In this book, Matthew hears a story from his grandfather about the farm. In this story, his grandfather explains their experience of the dust bowl.
This book is an example of historical fiction because it has historical facts, but the characters are not people that really lived during that time period. The Dust Bowl is a real historical event that happened, but Matthew and his family are fictional characters.
Age Appropriateness: late primary- early intermediate
Media: paint

This is a retelling of Matthew's grandfather's experiences during the drought of the 1930's. His Grandfather explains how life was difficult, the good and the bad, and yet because of his love for the land, he could not leave. Matthew's family now tries to determine if they have the courage to stay on the farm through this latest drought.
I would classify this as realistic fiction because it is based on true people, but the people are not real people.
I would read this book to second through seventh grade.

This realistic fiction book tells the story of a farmer in the drought of the 1930's. The boy's grandpa tells him the story of when he first bought the farm, and how hard it was when the dust storm began in the 30s. He tells how people thought it was the end of the world, but his grandma believed that they would have green fields again one day. They did not give up, and things got better for their farm, until grasshoppers covered it a few years later. The drought ended, and they were better. This story gave the grandson and son hope for their farm, and helped them decide to stay at their farm instead of giving up.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Review: Although we do not know if this is a true story or not, it is known that events like the dust bowl and grasshoppers are real things that effect the farming lifestyle. The situation with the grandfather, father, and son is also realistic and is probably relatable to many boy students.
Media: Water Color

Summary:
This book is set in the 1980’s, however most of the book is about flashbacks from the dust bowl. It is told through a Grandfather’s narrative. Matthew eagerly listens to his grandfather tell about how they saved the farm their family lives on now and how they overcame the crisis that was the dust bowl.

Personal Reaction:
My grandmother used to tell me stories of the dust bowl. I always loved to hear her tales, and this brought on a pang of nostalgia. I really enjoyed this book and plan on using in my future classroom.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. I can see this book going well with a farming unit. I would have students discuss new farming practices that have helped prevent another dust bowl from happening.

2. This is leads perfectly into a unit over the dust bowl itself. I think this book sets the mood of the unit,
and will get them excited for it.