About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels out of place because they are 'too much' of something, whether they are too loud, too tall, or too energetic for their surroundings. It is a fantastic choice for kids who need to see that their unique size or spirit is actually a superpower. Dust Devil follows the legendary Angelica Longrider, a giantess known as Swamp Angel, as she moves to the Montana frontier. Along the way, she tames a horse made of dust and outsmarts a gang of outlaws. The story uses humor and hyperbole to celebrate self-confidence and the courage to take up space in the world. This tall tale is perfect for ages 4 to 9. It provides a playful way to discuss resilience and justice through a lens of American folklore. Parents will love the rich vocabulary and the empowering message that being different is the key to doing great things.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with 'being different' through a metaphorical lens. Angelica's size is a physical representation of feeling out of step with society. There is mild peril with the outlaws, but it is handled with slapstick humor and a secular, folk-hero tone.
