My Name Is America: The Journal Of Cj Jackson, A Dust Bowl Migrant - Hardcover

Grade 4-7-The Jacksons live in the epicenter of the worst dust storm in American history, so they are forced to abandon their beloved farm and make the arduous journey to California in search of work. The teen chronicles the discrimination, disappointment, and hardship that thousands of "Okies" endured. A historical note and a selection of captioned, black-and-white photos round out the book. While this novel lacks the power and eloquence of Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust (Scholastic, 1997), C. J. is an authentic and likable protagonist. Durbin effectively conveys the plight of Dust Bowl families, from the horrendous conditions in the camps to the demeaning and demanding life of a migrant worker. It's likely that readers' curiosity will be piqued enough to learn more about the Depression, and that they will have a greater appreciation for John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath when they encounter it.
Ronni Krasnow, New York Public Library
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