Treasures in the Dust

by Tracey Porter

Annie May Weightman and Violet Cobble are best friends and neighbors. They live in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, during the Great Depression. This is their story, told in two voices. Annie is happiest on the ground, sifting through the dust for traces of the past. But Violet is a dreamer always playing make believe to escape, to fly away from the dusty land. In this beautifully crafted first novel, poet Tracey Porter joins together two unique voices to tell a larger story of America, its hopes and dreams, during a time when thousands fled their prairie homes in search of work, food, and shelter.

Annie and Violet's story is one of friendship and courage--treasures shining through in the face of hardship.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Childrens, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Chapter Books, Fiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Tracey Porter is the author of Treasures in the Dust and A Dance of Sisters. Her most recent novel, Billy Creekmore, was named to Oprah.com's Kids' Reading List, compiled by the American Library Association. For the past twenty years she has taught middle school at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, California. She lives with her family in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of a friendship between two young girls. The writing was very vivid, and I felt like I was hanging out with both Annie and Violet in 1938/39 as they experienced hardships due to the Oklahoma Dust Bowl phenomenon. A very poignant read.
3.5 stars

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annie and Violet are best friends at a time when life is difficult and the families are trying their best to survive amid defeating odds. It is the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl hovering over Oklahoma is ruining the farmland, livestock, and life. With the promise of jobs and a better existence, Violet’s family decides to move west to California where the talk is that jobs are plentiful and life is less stressful.

Of course, things are not always as they are portrayed and Violet’s family finds hardships in this new land, too. The two friends try to stay connected even though the odds are against that too. When Violet returns to Oklahoma, prospects for a more manageable life are on the horizon.

[Maria H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5***

Wow. I'm usually not a fan of historical fiction set in the great plains region. Its kind of boring to me. Nonetheless, this book set in the dust bowl in 1930s Oklahoma was a surprise. The first third if this book was boring, but after that I had a higher respect of this story.

Things I disliked:
Like I said, the first third was really slow. Once it picked up, it was fine. Maybe it was just me, but I really didn't see the point of Aunt Miracle in the story. I really liked her, but I don't know, it just felt she was such a small aspect of the book.

Things I liked:
I felt the author treated the cruelties of business owners back then really well. I think that was when I developed a respect for this book. I really liked Annie. I liked the differences brought up between Violet and Annie. Violet was more airy, and Annie was more down to earth.

If you like books set in this time period, you might like this book. One you get through the first 50 pages, it's a really good story. Overall, I'm glad I read this book.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

gr 4-8 148pgs

late 1930s Cimarron County, Oklahoma. Annie Weightman loves sifting through the dust to see what she can find: Comanche arrow heads and other "treasures". Violet Cobble has big dreams of being a tap dancing star and is always telling and acting out stories. Despite the girls differences, they are best friends and can't imagine being a part. But as the Dust Bowl worsens life becomes harder for everyone especially for Violet's family. Will Violet have to leave Cimarron County?

Told in chapters alternating between Violet and Anne. Paints a very vivid picture of living in an area in which everything is coated in dust. Reminded me of Karen Hesse' "Out of the Dust".

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction. Subjects: Depression, 1929; dust storms; Oklahoma. Delightful story of two 11-year-old girls, Annie and Violet, growing up between the summers of 1937 and 1938 in Cimarron County Oklahoma. Each chapter alternates between each girl in a diary format. The story tells of how Violet and her family must leave their farm in Oklahoma. They are forced to travel west to find work in order to survive and save their farm in Oklahoma. Author Tracey Porter traveled to Cimarron County Oklahoma to research her book. She shares the stories of 3 ladies who lived through the Dust Bowl. VOYA Codes: 5Q 4P (Hard to imagine it being any better written, Broad general YA appeal).

[LeeAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a slower-paced book that tells the story of the Oklahoma dust bowl from the perspective of two girls, writing letters as the one family leaves to find work in California. We read it as part of a homeschool reading group, but I didn't think it was good for the audience. I would probably save this for girls in their early teens, not boys.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I read this book together when she was in the 3rd or 4th grade-- she is now 23. The story is told from the voices of two girls, Anne & Violet. I read all of Anne's entries and my daughter read the voice of Violet. It was a wonderful way to read and enjoy this wonderful journey into the Dust Bowl / Great Depression Era together. I loved the book and the experience.

[Krista Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the Great Depression in Oklahoma, Annie May and Violet, best friends, alternate chapters writing about life from their point of view. Violet's family decides to travel to CA to try and find work. Many historical references. Easy read. Great characters.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect book to read in the comfort of your own backyard on a hot, summer day. Reading of the dry, dusty plains of Oklahoma during the Great Depression make you thankful for even the smallest slices of shade, while reminding you that treasure can be found everywhere— even in your own backyard.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The merit of this book is really only in its history lesson, but that is precisely what I liked about it. I will hand this to my kids when they are older, or better yet read it with them.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suggested by my 7 year old.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book that I read aloud with my 10 year old.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book was a little slow at times, the storyline was set during the 30's dust bowl, was enlightening. I would recommend this book for ages 9+.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard times in Oklahoma during the depression brings out the sacrifice and strength of those who live to survive amidst heartache.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think if I lived back then I would most definitely have been just like violet

[Cws]

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[Rukhshona Toilbova]

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