Leslie Ruth Damude

Ruthie's Dusty Path to Courage

Ruthie lives on a prairie farm where the sky hasn’t rained in years. The wind blows dust all around them, and the crops are long gone. It’s the 1930s, deep in the Dust Bowl, and Ruthie’s family is struggling to hang on. Her father calls it a battle—against dust storms, drought, and even grasshoppers. He says they’re fighting with courage and hope. But Ruthie doesn’t feel very brave. It doesn’t help that her big brother, Roy, loves to scare her with creepy critters and spooky stories. Or that school is tough, with mean kids like Alice, embarrassing clothes, and games that Ruthie always seems to mess up. And then there are the strange dreams—the howls in the night, the troublemakers down the road, and a mysterious stranger who may not be safe. At least she has her dog, Rover. He listens when no one else does, and his wagging tail always makes things feel a little better. But when Rover’s safety is suddenly at risk, Ruthie’s world starts to unravel. And the biggest fear of all? That the drought might force them off their land forever. Can Ruthie discover what it means to be brave—even when everything around her feels broken and dry? Ruthie’s Dusty Path to Courage is a heartwarming story of hope and resilience, perfect for children ages 8 to 12. Includes discussion questions for families, classrooms, and homeschool groups.