Children of the Dust

I first read this book in the 7th grade. In one of my classes we had to do a book report on a book dealing with the theme of disasters, human trials or any similar theme. They had all those books laid out for us in the library, and I remember I just randomly picked this one up, without even bothering to read what it was about. I couldn't have picked a better book. From then on, I would have to say this is one of, if not my very favorite book. It's divided into three sections, "Sarah", "Ophelia", and "Simon". Sarah's story is about what it is like right after the nuclear holocaust, with Sarah, her step mother, and her half brother and sister sealed inside a dark house, and slowly succumbing to the lethal effects of the radioactive fallout. This story is the most grim and depressing, but don't let that discourage you. It's still very good. "Ophelia" takes place a little later, in a bunker filled with people who have survived the holocaust. They try to maintain and uphold a civil society, unaware of the futility in doing so. They are totally unprepared for the world that's waiting for them outside. The third story, "Simon" takes place decades after the war and we see a new, mutant species of human has emerged as a result of the contaminated world. Their totally communal, peaceful society proves to function better, and in a way seems more advanced than our own. "Simon" is the most uplifting story and wraps the book up perfectly. You finish the book with so many feelings and thoughts swirling through your mind, that it sticks with you. It is geared toward and written for young, middle school aged kids, so it's an easy read, but in all honesty the simplicity of this book is part of what makes it so moving. Also the subject matter is pretty heavy, even for middle schoolers, I think, so even adults can read this and really enjoy it and take something from it. I know books like this aren't everybody's cup of tea, but if you are interested in war/human struggles/survival/sci-fi/social commentary then I definitely recommend this book. I think it's a beautiful piece of literature.

Here is another book about a long-feared possibility - nuclear war. The story begins on a May afternoon in England. The sirens wail and people panic - war has suddenly broken out between East and West and the bombs are falling. Very soon the war is over, and from that afternoon the world has changed forever... Louise Lawrence writes a convincing story about the end of an old world and the start of a new one. There are three main characters in the book: Sarah, Ophelia and Simon. Each of these characters represent their respective generation. Through these people we see how the war has affected their lives and the world around them.There have been many stories written about nuclear war, and I think that out of the ones I've read this is the most optimistic. It was the first book that made me think that life could actually continue and even improve after such an horrific event. Apart from the obvious theme of war, the book makes you think about issues like race, religion and evolution. Although this book is aimed at a teenage audience, people of all ages can appreciate it.

This is a wonderful book. It's a pity it's out of print, since it makes its availability so small. It's an extremely moving, and a very believable book about three generations of future nuclear war, one of those rare books that make the reader shift through so many different feelings that the end brings a calm sense of peace. I recommend this book to everybody.

Louise Lawrence created a masterpiece when she wrote CHILDREN OF THE DUST. It's honesty and naivete evoke emotions you never knew you had. If you read this novel, please share it with a friend.

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. Although considered a children's book, I'd call it more pre-teen. It shows the lives of a family before, during and after a nuclear war, and while it is grim, it leaves the reader with a sense of hope, that beauty can come from tragedy.