old Sammy, his 7-year-old sister, Birdie, and a mangy dog, aptly called Dirt. Suddenly and dramatically orphaned, Sammy and Birdie have to learn to cope if they are to survive in this harsh environment. Determined not to be separated and sent to the state orphanage, Sammy and Birdie begin their life of lies, telling no one their parents have died. But how does a child find enough food to eat, especially in a land where everyone is struggling? How does a child take on the responsibility of cooking, cleaning, working, and hardest of all, making decisions. It’s almost more than Sammy can bear.
But Dirt is also a story of resilience. Like many people who survived the dust bowl, Sammy finds he has more strength than he realized. Not the strength of muscles, but inner strength, the ability to carry on in spite of all that is going wrong, the ability to keep on trying even when there seems to be no hope of success. As Sammy works to find food and protect his sister, there are times he wants to give up, to quit even trying. But he refuses to succumb to that depression. He learns to work harder than he’s ever worked before. Even as things go from bad to worse, Sammy keeps on struggling just to stay alive.
Sammy’s resilience provides a good model for people today. His story shows us that when trouble comes, we don’t have to give up. More importantly, he discovers he doesn’t have to be alone in that struggle. Even when things are at the bleakest point imaginable, there are still good people, who in spite of their own troubles, reach out a hand to help. And it’s okay to take that hand, to trust in the kindness offered. Sammy learns that a community of people looking out for each other is stronger than any individual.By illuminating the darkest times of the past, historical fiction can provide powerful lessons for people today. In Dirt, S. L.Dwyer gives readers both a window into the past and a mirror for today. Above all, Dirt is a darn good story.
BRIC-A-BRAC 