ACROSS THE DESERT

Twelve-year-old Jolene embarks on a desperate rescue mission after witnessing a life-threatening accident.

Jolene’s single mother has spiraled into opioid addiction following a car accident, plunging the family into poverty and making Jolene a target for school bullies. The budding cartographer dreams of exploring the world beyond Phoenix and passionately admires bold, pioneering women of the past. Using public library computers, she watches the Arizona wilderness adventures of a girl her age who goes by Addie Earhart. One day, Addie’s ultralight crashes, and, as the only person viewing the livestream, Jolene knows she must seek help. After failing to convince any grown-ups (including her mom) to believe her story—and aware that undue attention could lead to a visit from Child Protective Services, landing her back in foster care—Jolene sneaks out equipped only with a backpack of meager, scrounged supplies; her mother’s ancient cellphone; and her handmade map. While traveling by Greyhound she meets 17-year-old Marty, who has her own painful family secrets. The two develop an affectionately contentious relationship and ultimately risk their lives, traversing the harsh landscape in search of Addie. Bowling’s portrait of this determined, guarded, bright spark of a girl is moving and tender. Supporting characters are less well fleshed out, but readers will appreciate the compassionate, unflinching representation of the impact of parental substance abuse. The desert rescue is no less gripping for requiring some suspension of disbelief. Characters default to White.

A page-turner with heart.