About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is grappling with the weight of expectations or feels like an outsider in their own community. It is a powerful tool for a child who feels 'unseen' by their peers or family, or who is navigating a period of significant family stress. Set against the harsh backdrop of the 1937 Dust Bowl, the story follows eleven-year-old Jack, who feels like a failure in his father's eyes while his town literally blows away around him. This graphic novel blends historical reality with a touch of supernatural folklore to explore themes of courage and resilience. Jack discovers a mysterious 'Rain King' in a barn, forcing him to choose between fear and action. It is highly appropriate for middle-schoolers, offering a visual journey through history and the internal struggle of finding one's worth when the world feels hopeless. Parents will appreciate how it validates the anxiety of being small in a world of big problems.
