In her young adult debut, Dust, award-winning author Alison Stine crafts a compelling narrative that weaves together climate fiction, disability representation, and teenage romance. Having previously written adult novels like Trashlands and Road Out of Winter (winner of the 2021 Philip K. Dick Award), Stine brings her expertise in climate fiction to the young adult genre with remarkable sensitivity and insight.
Setting the Scene
The story follows sixteen-year-old Thea Taylor, who is partially deaf, as her family relocates from flood-ravaged Ohio to the drought-stricken Bloodless Valley in Colorado. Led by her father’s premonitions and dreams of self-sufficiency, the family finds themselves in an unfinished house on barren land, struggling to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.
Masterful World-Building
Stine’s portrayal of the near-future American West is both beautiful and terrifying. The author skillfully creates an atmosphere of impending environmental catastrophe, where dust storms loom like predators and the very air seems to carry a warning. The description of the valley’s transformation from merely dry to apocalyptic is particularly haunting:
“The clouds had darkened. The deepest tips of them seemed to reach down from the sky, fingers of the storm trying to find us, grab us.”
Character Development and Relationships
Thea: A Complex Protagonist
Thea emerges as a wonderfully nuanced character whose journey of self-discovery resonates beyond her specific circumstances. Her struggle with her hearing disability, which her parents encourage her to hide, serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader themes of authenticity and acceptance.
The Supporting Cast
- Ray: A deaf boy who introduces Thea to sign language and the possibility of embracing her identity
- Amelia: Thea’s younger sister, whose innocence and resilience provide emotional depth
- Louisa: The café owner who becomes a mentor figure
- Sam: The community outreach worker who helps bridge divides
Themes and Symbolism
Environmental Crisis
The novel’s environmental messaging is expertly woven into the narrative without becoming preachy. The dust storms serve as both literal threats and metaphors for the consequences of ignoring warning signs – whether environmental or personal.
Identity and Acceptance
Through Thea’s journey to embrace sign language and her identity as a hard-of-hearing person, Stine explores themes of self-acceptance and community. The parallel between the environment’s cry for help and Thea’s own suppressed voice is particularly effective.
Writing Style and Pacing
Stine’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, with moments of striking beauty amidst the stark reality of environmental collapse. The pacing builds naturally toward the climactic dust storm, though some readers might find the middle section slightly slow.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could have been stronger:
- The resolution of some secondary character arcs feels rushed
- The romantic subplot, while sweet, could have been developed further
- Some of the environmental science explanations could have been more detailed
Impact and Relevance
Dust by Alison Stine stands out for its authentic representation of disability and its thoughtful exploration of climate change through a young adult lens. The author’s own experience as a person who is hard of hearing lends crucial authenticity to Thea’s story.
Comparable Works
Readers who enjoy Dust by Alison Stine might also appreciate:
- The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
- Orleans by Sherri L. Smith
- The Story of Owen by E.K. Johnston
Final Thoughts
Dust by Alison Stine is a remarkable addition to both young adult literature and climate fiction. Despite minor flaws, it succeeds in telling a compelling story while addressing important social and environmental issues. The novel is a compelling read for its:
- Authentic disability representation
- Powerful environmental messaging
- Strong character development
- Beautiful prose
- Timely themes
Verdict
A must-read for fans of thoughtful young adult fiction, environmental literature, and anyone interested in stories about finding one’s voice in a world that seems determined to silence it. Stine has created a work that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.
About the Author
Alison Stine is an accomplished author known for her adult climate fiction novels. Her personal experience as someone who is hard of hearing brings invaluable authenticity to this story. Her previous works include the award-winning Road Out of Winter and Trashlands.