A Fine White Dust

Rating:
Summary: A Fine White Dust
Review: A Fine White Dust is about a boy named Pete who is afraid to going into hell.He meets this guy whom he thinks is a crimnal but it turns out that he is a preacher.The Preacher found out that Pete is very religious, so he helps him through his fear. The Preacher invites Pete to come along with him.Now he has to choose his parents or the Preacher...
I think that Cynthia Rylant wrote this book to teach us that you have to make choices.I also think she wrote this book because in our life we have to give up somethng to gain another.
I liked the book because the author describes it so well.I also like the suspense.I kept reading until I finished it.

Rating:
Summary: A Fine White Dust
Review: As an adult reader, I think this book is remarkable. I found it to be totally gripping and extremely intense. I couldn't put it down. However, I don't know if young readers would enjoy this book very much. The thing that made this book so remarkable to me was the emotional impact that it left on me. I think that this is because as an adult I can look at my own life experiences and relate to the deep and troubling issues that the character in this book battles with. If I had read this book when I was middle-school age, or perhaps even in high school, I dont' think I would have gotten nearly as much out of it. It wouldn't have left such a strong emotional impact because I wouldn't have had the insight and understanding that I now have as an adult.

I am not saying that young readers should not read this book. I think that there is much to explore in this book, and highly recommend it. I'm sure that there are many younger readers who would enjoy this book and who would be able to gain a lot from it. However, I can also see how many readers, especially (but not exclusively) younger readers, would not enjoy this book very much.

This is the kind of book that causes you to search your own soul. The author doesn't give you the meaning behind it all but leaves you to make your own meaning out of it. Some people will find a lot of meaning for themselves, and some will find very little.

Basically, if you are just looking for a story that has an exciting plot and lots of action or suspense, then this is probably not the book for you, because if you just look at the story on the surface then you probably won't get much out of it. But if you are looking for some truly thought-provoking literature that explores issues of the human spirit, then I would highly recommend this.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it, but not everybody will
Review: As an adult reader, I think this book is remarkable. I found it to be totally gripping and extremely intense. I couldn't put it down. However, I don't know if young readers would enjoy this book very much. The thing that made this book so remarkable to me was the emotional impact that it left on me. I think that this is because as an adult I can look at my own life experiences and relate to the deep and troubling issues that the character in this book battles with. If I had read this book when I was middle-school age, or perhaps even in high school, I dont' think I would have gotten nearly as much out of it. It wouldn't have left such a strong emotional impact because I wouldn't have had the insight and understanding that I now have as an adult.

I am not saying that young readers should not read this book. I think that there is much to explore in this book, and highly recommend it. I'm sure that there are many younger readers who would enjoy this book and who would be able to gain a lot from it. However, I can also see how many readers, especially (but not exclusively) younger readers, would not enjoy this book very much.

This is the kind of book that causes you to search your own soul. The author doesn't give you the meaning behind it all but leaves you to make your own meaning out of it. Some people will find a lot of meaning for themselves, and some will find very little.

Basically, if you are just looking for a story that has an exciting plot and lots of action or suspense, then this is probably not the book for you, because if you just look at the story on the surface then you probably won't get much out of it. But if you are looking for some truly thought-provoking literature that explores issues of the human spirit, then I would highly recommend this.

Rating:
Summary: TIMELY, GRIPPING, AND HONEST TO THE BONE!
Review: Cynthia Rylant has once again distinguished herself as one of the world's premier writers for children. In her classic, A FINE WHITE DUST, Rylant skillfully delves into the soul of the misunderstood Pete. Rylant's use of the name "Preacher Man" allows the reader to identify with the wandering evangelist without being consumed by his charisma. And then there's Rufus! Who else but Rylant would be so bold to write about a youngster who claims to be a CONFIRMED ATHEIST? Pete's relationship with his parents, Rufus, and Preacher Man are beautifully crafted into a wonderful but heartbreaking story. Pete learns the hard way a basic fundamental truth that we all must learn sooner or later:People are not always what they seem. We read about a preacher who has flaws and feelings just like the rest of us. We learn that religion or lack thereof doesn't have to define our friendships. Every child should have the opportunity to read this touching story! Bravo to Rylant for daring to write about one of our so-called "taboos!"

Rating:
Summary: YUCK!
Review: I just want to say, this book is BAD. The characters have no change and/or development that doesn't make them meaner, cruder people, and the whole book is FAR too shapeless and confusing. The main character is a boy that goes against his parents' wishes to go to church, who eventually cusses and has few associates. His remarks against girls were unpleasant to me as a female reader, and his desciption of Preacher Man was of a guy who sweated and had freaky eyes. Talk about pointless. This book is a disgrace to literature.

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: I was completely surprised that this book won so many prestigious prizes (The Newberry, Parent's Choice). I don't believe that it is written in a language that would interest any of my 7th or 8th grade students! I was disappointed, to say the least.

A young 13 year old, Pete, finds religion by himslef at a young age. His parents are not religious people, by choice. They do not begrudge their son his chosen religion or his devotion to it; however, they do not fully encourage it either. This leads Pete into a bit of confusion. Will his parents meet a firey death? Is his Atheist friend, Rufus that he has known forever, a sinner and in league with the devil?

The answer to his questions, and his prayers, seems to enter town in the form of "The Preacher Man."

This man preaches the word of God, saves souls in the name of Jesus, and helps true believers to "Be Saved." Pete is ripe for the picking. He has only to be lead into what he wants to hear. The Preacher picks up on that right away, and tells Pete that he should come with him (he is a natural!) and help him to preach the word of the Lord throughout the country.

It is my opinion that this is where the book touches upon a shady area. There are some implications that may lead the reader to believe that The Preacher Man is a potential pedophile. This is an undeveloped concept, but the hints are there.

Later we feel Pete's bewilderment and disappointement when he is told by his loyal friend, Rufus, that The Preacher man did not come to get him as planned because he left that very same night, in secret, with a young woman (quite a town scandal).

It is a short book. However, as a teacher, I believe that a young adult's time would be better spent reading something more worthy.

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: I was completely surprised that this book won so many prestigious prizes (The Newberry, Parent's Choice). I don't believe that it is written in a language that would interest any of my 7th or 8th grade students! I was disappointed, to say the least.

A young 13 year old, Pete, finds religion by himslef at a young age. His parents are not religious people, by choice. They do not begrudge their son his chosen religion or his devotion to it; however, they do not fully encourage it either. This leads Pete into a bit of confusion. Will his parents meet a firey death? Is his Atheist friend, Rufus that he has known forever, a sinner and in league with the devil?

The answer to his questions, and his prayers, seems to enter town in the form of "The Preacher Man."

This man preaches the word of God, saves souls in the name of Jesus, and helps true believers to "Be Saved." Pete is ripe for the picking. He has only to be lead into what he wants to hear. The Preacher picks up on that right away, and tells Pete that he should come with him (he is a natural!) and help him to preach the word of the Lord throughout the country.

It is my opinion that this is where the book touches upon a shady area. There are some implications that may lead the reader to believe that The Preacher Man is a potential pedophile. This is an undeveloped concept, but the hints are there.

Later we feel Pete's bewilderment and disappointement when he is told by his loyal friend, Rufus, that The Preacher man did not come to get him as planned because he left that very same night, in secret, with a young woman (quite a town scandal).

It is a short book. However, as a teacher, I believe that a young adult's time would be better spent reading something more worthy.

Rating:
Summary: SELF SACRIFICE FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
Review: Thirteen-year-old Pete relates the dramatic summer events which helped him come of age. Seems like all his life he has been fascinated with the Church--just waiting to be Saved. But why are his parents just superficial Christians? How can he justify being best friends with a cocky atheist? And why can't he bring himself to throw out the dusty shards of a ceramic cross which he hid in his bureau drawer, in frustrated grief?

Ah, that was the Summer of the Revival, of confessions, revelations, and hope for salvation. Pete's parents were only vaguely aware of his private turmoil. One thing was for certain: that traveling Preacher Man had one Hell of an influence on this naive youth--who just wanted to serve the Lord. It sure would be hard to sacrifice home and friends to follow in His steps. Was Pete really ready to take to the road as a fisher of men? What about family loyalty? It becomes a Tug of War over responsibilities.

This book is a short, intense read concerning teenage obsessions, adult foibles and the gradual dawning of gratitude for supportive parents and faithful friends. Pete grows to appreciate the simple joys in life, like the view and memories from his own bedroom window. How and where can he best serve Jesus? This introspective story does not drip with piety; rather, it relates the quest for the truth and trust. The book accumulates literary tension as Pete is waiting to sacrifice his sheltered life in order to start a new one. A fine undercurrent of suspense keeps readers hooked. Atheists--fear not, for there is no attempt to convert. It's not religion that the author examines, but human response, dreams and failings. As the back cover asks: "How much do you have to give up to find yourserlf?"

Rating:
Summary: SELF SACRIFICE FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
Review: Thirteen-year-old Pete relates the dramatic summer events which helped him come of age. Seems like all his life he has been fascinated with the Church--just waiting to be Saved. But why are his parents just superficial Christians? How can he justify being best friends with a cocky atheist? And why can't he bring himself to throw out the dusty shards of a ceramic cross which he hid in his bureau drawer, in frustrated grief?

Ah, that was the Summer of the Revival, of confessions, revelations, and hope for salvation. Pete's parents were only vaguely aware of his private turmoil. One thing was for certain: that traveling Preacher Man had one Hell of an influence on this naive youth--who just wanted to serve the Lord. It sure would be hard to sacrifice home and friends to follow in His steps. Was Pete really ready to take to the road as a fisher of men? What about family loyalty? It becomes a Tug of War over responsibilities.

This book is a short, intense read concerning teenage obsessions, adult foibles and the gradual dawning of gratitude for supportive parents and faithful friends. Pete grows to appreciate the simple joys in life, like the view and memories from his own bedroom window. How and where can he best serve Jesus? This introspective story does not drip with piety; rather, it relates the quest for the truth and trust. The book accumulates literary tension as Pete is waiting to sacrifice his sheltered life in order to start a new one. A fine undercurrent of suspense keeps readers hooked. Atheists--fear not, for there is no attempt to convert. It's not religion that the author examines, but human response, dreams and failings. As the back cover asks: "How much do you have to give up to find yourserlf?"