When the Sky Turned to Dust
by Catherine Matthias
Review of "WHEN THE SKY TURNED TO DUST" (3/13/2026)
I chose this book because the subject has always interested me. The book, The Worst Hard Times by Timothy Egan is fantastic. My parents grew up on farms in rural Iowa during this time and, although they did not experience the dust, they did have to deal with the record breaking heat, drought, and cold of that period.
So- I enjoyed the book as I was able to imagine a family struggling during the dust bowl era but the children, Daniel and Caroline were almost TOO good to be believable. I was actually glad to read of Carolin's anger toward her mother.
The author noted the myriad chores that the children had to deal with each day, but I'm left with a perplexing question. With no electricity, why is nothing mentioned about bringing in wood,coalfor heating or cooking, filling the kerosene lanterns? I know my parents in Iowa did not receive electricity until 1942. I wish the author had addressed this and the anticipation of rural electrification in mid-America (REA), a program during the Roosevelt administration.
I think this would be an excellent book for middle school students. It's good historical fiction and Daniel's vocabulary would make for some lively discussions!
